UAE Work Visa Guide

UAE Work Visa Guide

Expatriates who are looking for job opportunities and lifestyle improvements have found the UAE to be their most preferred destination. The UAE not only offers a strategic location but also offer business-friendly policies coupled with tax-free income.

However, before you can even think about living & working in the UAE legally, have a visa. It is very important to first obtain the right visa. Owing to the constant changes in UAE visa regulations, the application process can be rather complicated sometimes.

This inclusive manual would give you all the details necessary for 2025 employment visa. You would learn about the different visa types, requirements and the application process.

Job Opportunities in the UAE

  • Sales Jobs

  • Product Management Jobs

  • Marketing Jobs

  • Software Development Jobs

Types of Employment Visas in the UAE

Three main types of employment visas are issued in the UAE:

The Standard Work Visa

This is the most frequently granted visa. It is sponsored mostly by the employers in the private sector, governmental entities, and free zones.

Key Features:

  • Two years' time limit

  • Renewable

  • Employer sponsorship needed

  • Employees can work for the employer that has sponsored them only

Green Visa

The newly designed green visa started in 2022. It is for skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Key Features:

  • Five years' time limit

  • No employer sponsorship is required

  • Renewable as per the same conditions

  • More flexibility in employment and residency

Eligibility Criteria:

Freelancers/Self-Employed Individuals:

  • Proof of valid freelancing permit

  • A bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma

  • Minimum annual income of AED 360,000 over the past two years

For Skilled Employees:

  • A minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 is required

  • It has to be either Skill Level 1, 2, or 3

  • A bachelor’s degree or a higher equivalent qualification

Golden Visa

The 10-year Golden Visa offers long-term residency without a sponsor. Thus, making it available for only a selected list of high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and investors.

Eligible Criteria:

  • Investors who have a minimum AED 2 million deposit

  • Real estate investors who possess properties that are valued at AED 2 million or above

  • Entrepreneurs who have projects which are priced at AED 500,000 or more

  • Specialized talents, including doctors, scientists, athletes, Ph.D. holders, and innovators

Employment Visa Essentials

Eligibility Requirements:

At least 18 years old

Must qualify under one of the three skill classification categories:

Category 1: Bachelor’s degree holders

Category 2: Post-secondary diploma holders

Category 3: High school diploma holders

Key Documents Required:

  • Valid passport (minimum six months validity)

  • Passport-sized photographs

  • Entry permit issued by the Ministry of Labour

  • Signed employment contract

  • Medical screening certificate

  • Health insurance coverage

Important Rules:

  • Employees have to be185 years old or above

  • The sponsoring company along with the trade license must be valid

  • The company must be in agreement with the job role stated in its license

  • Employees can work only for the employer who has sponsored them

Job Openings in UAE

  • Product Management Jobs

  • Marketing Jobs

  • Software Development Jobs

  • Sales Jobs

Complete the Application Process for an Employment Visa in the UAE (2025)

Entry Visa Quota Approval

The process is initiated by the employer, who is to apply for a visa quota approval from the Ministry of Labour (MOL). There are certain limits to the number of employees that could be hired and offices have to meet specific space criteria. The process continues only after the MOL gives the go-ahead.

Signing and Submitting of the Employment Contract

In this phase, both the employer and employee sign a standardized contract. It contains details of salary, benefits, allowances and probation periods. The contract must be signed and submitted to the MOL for approval within 14 days. This is to ensure compliance with UAE labor law.

Work Permit & Entry Visa Application

Upon granting the quota approval, the employer applies for the work permit and the entry visa. It is done on the MOL’s website, together with other documents like:

  • Educational certificates

  • Signed employment contract

  • Passport copies

Employment Entry Visa

Upon approval, the employee will get an Employment Entry Visa through email. This will enable him/her to come to the country under a legal status within 60 days. You can then take a medical test, do the Emirates ID registration, and the visa stamping.

Arrival in the UAE

Upon arrival at the UAE, the employee should ensure that he/she undertakes medical tests. Checking for infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis has to be done within 14 days.

Visa Application for Residence

After the medical examination, the employer will dispatch the application through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website. Then you will make the necessary payments including the visa fees, and documentation.

Medical Tests

The medical tests are done at the medical centers that are approved in advance. These tests help to screen for contagious diseases. Additional tests may be required depending on the job position.

