How do you get a work visa and work permit in UAE?
To secure a UAE work visa and work permit, follow these 7 steps:
- Land a job offer from a UAE-registered employer.
- Employer applies for a work permit through MoHRE.
- Obtain an entry visa via MoHRE or ICP.
- Complete medical screening at a UAE-approved clinic.
- Register for an Emirates ID with ICP.
- Submit a signed employment contract to MoHRE.
- Finalize a residence visa through GDRFA.
Required documents include a valid passport, medical certificate, legalized academic certificates, and employer’s company card. Costs range from AED 1,500-6,000, and processing takes 7-14 days.
How To Get a Work Visa and Work Permit in UAE
The UAE is a top destination for international professionals, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi drawing millions for employment opportunities. If you are looking to get a work permit in Dubai or have a Dubai work visa, navigating the UAE’s residence permit and work permit system can be overwhelming. Don’t worry! This guide for 2025 is designed to help you prepare for the UAE’s bustling labour market by walking through each step, from visa sponsorship to Emirates ID registration.
Since the UAE employs streamlined yet strict guidelines, it is no surprise that mistakes as simple as non-compliance and incomplete documents can bring about rejection. As expats comprise over 88% of the population, errors such as non-compliance and incomplete documents are a primary reason for rejection. This guide serves as a one-stop for all work permits, relevant documents, and even niche permits like a domestic worker permit. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose a UAE Work Visa?
There are several work opportunities in international finance, hospitality and tech industries. Being granted a work visa authorizes individuals to live and work in prime cities such as Dubai, Sharjah and AbuDhabi. On the other hand, Dubai also employs several graduates from across the globe, hence making the city a job sponsorship hub for international workers. Employees in the private sector preferably choose the UAE Standard Work Visa, which permits them to stay with family in Dubai for two years.
Besides glaring advantages such as modern infrastructure, the expat community, housing allowances, and tax-free income, strict immigration rules require special attention. Regardless if you are a seasoned professional or seeking shelter, compliance is crucial in making the UAE immigration system easier to navigate.
Who Needs a UAE Work Visa and Work Permit?
Any individual who is 18 years of age or older requires a work permit and a visa to work legally in the UAE if they are non-citizens. This also applies to foreigners who intend to change their residency status to an expatriate visa UAE, enrolled in remote or sponsored Dubai jobs. Even consultants who set up businesses in Dubai and wish to hire foreign skilled workers need to acquire permits. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) grants work permits, while residence visas are issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Holders of tourist visas are not permitted to engage in work activities or face being fined, removed from the country, or face legal repercussions for more specialized positions like private school teacher work permits or juvenile work permits, which will require parental permission for underage participants (minors).
What Are the Types of UAE Work Visas?
The United Arab Emirates has various categories of visas tailored to meet the needs of different workers. Below are some of the classifications.
A. Standard Work Visa
UAE citizens and permanent residents commonly hold this type of passport. Their employers apply for these visas on their behalf. The Standard Work Visa UAE usually lasts for two to three years and is sponsored by an employer. Employees in the private sector who are in company formation in Dubai or other emirates will find this useful. It is important to obtain an offer letter and MoHRE approval to get this visa. Standard Work Visa permits family sponsorship for the holders of the visa, provided they receive at least AED 4000 per month.
B. Green Visa
The Green Visa is a new addition introduced in 2022 which is renewable for 5 years and issued to freelancers, investors, and professionals. Unlike other types of visas, this does not require any employer sponsorship, which makes it suitable for those who wish to set up businesses in the UAE or the free zone. Other benefits include the ability to sponsor family members, a grace period of six months after expiry, and family sponsorship.
C. Golden Visa
The Golden Visa UAE is a 5- or 10-year residence visa for exceptional talents such as doctors, scientists, or athletes; specified award holders and those with international class skills may also qualify. Other residency perks include no limit on the time allowed outside the country without losing residency. Conditions for eligibility are rigid eligibility so check the ICP website for details.
D. Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa UAE allows remote workers to live in Dubai for 12 months while working for foreign companies. Candidates must have a minimum salary of $5,000 per month and must possess a foreign employment contract. The visa is renewable as long as the requirements are met.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a UAE Work Visa?
