The United Arab Emirates Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

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.

Work Permit Application Process in The United Arab Emirates (Step-by-step)

In the UAE, most foreign employees require an employer-sponsored work permit and residence visa before they can legally live and work in the country. The process is typically driven by the employer and coordinated with MOHRE, GDRFA, ICP, or the relevant free zone authority.

• Step 1: The employer confirms eligibility to sponsor foreign workers. This usually involves ensuring the company trade license is valid, establishment cards are up to date, and there are no outstanding fines or restrictions with MOHRE or the relevant free zone.
• Step 2: The employer secures initial work permit or quota approval. For mainland entities, this often means applying to MOHRE for a work permit approval; for free zones, the employer applies through the free zone portal to obtain an employment visa or entry permit approval.
• Step 3: An employment contract or offer letter is prepared and, where required, registered. The employer issues a compliant employment contract in line with UAE labor law or free zone regulations, and the employee typically signs electronically or in writing before the work permit is finalized.
• Step 4: An entry permit (employment entry visa) is issued so the employee can enter or change status in the UAE. Once approved, the entry permit allows the employee to travel to the UAE or, if already in-country, to complete an in-country status change.
• Step 5: The employee completes medical fitness tests and biometric registration. Within a set timeframe after arrival or status change, the employee undergoes a medical examination and submits biometrics for the Emirates ID application through ICP or the relevant authority.
• Step 6: The residence visa is stamped and the work permit is activated. After medical and Emirates ID steps are cleared, the residence visa is endorsed in the passport (or issued electronically), and the work permit or labor card is activated, allowing the employee to legally work.
• Step 7: Post-approval compliance and onboarding. The employer registers the employee in payroll and HR systems, ensures health insurance coverage where required, and monitors visa and work permit expiry dates for timely renewals.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a UAE work permit depends on the employer’s status, the role, and the employee’s qualifications and background. Requirements can differ between mainland and free zone entities and between emirates.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid employer trade license and establishment registration: The sponsoring company must hold a current trade license, establishment card, and any sector-specific approvals, demonstrating that it is legally authorized to operate and sponsor staff.
• Genuine job role aligned with business activities: The position offered should match the company’s licensed activities and organizational needs, helping authorities confirm that the role is legitimate and not created solely to obtain a visa.
• Employee qualifications and experience: Depending on the role, authorities may require degree certificates, professional licenses, or evidence of relevant experience, especially for skilled or regulated professions.
• Clean immigration and security record: Applicants are generally expected to have no serious criminal or immigration violations, as background and security checks are part of the vetting process.
• Medical fitness: The employee must pass mandatory medical tests in the UAE, which typically screen for certain communicable diseases and confirm fitness to work.
• Valid passport and compliant personal documentation: The employee’s passport must be valid for a minimum period (often at least six months), and personal details must match all forms and supporting documents to avoid delays.

Work Permit Processing Time in The United Arab Emirates

Processing times in the UAE can vary depending on whether the employer is on the mainland or in a free zone, the emirate involved, and the specific visa category. Peak seasons, security checks, and document issues can also affect timelines.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in The United Arab Emirates can vary depending on the authority handling the case, the completeness of the application, and whether any additional clearances are required. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often processed within 2 to 6 weeks after all required documents are submitted and initial approvals are granted, including time for entry permit issuance, medical tests, and visa stamping.
• Permanent Residence: For long-term options such as the UAE Golden Visa, processing may take 2 to 6 months or longer, depending on eligibility category, background checks, and the completeness of investment or professional documentation.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically issued within 1 to 3 weeks after submission, assuming documents are in order, and commonly used for business meetings, short projects, or training visits.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While exact timelines differ, you can roughly map the process across several weeks from initial approval to the employee being fully work-ready in the UAE.

• Week 1: Employer confirms eligibility, gathers corporate documents, and submits the initial work permit or entry permit application.
• Week 2: Authorities review the application, request any clarifications, and, if all is in order, issue the initial work permit approval or entry permit.
• Week 3: Employee travels to the UAE or completes in-country status change, and the employer schedules medical tests and Emirates ID biometrics.
• Week 4: Medical results and biometrics are processed, and the residence visa is stamped or issued electronically, activating the employee’s right to live and work.
• Week 5: Employer finalizes onboarding, including health insurance, payroll setup, and internal HR registrations, while monitoring any outstanding documentation.
• Week 6: Any remaining administrative steps are completed, such as obtaining access cards, security passes, or professional registrations required for the role.

Who Does What During The United Arab Emirates Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, confirming the need for a foreign hire, maintaining a valid trade license, and initiating and managing the work permit and residence visa process with MOHRE, GDRFA, ICP, or the relevant free zone. They also pay most government fees, ensure health insurance where required, and monitor compliance and renewals.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, such as passports, qualifications, and photos, and attending medical tests and biometric appointments. They must also comply with visa conditions, keep their passport valid, and notify the employer of any changes that could affect their immigration status.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in The United Arab Emirates

In the UAE, standard employment residence visas and work permits are commonly issued for periods of 1 to 2 years, though some categories, such as Golden Visas, can be valid for 5 or 10 years. Renewals typically need to be initiated before expiry to avoid fines, cancellation risks, or gaps in the employee’s legal right to work and reside in the country.

Employers should track expiry dates for residence visas, work permits, Emirates ID cards, and health insurance, and start the renewal process several weeks in advance. Because practice may vary between emirates, free zones, and visa categories, it is important to confirm current renewal rules and lead times with MOHRE, ICP, GDRFA, or the relevant free zone authority.

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.

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.

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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.

Employer Compliance & Obligations 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.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.