An Employment Visa is a standard onshore residency permit issued under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the respective immigration authority (GDRFA or ICP). It allows foreign nationals to live and work legally inside the UAE under the sponsorship of a registered Mainland or Free Zone corporate entity.
The Sponsorship Model: The residency permit is strictly tied to a specific employer. If the employment contract is terminated, the visa must be formally canceled by the company, triggering a statutory grace period for the individual to secure a new visa or exit the country.
Company Obligations: Under UAE labor laws, the sponsoring company is legally required to cover 100% of the visa formation costs, including recruitment fees, medical tests, and Emirates ID processing. Deducting these fees from an employee’s salary is strictly prohibited.
Validity Framework: Employment visas are typically issued for a duration of 2 years for Mainland and most Free Zone companies, and are fully renewable upon expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Employment Visa
Applicant’s Passport Copy: A high-resolution color copy valid for at least 6 months.
Current UAE Visa / Entry Page: A copy of the tourist visa, visit visa, or a valid cancellation paper from a previous employer (if the applicant is already inside the UAE).Passport-Sized Photograph: Digital copy with a crisp white background.
Attested Educational Degree: A university degree or diploma, which must be fully legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the country of origin and cross-attested by MOFA inside the UAE.
(Note: Attestation is mandatory only for executive, managerial, and professional job designations).
Current UAE Visa / Entry Page: A copy of the tourist visa, visit visa, or a valid cancellation paper from a previous employer (if the applicant is already inside the UAE).Passport-Sized Photograph: Digital copy with a crisp white background.
Attested Educational Degree: A university degree or diploma, which must be fully legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the country of origin and cross-attested by MOFA inside the UAE.
(Note: Attestation is mandatory only for executive, managerial, and professional job designations).
The complete turnaround timeframe to finalize an employment visa spans 7 to 10 business days:
Phase 1: MOHRE Offer Letter & Quota Approval (1 to 2 Days)The company applies for a work quota allocation and drafts the official MOHRE employment contract. Both the employer and employee sign this contract electronically to secure initial labor clearance.
Phase 2: Employment Entry Permit & Status Change (2 to 3 Days)Immigration issues an electronic 60-day Employment Entry Permit. If the worker is already inside the UAE, we process an internal Status Change to legally shift them onto the employment track without them leaving the country.
Phase 3: Medical Fitness & Biometrics Typing (2 to 3 Days)The employee attends a government clinic for a mandatory blood test and chest X-ray screening. Concurrently, their Emirates ID application is typed, and they complete their fingerprint biometrics at an ICP center.
Phase 4: Labor Card & Final Residency Issuance (2 to 3 Days)Upon passing the medical screening, the official physical Work Permit (Labor Card) is generated, the digital residency file is officially activated by immigration, and the physical UAE Emirates ID Card is printed and delivered.
Phase 1: MOHRE Offer Letter & Quota Approval (1 to 2 Days)The company applies for a work quota allocation and drafts the official MOHRE employment contract. Both the employer and employee sign this contract electronically to secure initial labor clearance.
Phase 2: Employment Entry Permit & Status Change (2 to 3 Days)Immigration issues an electronic 60-day Employment Entry Permit. If the worker is already inside the UAE, we process an internal Status Change to legally shift them onto the employment track without them leaving the country.
Phase 3: Medical Fitness & Biometrics Typing (2 to 3 Days)The employee attends a government clinic for a mandatory blood test and chest X-ray screening. Concurrently, their Emirates ID application is typed, and they complete their fingerprint biometrics at an ICP center.
Phase 4: Labor Card & Final Residency Issuance (2 to 3 Days)Upon passing the medical screening, the official physical Work Permit (Labor Card) is generated, the digital residency file is officially activated by immigration, and the physical UAE Emirates ID Card is printed and delivered.
