Who Needs a Work Permit in The United Arab Emirates
In the UAE, any foreign national intending to work in the country needs a valid work permit. This includes employees hired from overseas as well as those already in the UAE on other types of visas, such as tourist visas or family sponsorships. Employers are responsible for applying for and securing work permits for their foreign employees, regardless of the sector or type of employment. Freelancers, independent contractors, and remote workers who intend to work in the UAE may also require specific permits or approvals.
Types of Work Visas in The United Arab Emirates
The UAE offers various types of work visas to accommodate different employment scenarios. These visas are designed for professionals, skilled workers, and even freelancers.
| Visa Type | Description |
| Standard Employment Visa | Issued for employees sponsored by a UAE company. Valid for up to 2 years, depending on the contract. |
| Green Visa | For freelancers, skilled professionals, and investors, offering a 5-year residency without needing a UAE sponsor. |
| Golden Visa | Long-term visa (5-10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. |
| Mission Visa | Short-term visa for temporary or project-based assignments, valid for up to 6 months. |
Common Hiring Scenarios for The United Arab Emirates
When hiring talent in The United Arab Emirates, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.
Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa
This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in the United Arab Emirates. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.
Key Employer Considerations:
- Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
- Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
- Processing timelines vary (approximately 2-4 weeks), depending on the consulate or embassy.
This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in the United Arab Emirates.
Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in The United Arab Emirates
Independent professionals in The United Arab Emirates can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.
With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:
- Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
- Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD) or USD.
- Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.
This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in The United Arab Emirates.
Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to The United Arab Emirates
Transferring an existing team member to The United Arab Emirates? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.
EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:
- Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
- Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
- Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.
This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Caribbean, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.
Requirements For a Work Permit in The United Arab Emirates
To secure a work permit in the UAE, employers and employees must meet specific requirements. These requirements ensure that all employment complies with UAE labor regulations.
- Valid Job Offer: The employee must have an official job offer from a UAE-based company.
- Medical Fitness Test: Employees must undergo a medical examination to confirm they are free from contagious diseases.
- Educational Qualifications: Relevant educational certificates must be attested and submitted for professional or skilled roles.
- Passport and Photographs: A valid passport with at least six months of validity and recent passport-sized photographs are required.
- Entry Permit: An entry permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to legally enter the UAE for employment purposes.
The United Arab Emirates Work Permit Application Process
- Step 1: Job Offer and Contract Signing – The employer issues a job offer and contract for the employee to sign.
- Step 2: Entry Permit Application – The employer applies for an entry permit via MOHRE.
- Step 3: Medical Examination – The employee undergoes a mandatory medical fitness test upon arrival.
- Step 4: Work Permit Application – The employer submits the work permit application along with required documents to MOHRE.
- Step 5: Residency Visa Stamping – Once the work permit is approved, the employee’s passport is stamped with a residency visa.
Process for Visa Sponsorship In The United Arab Emirates
In the UAE, employers act as sponsors for work visas and permits. The process begins with obtaining an entry permit for the employee. After the employee enters the UAE, the employer ensures that the employee completes medical examinations, obtains an Emirates ID, and secures the work permit and residency visa. Employers are responsible for covering the costs associated with these applications and ensuring the validity of the employee's legal status in the country.
What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in The United Arab Emirates
Work permit and visa fees in the UAE vary depending on the visa type and the employee's skill level.
| Visa Type | Application Fee |
| Standard Employment Visa | $500 - $1,200 (depending on skill level and contract duration) |
| Green Visa | $600 - $1,000 |
| Golden Visa | $1,360 - $2,720 |
| Mission Visa | $400 - $700 |
Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in the United Arab Emirates, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.
Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in The United Arab Emirates
The processing time for a UAE work permit typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks. Factors affecting processing times include the completeness of the documentation, the type of visa, and any additional security checks. For urgent cases, some permits may be expedited for an additional fee, reducing processing time to as little as 1 week.
Work Permit Renewal Periods in The United Arab Emirates
Work permits in the UAE are generally valid for 1 to 2 years, depending on the contract type and the specific work visa. Employers are responsible for initiating the renewal process at least 30 days before the permit expires to avoid any legal complications or penalties. Failure to renew the permit on time may result in fines or difficulties in re-validating the employee’s legal work status.
For long-term visas such as the Green and Golden Visas, the renewal periods are typically 5 to 10 years, depending on the terms of the visa. These visas offer a more extended stay and can be renewed without the need for an employer sponsorship in most cases, especially for skilled workers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in The United Arab Emirates
The UAE offers a remote work visa, allowing digital nomads to live in the country while working remotely for foreign companies. This visa is ideal for freelancers and remote employees.
- Proof of Employment: Must show proof of employment with a company outside the UAE or own a business.
- Minimum Income: A minimum monthly income of $3,500 is required.
- Health Insurance: Valid health insurance covering the UAE.
- Passport Validity: Passport valid for at least 6 months.
Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in The United Arab Emirates
Employers often face challenges related to work permit processes, cultural differences, and compliance with UAE regulations.
- Complex Paperwork: Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and attested to avoid delays.
- Compliance with Labor Laws: Stay updated with changes to UAE labor regulations.
- Cultural Adaptation: Provide support for international employees to adapt to the UAE’s culture and work environment.
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