The UAE continues to attract professionals from around the world with its tax-free income, trembling economy, and high quality of life.
No matter if you’re planning to relocate to Dubai or have secured a job in Abu Dhabi, an employment visa is essential for working and living legally in the country.
This guide gives you a complete breakdown of the employment visa process, especially the 2-year mainland visa including detailed steps, costs, eligibility, and post-visa requirements.
An employment visa is a government-issued residence permit that allows foreign nationals to legally work under a UAE-registered employer. It’s typically valid for 2 or 3 years, depending on the jurisdiction (mainland or free zone)
It involves a three-way process between:
Issues the job offer, applies for work permits, and initiates the visa file.
Submits documents, undergoes medical & biometrics, and completes visa processing steps.
Oversee approvals, entry permits, residency stamping, and Emirates ID issuance.
Valid Passport | Identity verification and visa issuance |
Passport-Sized Photos | For visa and Emirates ID applications |
Job Offer Letter/Employment Contract | Required for MOHRE or free zone processing |
Attested Educational Certificates | Required for managerial or technical roles |
Medical Fitness Report | Mandatory for residency approval |
Entry Permit | For individuals outside the UAE |
Emirates ID Application Form | Needed for biometric registration |
Employer’s Trade License | Confirms sponsor company’s legal status |
Establishment Card | Used to initiate employment files |
Wondering what happens after your offer letter? Here’s a step-by-step look at how to legally work and reside in the UAE.
To begin the process, you must receive a formal job offer from a UAE-registered company. This employer will act as your visa sponsor and initiate your visa file with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or the relevant free zone authority, depending on their business jurisdiction.
Your employer will then submit a request for an employment entry permit.This permit allows you to legally enter the UAE and is valid for up to 60 days. If you are already in the UAE on another visa, a change of status will be arranged instead.
Once you arrive (or change status), you must undergo a medical fitness test at a government-approved facility, including a blood test and chest X-ray. After passing the test, proceed to submit your biometric data for the Emirates ID at a certified ID center.
Following your medical clearance, your employer will submit all the necessary documents, employment contract, entry permit, medical results, and Emirates ID form to the immigration authority. Once approved, your residency visa will be either physically stamped in your passport or issued digitally.
After the visa is finalized, your Emirates ID will be printed and delivered, granting you legal access to UAE services like banking, mobile networks, housing, and healthcare. You are now officially a UAE resident under the Employment Visa category and can begin work immediately.
Tip: Always match your Emirates ID with your visa expiry for smoother renewals.
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Here is a comprehensive breakdown of costs for a 2-year employment visa (mainland UAE). Use x for employer/agency markup and y for third-party assistance fees.
Component | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
MOHRE Quota Approval | 300 – 600 | Required for new hires |
Work Permit & Offer Letter | 300 – 500 | Includes initial processing |
Medical Fitness Test | 300 – 500 | Blood test and chest X-ray |
Emirates ID (2 years) | 370 | National ID with biometric data |
Residence Visa Stamping | 500 – 1,000 | Depends on emirate & service speed |
Basic Health Insurance | 800 – 1,500 | Mandatory for visa issuance |
Typing & PRO Fees | 400 – 800 | Document preparation/admin charges |
The employment visa is issued to skilled professionals by UAE-based employers. These employers must hold a valid business license and maintain a clean record with no labor law violations to sponsor work permits.
A work permit gives you legal permission to work in the UAE. An employment visa serves as your residency permit, allowing you to live in the country. Both documents work together – the work permit covers your employment rights while the employment visa handles your residence status.
No, you cannot get a standard UAE work visa without a job offer. The standard work visa requires an employment contract and approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE). You must have a written job offer and obtain an entry permit before arriving in the UAE on a work visa.
A 2-year employment visa in the UAE offers incredible access to work, lifestyle, and legal residency in one of the most growing economies in the world.
No matter if you’re being hired directly or working through a recruiter, understanding the full process ensures you’re informed, protected, and empowered.
Need help making your employment visa path easy?
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✔️Family sponsorship assistance
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