Employment Visa in Dubai · Requirements and process
For workers hired by an Emirati company, with Spanish-speaking guidance throughout. 1 to 2 year renewable residency, with access to the Emirati labour market, family sponsorship and a clearer process than the investor route.
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How the employment visa is processed.
Eight clear steps from the job offer to starting employment with a fully active UAE residency.
- 01
Job offer
Secure a job offer from a UAE-registered company. Without a prior offer it is not possible to begin the visa process.
- 02
Work permit application
The company applies for a work authorisation from MOHRE (Mainland) or the relevant free zone authority.
- 03
Entry permit
An entry permit is issued, the document that allows you to enter the country to complete the residency process.
- 04
Medical examination
Mandatory tests including blood analysis and a chest X-ray. Required for all UAE residency applications.
- 05
Emirates ID
Processing of the federal identity document. Biometric capture, photograph and data registration.
- 06
Residence visa
Final issuance, typically for 1 or 2 years. Stamped in the passport or linked to the Emirates ID.
- 07
Start of employment
The worker begins authorised activities. Signing of the official employment contract and registration with the authority.
- 08
Renewal
Renewal process before expiry if the contract continues. Avoid fines for an expired visa.
Personal requirements and employer requirements.
From the worker
- Passport
- Valid with at least 6 months remaining.
- Photograph
- Passport-size, white background.
- Academic qualifications
- Legalised and apostilled certificates.
- Professional experience
- Detailed CV evidencing experience.
- Medical examination
- Clear results from an authorised centre in the UAE.
From the employer
- Job offer
- From a UAE-registered entity.
- Active trade licence
- Essential requirement, no outstanding renewals.
- Ministerial approval
- When applicable depending on sector and profile.
- Employment contract
- Registered with MOHRE or the relevant free zone.
- Visa quota
- The company must have available capacity within its visa allocation.
Differences depending on the jurisdiction.
Process comparison
| Aspect | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources) | Relevant free zone authority |
| Process | Longer, multiple bodies involved | More standardised and streamlined |
| Timelines | 3 to 4 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Contract | Standard MOHRE contract | Free zone contract |
| Ideal for | Workers in Mainland companies | Tech, consulting, media companies |
Indicative investment.
Government fees (AED)
| Item | Range (AED) | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Medical examination | 300 to 800 | Usually the employer |
| Emirates ID | 300 to 1,000 | Usually the employer |
| Entry permit + residency | 2,000 to 5,000 | Usually the employer |
| Estimated total cost (1 to 2 years) | 3,000 to 7,000 | Usually the employer |
By law and custom, the employer bears the costs of the visa, medical examination and Emirates ID in the UAE. These conditions must be stated in writing in the employment contract.
Advantages over an investor visa.
Legal access to employment
The only way to work legally as an employee in the UAE under a contract with an Emirati company.
Structured process
Clearer and more standardised than the investor visa. The employer manages a large part of the paperwork.
Lower initial investment
No need to incorporate a company or provide capital. The employer typically covers all visa costs.
No personal outlay
The employer usually pays for the visa, medical examination and Emirates ID. No personal expense required.
Family sponsorship
Above minimum salary thresholds, allows you to bring a spouse, children and parents on dependent visas.
Renewable while under contract
Renewable as long as the employment relationship continues. Facilitates medium-term planning.
Employment Visa with LorcaBase.
Whether you are a worker looking to come to the UAE or a company needing to sponsor foreign staff, we manage the complete process smoothly and without lost paperwork.
For companies
We manage the visa quota application, MOHRE contracts and full HR administration for foreign employees.
For workers
We review your contract, legalised documentation and accompany you throughout the medical and biometric process.
Controlled timelines
Real-time tracking of your file. Full process completed in 2 to 3 weeks from the entry permit.
Dependent visas
Once you have your residency, we process visas for your spouse, children and parents based on your applicable base salary.
