How to Apply for a UAE Work Visa… Requirements & Cost Breakdown

The UAE has become an attractive destination for expats due to its rapidly growing population and booming economic hubs such as Dubai and Sharjah. A strong economy complemented by excellent infrastructure and a high standard of living has created numerous advantages for businesses while fostering world-class education and healthcare. Adding to this, the country has emerged as a leading business epicentre, offering exceptional opportunities to global professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers. However, understanding the UAE employment visa requirements is a crucial first step to make it easy to relocate and have a trouble-free employment journey. 

There are guidelines, and understanding the process to secure an employment visa is necessary to ensure a smooth transition takes place, minimising delays and guaranteeing compliance with the UAE immigration and employment regulations. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of employment visas, key requirements, rules, and regulations, along with a detailed cost breakdown and practical application steps. 

Why UAE Employment Visa Requirements Matter

Importance of an employment visa in the UAE 

An employment visa UAE is mandatory for foreign nationals planning to legally live and work in the country. It provides a legal status to work, ensures compliance with the local labour laws, and allows access to a wide range of benefits, including banking facilities, healthcare, and residency privileges. 

Difference between employment visa and other visa types 

While tourist or visit visas allow short-term stays, a UAE employment visa specifically caters to those planning to work and reside long-term. Employment visas are sponsored by registered UAE companies, free zone registered companies, or governmental entities, whereas other visas generally require individual sponsorship (spouse, children, and other dependents). 

Duration and validity of UAE employment visa

The validity period for a standard employment visa UAE is for 2 years, which can be renewed. The sponsoring entity should promptly renew the UAE work visa within 30 days before it’s set to expire. 

Types of Employment Visas in the UAE

To enter the UAE for work, it’s mandatory for foreign nationals to obtain the right UAE work visa, which  depends on the requirements of each applicant. 

Standard Employment Visa:

Issued to professionals who have secured employment in the UAE. These visas are mainly sponsored by the private sector, giving employees the right to live and work in the country for up to 2 years. This is usually governed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). 

Green Visa for Skilled Workers:

Provides a longer residency (up to 5 years) for highly skilled professionals, allowing self-sponsorship without the need for an employer. 

Golden Visa for Long-term Residency:

Offers a 10-year renewable residency for exceptional talents, investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding professionals. 

Blue Visa for Environmental Sustainability:

This is a 10-year visa designed for individuals who have made significant contributions towards environmental protection and sustainability, both inside and outside the UAE. 

Freelancer Visa for Self-Employed:

This type of visa allows you to conduct professional activities legally and live in the UAE. It is issued for 2 years, offering flexibility without the need for sponsorship by a company or employer. 

Free Zone Employment Visa:

Each UAE free zone authority operates under the federal UAE immigration system but has its own internal rules and processes for issuing employment and residency visas. These operate in alignment with UAE labour and immigration laws, but free zones are not governed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), they handle employment matters internally. 

At SPC Free Zone, companies are generally eligible for these 3 visa types: 

Employment Residence Visa

• Issued to individuals hired by a company registered in the free zone. 

• Valid for 1 or 2 years depending on the free zone and package. 
• The process can differ based on whether the applicant is inside or outside the UAE at the time of application. 
• The visa is tied to a free zone employment contract, and the free zone acts as the visa sponsor. 

Partner/Investor Visa

• Also known as a business visa, this is for owners or shareholders of a company in the free zone. 
• Grants the holder residency in the UAE. 
• Allows legal residents in the UAE to support bank account setup, property leasing, etc. 
• Typically, valid for 2 years and renewable. 
• Labour contract not required; ownership documents serve as proof. 

Dependent Resident Visa

• Allows residents (whether employees or investors) to sponsor immediate family members: 
• Spouse 
• Children 
• Parents (conditions apply) 
• Dependent visas are linked to the residing sponsor and require proof of income with suitable accommodation. 
• Grants access to essential services like healthcare, education, and banking. 

Key UAE Employment Visa Requirements

Knowing the critical UAE employment visa requirements ensures the application process is smooth and successful. 

Eligibility criteria for employment visa UAE

• The applicant must have a valid employment offer from a UAE-registered company or free zone entity. 
• Age generally ranges between 18 and 60 years old. Work permits are granted to people over 65 years on a case-by-case basis and are often at a higher cost. 
• Compliance with specific educational or professional qualifications is required for certain roles/designations. 

Essential documents required for UAE employment visa application

Fulfilling the UAE requirements for an employment visa involves providing accurate documentation: 

• Valid passport (minimum six months validity). 
• Passport-sized photographs as per UAE specifications. 
• Official employment contract or job offer letter. 
• Proof of education (authenticated certificates may be required). 
• Medical fitness certificate (post-arrival). 

UAE medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration

Part of your employment visa UAE application process involves undertaking a mandatory medical fitness test after entering the UAE. Once you pass this medical test, you’ll complete your Emirates ID registration, another compulsory requirement for people residing in the UAE. 

Key Rules & Regulations for Employment Visa Holders

Employment visa holders must abide by specific rules to maintain their status legally in the UAE. 

Contract types: Limited vs. unlimited contracts

UAE employment contracts are either: 

• Limited Contracts: Fixed-term, typically two years. 
• Unlimited Contracts: Open-ended contracts without a fixed termination date. 

Both contract types clearly define employee and employer obligations as per UAE labour regulations. 

Visa renewal and cancellation procedures

Renewal of the employment visa in UAE is primarily handled by your employer before expiration. Failure to renew timely results in penalties. If employment ends, the employer is responsible for initiating the cancellation process as per UAE immigration regulations. 

Labour laws and employee rights

UAE employment visa holders benefit from protections under UAE Labour Law, covering working hours, leave entitlement, health insurance coverage, and employment termination rights. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UAE Employment Visa

The following simplified process outlines UAE requirements for employment visa: 

1. Receive a Job Offer: Secure a formal offer from your UAE-based employer. 
2. Initial Work Permit: Employer applies for an initial work permit (entry permit) through MOHRE or a Free Zone Authority. 
3. Arrival in UAE: Enter the UAE within 60 days using the entry permit. 
4. Medical Fitness Test: Complete the mandatory medical fitness examination. 
5. Emirates ID Registration: Complete the Emirates ID application process. 
6. Visa Stamping: Have your residency and employment visa stamped in your passport. 

Cost Breakdown for UAE Employment Visa

Understanding associated costs is an important aspect of the UAE employment visa application process: 

• SPC Free Zone: Visa allocation costs around AED 1,600 per visa, significantly more affordable than many other zones. 
• Other Free Zones: Visa costs typically range between AED 1,800 and AED 2,500 per visa, depending on the respective Free Zone. 
• Additional Expenses: Medical fitness test fees (approximately AED 300-500), Emirates ID fees (around AED 170-370 depending on duration), and administrative or processing fees. 

In conclusion, securing your UAE employment visa doesn’t have to be complicated. Clearly understanding the UAE employment visa requirements, leveraging simplified support from trusted economic zones such as SPC Free Zone, and diligently preparing your paperwork will enable an easy relocation and employment journey to this thriving global destination. 

Frequently Asked Questions