If you arrive in the UAE with a job offer, your employer handles most of the visa admin. But knowing the process yourself means you can track it, ask the right questions and avoid sitting in limbo.
How the employment visa works
Your employer applies for your work permit and residence visa through MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation). The entire process typically takes 3-6 weeks from offer acceptance to Emirates ID in hand.
The process, step by step
- Job offer signed — Your employer initiates the visa process with MOHRE.
- Entry permit issued — Allows you to enter the UAE to complete the visa process in-country. Valid 60 days.
- Change of status — If you entered on a visit visa, this converts your status to resident.
- Medical fitness test — Done at a government-approved medical centre. Cost: AED 200-350 approx.
- Emirates ID biometrics — Fingerprints and photo at an ICP happiness centre.
- Residence visa stamped — Since 2024, this is electronic. No sticker in your passport.
- Emirates ID collected — From ICP centre or by courier.
Documents to have ready
- Passport valid for at least 6 months (original plus two colour copies)
- Signed employment contract
- Educational certificates (must be attested before you arrive)
- Passport-size photos (white background, recent)
- Medical insurance proof (your employer should arrange this)
Visa duration and renewal
Employment visas are issued for 2-3 years and tied to your employer. Renewal is handled by your employer's PRO before the expiry date.
If you change jobs: Your old employer cancels your visa. You get a 30-day grace period to find a new sponsor or leave the country. Tip: negotiate a 90-day notice period in your contract so you have breathing room.
Sponsoring family
Once you have your residency visa, you can sponsor your spouse and children. You will need a minimum salary of typically AED 4,000 per month plus accommodation (or AED 3,000 if accommodation is provided) and a registered tenancy (Ejari).
- Spouse: passport, marriage certificate (attested), photos
- Children: passport, birth certificate (attested), school enrolment letter for older kids
- Parents: possible on higher salary thresholds, checked case by case
Information correct as of June 2026. Always verify at official .gov.ae sources before acting.