UAE Employment Visa: Process, Documents & Timeline
Professionals with a UAE job offer and employers hiring from abroad
Short answer
A UAE employment visa is a work permit and residence sponsored by your employer through MOHRE. It includes a medical test and an Emirates ID, and it lets you sponsor family once you meet the income rules.
A UAE employment visa lets you live and work in the country under the sponsorship of a licensed employer. The employer applies for your work permit through MOHRE (the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation), and the same process produces your residence visa and Emirates ID. You cannot apply for it yourself without a job offer, so the process starts with the employer.
Who can get a UAE employment visa?
Anyone who receives a valid job offer from a company licensed to hire in the UAE, whether on the mainland or in a free zone. The employer must hold the right licence and visa quota, and the role must match the job title and qualifications in your file. Some professions need extra approval, such as a licence from a sector regulator, which we check before you resign from your current job.
How does the process work?
- The employer issues an offer letter and a signed labour contract.
- MOHRE or the free-zone authority approves the work permit and entry permit.
- You enter the UAE, or change status if you are already inside.
- You take the medical test and give biometrics.
- The residence visa is stamped and your Emirates ID is issued.
Free-zone employees follow a similar path through their zone authority instead of MOHRE. Processing times depend on the authority and your documents, so ask us for the current expectation in your case.
Employment visa or Green Visa: which one is better?
| Employment visa | Green Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Your employer | Self-sponsored |
| Validity | Linked to the contract and employer | 5 years |
| Best for | Employees starting in the UAE | Skilled employees, freelancers and partners who want independence |
| Changing jobs | New employer files a new permit | Residence stays with you |
Can I bring my family?
Yes, once you are a resident and your income meets the family sponsorship rule. The commonly cited threshold is AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 with accommodation, and your employer or the authority may ask for a tenancy contract and salary certificate. See our family sponsorship page for the detail.
How does DXB.IST help with the employment visa?
We run a free first consultation and check that your offer, profession and documents fit the rules before you travel. We prepare the document checklist, certificate attestations and translations, and book the medical test and Emirates ID appointments through government-approved typing and PRO centres. For employers, we coordinate with the company's PRO team, and our licensed lawyer partners review the contract on request. From the airport transfer to your first week, our travel desk handles hotels and relocation basics. We are not a government body and cannot guarantee approval.
Who qualifies
- A valid job offer from a UAE-licensed employer.
- A passport valid for at least six months.
- Qualifications that match the role, attested where required.
- A passing medical test and a clean background.
- Extra approval for regulated professions.
Documents you'll need
- Passport copy and recent photo
- Signed offer letter and labour contract
- Degree and experience certificates, attested and translated
- Entry permit or current visa, if inside the UAE
- Employer licence and quota details
- Marriage and birth certificates if family follows
How it works, step by step
- 1
Offer and contract
The employer issues the offer letter and contract.
- 2
Work permit approval
MOHRE or the free zone approves the permit.
- 3
Entry or status change
Enter the UAE or change status if already inside.
- 4
Medical test and biometrics
Complete the medical test and give biometrics.
- 5
Visa and Emirates ID
Residence visa stamped and Emirates ID issued.
City by city
In Dubai
For Dubai mainland jobs the employer arranges the work permit with MOHRE, then residence, medical test and Emirates ID follow through GDRFA Dubai.
In Abu Dhabi
For Abu Dhabi jobs the employer arranges the work permit through MOHRE or the free-zone authority, followed by ICP residence and Emirates ID.
Frequently asked questions
The employer applies for the work permit; you cannot apply for it yourself without a job offer.