Renewals
Renewal calendar with 45-day advance notification to avoid fines and gaps in residency.
Native Spanish speakers
Communication and documentation in your language, with immediate support for any issue that arises.
Prefer to be an investor?
Investor Visa.
Residency linked to your own company or investment. More independence than an employment visa.
Discover → XIII · Golden VisaGolden Visa.
10-year residency for talent, academic achievements or investment ≥ 2M AED. Independent of any employer.
Discover → XII · CorporateCorporate services.
HR services, compliance, banking and comprehensive administrative management for companies in the UAE.
Discover → V · FormationCompany formation.
If you want to set up your own company and get a visa through your own activity, start here.
Discover →Key terms of the Employment Visa in Dubai.
Quick reference of the concepts you will encounter during the Employment Visa process: UAE authorities, work permits and key figures.
Employment Visa▸
1 to 2 year residence visa sponsored by a UAE company for contracted employees. Renewable while the labour contract is in force.
Labour Card▸
Labour card issued by MOHRE. Certifies the labour relationship with the sponsoring employer and authorises the activity.
Work Permit▸
Work permit issued by MOHRE before residency. Enables the applicant to be hired and obtain a visa via the labour route.
MOHRE▸
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. UAE ministry that regulates labour activity. Issues work permits and supervises labour contracts in Mainland.
Sponsor▸
Sponsoring employer. UAE company that assumes responsibility for the worker's visa during the contract.
Entry Permit▸
60-day entry permit issued before residency. Activates the Employment Visa process and the subsequent issuance of the Emirates ID.
Emirates ID▸
UAE national ID. Essential for opening bank accounts, renting property, contracting utilities and public services.
GDRFA▸
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. UAE authority in charge of visas and residencies in Dubai.
ICP▸
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Federal body that manages Emirates ID and residency at UAE level.
Grace Period▸
Grace period (typically 30 to 180 days depending on licence type) after visa cancellation to find new employment or change immigration status.
Visa Cancellation▸
Formal cancellation of the visa when the labour relationship ends. Employer obligation. Required before obtaining a new visa.
Dependent Visa▸
Dependent visa that the Employment Visa holder may request to sponsor spouse and children, subject to minimum salary thresholds.
Free Zone Employment Visa▸
Modality of Employment Visa issued by a Free Zone authority instead of MOHRE. Applies when the employer is registered in a free zone.
Skill Level▸
MOHRE worker classification by qualification (Level 1 to 5). Determines labour rights, minimum salary and eligibility to sponsor family.
Ejari▸
Official tenancy contract registration system in Dubai. Document required to evidence address during processing.
AED▸
Emirati Dirham, official currency of UAE. Fixed exchange rate approximately 1 USD = 3.67 AED.
What people ask us most.
Can I work in Dubai before receiving my visa?
No. The full issuance of the residence visa and Emirates ID is required before legally starting work.
Is the employment visa valid in other emirates?
Yes. The employment visa is issued at federal level and is valid across all the United Arab Emirates, even if your contract is linked to a specific emirate.
What happens if my company closes or I am made redundant?
The visa loses its sponsor and must be cancelled. You have a grace period (typically 30 to 180 days depending on licence type) to find new employment or change status.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company with an employment visa?
Not legally on a standard employment visa: you may only work for your sponsoring employer. For remote work, alternative visas such as the Virtual Work Residence exist.
Who pays the employment visa fees?
By law and custom, the employer bears the costs of the visa, medical examination and Emirates ID. These conditions must be stated in writing in the employment contract.
How long does the full process take?
Between 10 and 20 business days from obtaining the entry permit to the issuance of the Emirates ID and residence stamp in the passport.
The trust of those who already work with us
Your career in Dubai, with your employment visa handled with rigour.
Book an initial consultation with no commitment. If you are a worker, we will guide you through the process; if you are an employer, we manage the sponsorship of your foreign staff.
Book a consultation →Dubai Marina, UAE