With each passing day, the United Arab Emirates has become a magnet for dreamers, doers, and go-getters. An ideal place to advance your career, explore luxury living, or soak up sunshine year-round. For professionals, the UAE is a top destination from every corner of the world. If you’re planning to work here, understanding the Employment Residence Visa UAE is crucial to ensure you can live and work legally.
Do the right paperwork before you hop on that flight to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. In the current year, the country continues to streamline its employment visa process. However, understanding the steps still matters. Here’s your go-to guide on everything you need to know about UAE employment visas—from types and requirements to cancellation and renewal processes. Let’s get started.
What is an Employment Residence Visa UAE?
An Employment Residence Visa in the UAE enables a foreign national to live and work in the country legally. It is sponsored by a UAE-based employer. The visa is typically valid for 2–3 years. The visa includes:
- Residency
- A work permit, and
- Access to essential services like banking and healthcare.
Your Options: Types of Work Visas in the UAE
The UAE offers different types of visas for professionals. Each visa comes with its own perks, duration, and conditions.
| Visa Type | Validity | Sponsorship Needed | Best For |
| Standard Work Visa | 2 years | Yes, by employer. | Private, public, or free zone workers |
| Green Visa | 5 years | No | Freelancers, skilled workers, investors |
| Golden Visa | 10 years | No | Investors, talents, innovators |
1. Standard Employment Visa
This is the go-to visa for most professionals. A company offers you a job, sponsors your visa, and you can live and work legally in the UAE.
Key Features:
- Valid for 2 years
- Renewable
- Tied to the employer who sponsors it
- Not transferable without cancellation
2. Green Visa
This visa brings freedom and flexibility. If you’re a freelancer, highly skilled professional, or business owner, the Green Visa gives you long-term residency without needing an employer to sponsor you.
Who Can Apply?
- Freelancers with a valid permit and income of AED 360,000+ over two years
- Skilled employees earning at least AED 15,000 monthly and holding a bachelor’s degree
3. Golden Visa
If you’re an investor, scientist, or entrepreneur making waves in your field, the Golden Visa might be for you. It’s long-term, and you don’t need a local sponsor.
Eligibility Includes:
- Property investment worth AED 2 million+
- Business projects valued over AED 500,000
- People with exceptional talent (e.g., doctors, athletes, researchers)
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Employment Visa in the UAE
The process isn’t as complicated as it sounds when broken down into clear steps. Here’s a UAE employment residence visa process step-by-step has been discussed below:
1. Employer Applies for Work Quota
Your future employer requests a hiring quota from the Ministry of Labour to bring in foreign talent.
2. Sign and Submit the Job Contract
You and your employer sign a standardized contract with all terms (pay, benefits, etc.). They submit it within 14 days for review.
3. Apply for Entry Permit
The employer uploads your documents and requests an Employment Entry Permit. Once approved, this visa lets you legally enter the country.
4. Arrive in the UAE
You have 60 days to enter the UAE after receiving your entry permit.
5. Undergo Medical Tests
Head to an approved health center. You’ll get screened for diseases like hepatitis B, TB, and HIV.
6. Apply for a Residence Visa
After clearing your medical test, your employer applies for your residence visa on the ICA portal.
7. Contract Submission to Authorities
The employer submits your finalized contract to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
8. Get Health Insurance
By law, your employer must provide basic health insurance, covering hospital visits, emergencies, and treatment.
9. Apply for Emirates ID
Within 15 days of arriving, you need to apply for your Emirates ID—your official identification card in the UAE.
10. Visa Stamping (No Longer Needed)
Thanks to digital upgrades, you don’t need a physical visa stamp. Your Emirates ID now carries all your visa details.
Fees Breakdown (2025)
Here’s a quick look at what different visa applications may cost:
Employment Visa Fees
| Permit Type | Application | Issuance (Per Year) | eChannel Fee |
| Government Sector | AED 100 | AED 100 | AED 150 |
| Private Sector / Free Zone | AED 100 | AED 100 | AED 150 |
| Investor / Partner Visa | AED 100 | AED 100 | AED 150 |
Visa Cancellation: What Happens When You Leave the Job
When you resign or finish your employment contract UAE, your employer must cancel your work visa.
Cancellation Fees
| Permit Type | Fee |
| Entry Permit | AED 50 + AED 10 (eService) |
| Residency Permit | AED 50 + AED 10 |
| Exit Permit | AED 50 + AED 10 |
What to Expect After Cancellation
- You get a 28-day grace period to find a new job, change visa type, or leave the country.
- No fines apply during this grace period.
Checking Visa Status and Validity
You can easily check your visa status online.
Ways to Check:
- Call the ICA hotline: 600-522-222
- Use official portals:
Visa updates take about 2–5 working days.
Watch Out for These Red Flags
Some scammers trick people with fake offers or illegal visa deals. Don’t fall for it.
Common Scams:
Some employers are scamming expats by giving them work under a tourist visa. You might be trapped in a hidden fees scam. Be alert to any fake job offers by inquiring about them. Stealing ID documents is another mishap that foreigners often face.
How to Stay Safe:
To play safe, it is wiser to verify the company’s trade license. Must confirm job offers through MOHRE. Lastly, remember: Employers must pay visa costs by law
Employment Visa UAE Processing Time
The processing time for a UAE employment visa is 7-10 days. However, this can vary depending on factors. This may include documentation completeness, the visa type, and additional security checks. However, urgent cases may be expedited for a fee. It reduces the processing time to as little as one week.
Work Hours, Leave, and Benefits in 2025
Here’s a summary of what you’re entitled to as a worker in the UAE in table form.
| Category | Details | |
| Work Hours | Max 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week
Reduced by 2 hours/day during Ramadan Overtime: Max 2 hours/day with extra pay |
|
| Leaves | Annual Leave: 30 days (paid)
Sick Leave: 90 days total – 15 days full pay – 30 days half pay – 45 days of unpaid |
|
| End-of-Service Benefits | Applies after 1 year of service
Based on basic salary only Payout range: AED 18,000 – AED 35,000 Must be paid within 14 days of a contract ending |
Final Thoughts
The UAE Gate offers something for everyone. There are many employment residence visa for UAE options available. So, if you’re planning to start a new job in Dubai, it’s an ideal place to kick-start. The UAE Gate is assisting clients in obtaining an employment visa that fits their needs. Confused, what is best for you? The team will take a closer look at your case and offer the best solution. Our solution offering is completely customized, and we deliver as per your expectations. The pricing is budget-friendly, keeping in view your limited budget. So, don’t worry about the rates! We charge very minimal rates as compared to other visa agencies.
Want assistance? Have the support of top-notch visa services in the UAE, the UAE Gate!
Ready for the UAE? Your next big adventure starts here.
