UAE Employment Visa in Dubai
Looking to work in Dubai? Getting an employment visa can be tricky without the right guidance. You need to understand visa types, Ministry of Labour rules, medical tests, and document requirements. With expert support, you can complete the process smoothly and secure legal residency and work authorization in the UAE.
What is UAE Employment Visa
A UAE employment visa is an official work permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in the UAE. It is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and is tied to a UAE-based employer. In Dubai, most employment visas are valid for two years and can be renewed, allowing employees to continue working without interruptions or legal issues. The visa ensures that all employment is fully recognized and compliant with UAE laws.
This visa grants full legal work rights and protections under UAE labour laws. Employees on an employment visa have access to important benefits, including employer-provided healthcare, safe working conditions, and official employment contracts. It guarantees that workers are treated fairly and helps prevent disputes or unauthorized employment practices. The visa essentially provides a secure and legal foundation for working in the UAE.
Employment visas also give the holder residency in the UAE, which allows them to sponsor family members such as a spouse and children. This makes it easier for skilled professionals to settle in the country long-term. Additionally, for highly skilled employees, investors, or specialized talent, an employment visa can be a stepping stone toward the UAE Golden Visa. This provides extended residency, long-term security, and the ability to plan life and work in the UAE with confidence.
Advantages of UAE Employment Visa
Legal Work Authorization
Work legally under employer sponsorship with full labour rights protection and contract enforcement.
Residency and Long-Term Stay
Valid two-year renewable residency with dependent sponsorship and Golden Visa pathway eligibility.
Healthcare and Insurance Benefits
Employer-provided health insurance mandatory. Medical screening covered. Full UAE healthcare access.
Salary Protection and Rights
Minimum wage guarantee, 30-day annual leave, and overtime compensation under Labour Law 2021.
Banking and Financial Access
Open UAE bank accounts, access credit products, and build credit history for future financing.
Professional Development Opportunity
Career advancement in UAE market with skill development, networking, and regional opportunities.
Employment Visa Types in UAE
Standard Work Visa:
Most common UAE employment visa. Valid 2 years, employer-sponsored. Renewable for continuous legal work and residence.
Green Visa (Self-Sponsored):
For skilled employees and freelancers. No employer needed. Valid 5 years. Self-sponsored residence for independent professionals.
Golden Visa (Premium):
10-year residence for exceptional talents. For investors, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Premium work authorization included.
Mission Visa (Project-Based):
Short-term work visa for consultants and specialists. Valid 3–6 months. Extendable for temporary assignments.
Freelance Visa (Self-Employment):
For creative or tech professionals. Valid 1–3 years, renewable. Independent contractor with flexible work terms.
Remote Work Visa:
For international remote workers. Valid 1 year. Work abroad while legally residing in the UAE.
Employment Visa Requirements in UAE
01.Standard Work Visa Requirements
Valid UAE employment contract with employer sponsorship. Age 18+, passport 6+ months validity, medical fitness, MOHRE skill level.
02.Green Visa (Skilled Employee) Requirements
Bachelor's degree, AED 15,000 monthly salary minimum. Self-sponsored residence visa. MOHRE occupational level 1, 2, or 3 required.
03.Green Visa (Freelancer) Requirements
AED 360,000 annual income, Bachelor's degree or diploma. Freelance license from MOHRE or free zone. No employer sponsorship needed.
04.Golden Visa (Professional) Requirements
AED 30,000 monthly salary, Bachelor's degree, MOHRE Level 1-2. Valid professional license if required. Ten-year residence visa validity.
05.Golden Visa (Investor) Requirements
AED 2 million investment in UAE business or property. Valid trade license and active operations. Five to ten year residence visa validity.
06.Mission Visa (Project-Based) Requirements
Short-term employment contract with employer sponsorship. Three to six months validity extendable. Same documents as standard work visa.
07.Freelance/Remote Work Visa Requirements
AED 360,000 annual income, Bachelor's degree required. Work remotely for international employer. One to three year residence visa validity.
Employment Visa Fees and Timeline in UAE
| Visa Type | Work Permit Fee | Medical Exam | Emirates ID | Total Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Standard Work Visa | AED 150–300 | AED 200–500 | AED 100–200 | AED 450–1,000 | 2–4 weeks |
Green Visa (Self-Sponsored) | AED 400–600 | AED 200–500 | AED 100–200 | AED 700–1,300 | 3–5 weeks |
Golden Visa (Professional) | AED 600–1,000 | AED 300–700 | AED 150–300 | AED 1,050–2,000 | 4–6 weeks |
Mission Visa (Project) | AED 150–300 | AED 200–500 | AED 100 | AED 450–900 | 1–2 weeks |
Freelance / Remote Visa | AED 300–500 | AED 200–500 | AED 100–200 | AED 600–1,200 | 2–4 weeks |
Employment Visa Updates in 2025
UAE introduced significant employment visa changes in 2025 affecting processing times and work authorization procedures. New MOHRE regulations and digital application methods apply to all employment visa applications in the UAE.
Reduced Processing Timeline
−Employment visa processing reduced from 4-6 weeks to approximately 2 weeks. Digital MOHRE portal eliminates manual delays for employment entry visa and work permit issuance.
Work Bundle Initiative
+Extended Golden Visa Eligibility
+Easier Family Sponsorship
+Green Visa Expansion
+New Job Seeker Visa
+Remote Work and Freelance Visas
+Enhanced Digital Verification
+Comprehensive Employment Visa Services
Employment visa processing in the UAE requires expertise in MOHRE procedures, immigration regulations, and labor law compliance. As experienced employment visa consultants, we bring in-depth knowledge of work permit approvals, medical fitness requirements, Emirates ID processing, and residency visa procedures across UAE free zones and mainland.
We ensure you fulfill all obligations under UAE immigration laws and employment regulations. Partner with us for absolute clarity and ease.
Employment Visa Services in UAE
- MOHRE work permit application processing
- Entry permit coordination and tracking
- Medical fitness examination arrangement
- Emirates ID application and issuance
- Residency visa stamping services
- Labor contract registration support
- Visa status change facilitation
- Dependent visa sponsorship assistance
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