What Is a UAE Employment Visa?
A UAE employment visa is a residency permit issued to foreign nationals sponsored by a UAE-licensed employer. It allows the holder to legally live and work in the UAE for the duration specified (typically 2–3 years).
The process involves multiple government authorities — MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation), GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs), and ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security) — all of which our team manages on your behalf.
Employment Visa Process
Step 1 — Work Permit (MOHRE)
Before an employee can enter the UAE on an employment visa, the employer must obtain a work permit (also called a labor card) from MOHRE. Requirements:
- Valid DED / free zone trade license
- Company MOHRE registration and quota availability
- Job offer contract registered with MOHRE
- Employee's passport copy and qualifications
Timeline: 2–3 working days
Step 2 — Entry Permit (GDRFA)
Once the work permit is approved, we apply for an employment entry permit via the GDRFA portal. The employee can enter the UAE on this permit and must complete status change within 60 days.
Timeline: 1–3 working days
Step 3 — Status Change (Inside UAE)
If the employee is already in the UAE on a visit visa or another status, a status change application converts their current visa to employment residency. This avoids the need to exit and re-enter the UAE.
Timeline: 3–5 working days
Step 4 — Medical Fitness Test
All employment visa applicants must pass a medical fitness test at a MOHRE-approved health center. The test screens for tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Results are available within 24–48 hours.
Step 5 — Emirates ID Enrollment
After the medical clearance, the employee enrolls for their Emirates ID at an ICP service center or approved typing center. Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) are captured. Emirates ID is typically ready within 7–10 working days.
Step 6 — Visa Stamping
The final step is visa stamping — the employment residency visa is printed in the employee's passport. After stamping, the employee is a full UAE resident.
Total timeline: 15–25 working days (end-to-end)
Documents Required
From the employer:
- Valid trade license (copy)
- MOHRE establishment card
- Signed employment contract (MOHRE standard form)
- Company bank account certificate
From the employee:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Educational certificates (attested if the role requires)
- Medical fitness clearance from home country (for some nationalities)
Visa Validity & Renewal
- Standard employment visa: 2–3 years (depending on company type and employee nationality)
- Renewal: Must be renewed before expiry. We send renewal reminders at 60, 30, and 14 days before expiry
- Overstay fines: AED 25–50 per day after visa expiry — we ensure no client ever overstays
Cancelation & End of Employment
When an employee leaves, the employment visa must be formally cancelled through MOHRE and GDRFA. Failure to cancel can result in:
- Absconding report filed by employer
- Immigration ban on the employee
- Employer liable for subsequent violations
We handle all cancellations as part of our ongoing HR compliance service.
Salary Minimums for Sponsorship
The UAE Ministry does not publish a single universal minimum salary, but as a general guide:
- Employees must be able to demonstrate financial sufficiency
- For family sponsorship later, a minimum salary of AED 4,000/month (employee/professional category) is typically required
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I process a visa if the employee is currently outside the UAE? Yes — we issue an employment entry permit that allows the employee to enter the UAE. After entry, we complete the status change, medical, and Emirates ID.
What is the difference between a work permit and an employment visa? A work permit (labor card) is the MOHRE permission for the employee to work for your company. An employment visa (residency stamp) is the immigration permission to live in the UAE. Both are required together.
Can I process multiple employee visas at once? Yes — we handle bulk employment visa processing for companies onboarding multiple staff. Discounted rates apply for 5+ simultaneous applications.
What happens if the medical test fails? If the applicant tests positive for a communicable disease, the entry permit is cancelled and the applicant may be deported (if already in UAE) or denied entry. We advise on the specific situation and available options.
+971 50 380 7565 | support@hashmibusinessconsultant.com