In order to obtain a work visa for the UAE, the employee and the employer both have to fulfil the requirements set by MoHRE:
- Employee: Minimum age of 18 years and a high school level of education (bachelor’s degree for Standard Work Visa). Employees above 65 years will have to pay an extra AED 5,000 fee every two years.
- Employer: Ensure that there are no infractions on the business license and keep the job within the company’s scope of activities (ex., company formation in Dubai).
- Job Offer: A confirmed offer from a UAE-registered company is required.
- Medical Fitness: Test for communicable diseases (HIV and TB) at an approved clinic in the UAE.
With regard to business setup in Freezone, the employers need to stick to the prescribed visa quota. For example, one visa is allowed for every 9 square meters of office space in Dubai. If the quota is exceeded or not met, there are administrative fines, or the visa is denied.
What Documents Do You Need for a UAE Work Visa?
Gathering the documents for the visa application is crucial for a timely application process. The following items are necessary:
- A passport with at least six months of validity, two blank pages, and a colour copy.
- Two passport photographs should be in digital format and display a white background.
- An employment contract in Arabic that both parties have signed.
- Translation of Academic Certificates that have been notarized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your home country and the Emirati embassy.
- A medical certificate from a health centre approved by UAE Healthcare.
- Medial documents consisting of the company card and commercial license or financial guarantor document.
- An entry permit approved by MoHRE or ICP.
- Travel insurance is valid until health insurance is operational.
In the case of domestic helper permits or minor work permits, guardian permission or an NOC from the educational body is required.
Pro Tip: Use business setup consultants in Dubai to handle document attestation, which can take up to 2 months if done abroad.
How to Get a UAE Work Visa and Work Permit: Step-by-Step
Here’s a detailed guide to securing your UAE work visa and work permit in 2025:
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Find a job through UAE job portals, business setup in UAE networks, or while on a tourist visa. Your employer must be a legally registered entity with no violations. For Dubai job sponsorship, the job must match the company’s activities (e.g., tech roles for tech firms).
Step 2: Obtain an Entry Visa
Your employer applies for an entry visa (pink visa) via MoHRE’s Tas’Heel system or the UAE immigration portal. The cost is AED 1,350, and it’s valid for 59 days. GCC citizens (e.g., from Saudi Arabia and Qatar) are exempt and need only a government ID.
Step 3: Undergo Medical Screening
Visit a government-approved health centre for tests (e.g., HIV, TB). Costs are around AED 260, and results are sent to Emirates Health Service (EHS) within 2 days. A clear medical certificate is mandatory for the residence visa.
Step 4: Apply for an Emirates ID
Visit an ICP centre for a biometric appointment (fingerprints, photo). The Emirates ID costs AED 180, with an optional AED 150 expedited fee. You’ll need your entry visa and passport. The ID links to your residence visa and is used for daily tasks like banking.
Step 5: Submit Employment Contract
Your employer uploads the signed employment contract to MoHRE within 14 days of your medical results. It must be in English, Arabic, and your native language if different. This step formalizes your UAE employment authorization.
Step 6: Get a Residence Visa and Labour Card
Your employer applies for a residence visa via GDRFA in your emirate (e.g., Dubai, Sharjah). Costs range from AED 300-750. Once approved, you receive a residence visa (1-3 years) and a labour card, allowing legal work. The Emirates ID arrives within 2 weeks.
Pro Tip: Use MoHRE digital services to track your work permit issuance status online.
How Much Does a UAE Work Visa Cost?
Costs vary by worker category and emirate. Here’s a 2025 breakdown:
- Initial Entry Visa: AED 1,350.
- Work Permit Approval:
- Category 1 (bachelor’s degree): AED 300.
- Category 2 (diploma): AED 600-2,000 (levels A-C).
- Category 3 (high school): AED 5,000.
- Workers over 65: AED 5,000 (all categories).
- Medical Screening: AED 260.
- Emirates ID: AED 180 (optional AED 150 expedite fee).
- Residence Visa: AED 300-750.
Employers typically cover work permit fees, but employees may pay for Emirates ID or medical tests. For business setup in freezone, visa quotas may add costs if upgrades are needed.
Pro Tip: Budget for health insurance, mandatory in emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to avoid work permit suspension.
How Long Does It Take to Get a UAE Work Visa?
The work visa process takes about 5-10 working days after all documents are submitted. Here’s the timeline:
- Entry Visa: 48 hours.
