Work Permit & Entry Permit
- Employers must apply to MoHRE for a work permit quota and submit a work permit application – there are 12 permit types, including standard, freelance, part-time, and domestic worker permits.
- Once approved, MoHRE issues an Entry Permit (pink visa), allowing the employee to enter the UAE legally.
Arriving in the UAE & Medical Screening
- The employee enters the UAE on the Entry Visa.
- They undergo mandatory medical tests (HIV, Hepatitis, TB), performed at a government-approved health centre.
Emirates ID & Residency Visa Application
- Employer applies for the Emirates ID after medical clearance.
- The labour contract is uploaded to MoHRE within 14 days of clearance
- ICP/ICA processes and issues the residency visa and work visa (valid 2 years, no longer stamped in passport)
Work Visa Issuance & Commencing Employment
- Visa is electronically linked to the Emirates ID; the employee is now authorized to work.
- Employer must register the employee on Wage Protection System (WPS) payroll within the visa validity.
- Health insurance should be active from the first day of employment.
Green & Golden Visa Options
- Green Visa (self-sponsored, 5 years): For skilled individuals with a valid employment contract, bachelor’s degree and salary ≥ AED 15,000/month, or freelancers/self-employed earning ≥ AED 360,000/year.
- Golden Visa (10 years): For high-skilled professionals (doctors, scientists, investors, researchers) with special qualifications.
Visa Renewal & Cancellation
- Work visas are typically renewed every 2 years, following the same process.
- Cancellation: Employer cancels via MoHRE and ICA; the employee then has a 30 to 180 days based on Profession and Visa category.
We Provide Expertise on Work Visa Applications!
Our professional team of 200+ has years of experience dealing with local immigration authorities and will ensure an efficient turnaround of your employee’s visa application.
Securing a work visa in the UAE requires understanding the different visa options, eligibility requirements, and application process. By following the guidelines and ensuring compliance, foreign workers and their employers can successfully navigate the visa process and build a successful career in the UAE.
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Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of UAE employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.
Updated on: August 2025
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