Labor Contract Submission

The signed labor contract has to be submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization (MOHRE). It has to be submitted within 14 days from the date after the medical screening is completed for the final verification.

Health Insurance Enrollment

As per the labor law, employers are required to provide their employees with health insurance. It covers basic healthcare, hospitalization, and medical treatments.

Employment Visa Issuance

The residence visa will be issued after the ICA’s approval is granted, which allows the employee the legal right to stay and work in the UAE.

Emirates ID Application

The employee must apply for the Emirates ID within 15 days of his/her entry into the UAE. This ID will be used as official identification and is required for all major transactions.

Visa Stamping (No Longer Required)

Before, residence visas were physically stamped in passports. Nevertheless, as of 2021, visa information is linked directly to the Emirates ID. Therefore, separate stamping is not required.

If you stick to this step-by-step guide, it shouldn't take long for you to get your UAE employment visa in 2025.

Dubai Visa Application Fees (2025)

The details below show the costs associated with visas for employment in the UAE in 2025:

Permit Type

Application Fee

Issuance Fee (per year)

eChannel Fee

Government Sector

AED 100

AED 100

AED 150

Private Sector/Free Zone

AED 100

AED 100

AED 150

Investor/Partner Residence

AED 100

AED 100

AED 150

Employment Visa Cancellation

Cancellation Fees

Permit Type

Request Fee

eservice Fee

Entry Permit

AED 50

AED 10

Residency Permit

AED 50

AED 10

Exit Permit

AED 50

AED 10

Cancellation Process

The employment visa can only be canceled at the request of the sponsoring employer.

The recruiter submits a request for cancellation to the following:

  • Ministry of Labour (MOL)

  • Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).

Before signing a cancellation confirmation, the employee should clear any dues he/she might have.

Post-Cancellation Grace Period

After the visa is canceled, the employee will remain with 28 days to either transfer the status of his/her visa or to exit the UAE.

For this grace period, there will be no fines or penalties.

Checking the UAE Visa Status and Validity

It is possible to learn the status of your visa and if it is still valid through the relevant online portals:

Visa Status Check

Dubai Residents: Check Dubai visa status through GDRFA.

Other Emirates: Use the ICP website for verification.

Visa Validity Check

Dubai Visa Validity: Available through GDRFA.

Other Emirates: Check via the ICP website or call the ICA helpline at 600522222.

Processing time for updates normally takes 2-5 working days.

Transferring from a Visit Visa to an Employment Visa

Working on a visit or tourist visa is strictly prohibited. To switch to an employment visa, follow these steps:

  • Get a job offer and sign an employment contract.

  • Complete medical exams and security clearance.

  • The employer will initiate the entry permit, work permit, and residence visa application.

  • The process is fulfilling after changing the status, which usually takes around 5 days.

Common Visa Fraud Schemes & How to Avoid Them

Always be alert for the following visa frauds:

  • Tourist visas are offered for employment purposes.

  • Charging extra fees that are beyond official costs.

  • Issuing visas for residence outside of the UAE before entry approval.

  • Identity theft and fraudulent use of personal information.

Preventing Visa Fraud

  • Check the company's trade license.

  • Obtain a genuine job offer letter from MOL.

  • Make sure that the employer is covering the visa costs as per UAE law.

  • Always report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

UAE Labour Law: Working Hours, Leave, and Benefits

Working Hours and Overtime

  • Standard working hours are maximum 8 hours per day / 48 hours per week.

  • During the month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day.

  • Overtime is allowed for 2 extra hours per day with extra pay.

Leave Entitlements

Employees will receive an annual leave of 30 days which is paid.

Employees are entitled to:

Sick Leave:

  • First 15 days – full pay.

  • Next 30 days – half pay.

  • After 45 days – unpaid leave.

End-of-Service Gratuity

Employees who have been continuously in service for a year or longer are entitled to gratuity.

  • The payout ranges from AED 18,000 to AED 35,000.

  • Gratuity will be calculated only on the basic salary (excluding allowances).

Employers are charged with the gratuity payment not later than 14 days after the conclusion of the contract.

Final Thoughts

Over the years, the UAE employment visa process has been made almost faster and better, so now we can say it is quite easier and faster. If you follow our instructions and recommendations, you will know about the key steps and requirements to work legally in the UAE