- Medical Screening: 2 days for results.
- Emirates ID: 1-3 days for an application form and 15 days for a biometric appointment.
- Residence Visa: 48 hours for approval, 2 weeks for Emirates ID delivery.
Delays can occur due to incomplete documents or visa application challenges. MoHRE systems ensure quick processing if all steps are followed.
Pro Tip: Use business setup consultants in Dubai to speed up document attestation and avoid delays.
How Long Is a UAE Work Permit Valid?
A work permit is initially valid for 30 days, extendable for another 30, giving you 60 days to finalize your residence visa, Emirates ID, and labour card. The residence visa lasts 1-3 years, depending on your contract and emirate. Work permit validity aligns with the residence visa, requiring renewal before expiry.
For temporary work permits or freelance permits in UAE, validity may differ (e.g., 1 year for digital nomads).
Can You Renew a UAE Work Visa?
Yes, visa renewal is possible for all residence visas, including the Standard Work Visa. Your employer must apply via GDRFA 30 days before expiry. Costs are similar to initial fees (AED 300-750). A 30-day grace period applies post-expiry, but delays can lead to administrative suspension or fines.
Pro Tip: Set reminders for visa renewal process using MoHRE’s smart app to avoid penalties.
What Are Common UAE Visa Rejection Reasons?
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure visa approval:
- Incomplete Documents: Missing or unlegalized academic certificates or passport copies.
- Medical Issues: Positive tests for communicable diseases like HIV or TB.
- Employer Violations: Invalid business license or unpaid fines.
- Quota Limits: Exceeding free zone visa quotas in business setup in free zone.
- Criminal Record: Past violations of UAE labour law or defamation.
- Expired Passport: Less than 6 months’ validity.
Pro Tip: Run a work authorization check with MoHRE to catch issues early.
Pro Tips for a Smooth UAE Work Visa Application
- Hire Experts: Partner with business setup consultants in Dubai for document legalization and compliance with Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021.
- Check Quotas: For business setup in freezone, verify visa quotas to avoid delays.
- Use Digital Tools: Leverage MoHRE digital services or UAE Pass for faster applications.
- Plan Ahead: Start document attestation early to meet visa validity timelines.
- Understand Laws: Study Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 for worker rights and protections.
- Secure Insurance: Enroll in health insurance to comply with emirate-specific rules.
- Avoid Scams: Use verified MoHRE systems to prevent human trafficking risks.
- Track Progress: Monitor work permit issuance via Tas’Heel system or MoHRE’s call center (600590000).
Pro Tip: For domestic worker permits, ensure contracts comply with the Wages Protection System to avoid work permit cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How to get a UAE work visa for freelancers?
Apply for a Green visa in UAE, which doesn’t require employer sponsorship. Submit proof of income, a self-employment permit, and legalized qualifications via MoHRE.
Q2: What is the UAE work permit processing time in 2025?
It takes 5-10 days after document submission, with an entry visa issued in 48 hours and a residence visa in another 48 hours.
Q3: Can I work on a tourist visa in the UAE?
No, it’s illegal. You need a work permit and residence visa. Violators face fines or deportation.
Q4: What are the costs for a Dubai work visa?
Costs range from AED 1,350 (entry visa) to AED 5,000 (Category 3 work permit), plus AED 260 for medical tests and AED 180 for Emirates ID.
Q5: How to avoid UAE visa application challenges?
Double-check documents, legalize certificates, and ensure your employer has a valid business license. Use MoHRE digital services for accuracy.
Q6: What is a domestic worker permit in UAE?
It’s a work permit for household staff, requiring a contract, medical certificate, and employer sponsorship via MoHRE .
Conclusion
Getting a UAE work visa and work permit opens doors to a vibrant labour market in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond. By following the 6-step process—securing a job, obtaining an entry visa, passing medical screening, applying for an Emirates ID, submitting an employment contract, and finalizing a residence visa—you’ll be set to thrive in the UAE. Avoid UAE visa rejection reasons by preparing legalized visa application documents and ensuring labour compliance.
Whether you’re a professional, freelancer, or part of a business setup in UAE, the UAE’s immigration process is straightforward with the right approach. Use MoHRE services, consult business setup consultants in Dubai and leverage tools like UAE Pass for a hassle-free experience. Start your journey today and join the UAE’s expat community!
