Quick Answer: Understanding that standard employment visas cost AED 3,000-7,000 and processing takes 2-4 weeks helps applicants feel informed and confident in planning their move.
Overview of the UAE Work Visa System
The UAE work visa framework is set out in Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 and is administered by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Article 6 explicitly prohibits employment without a valid MoHRE-issued work permit. The system accommodates approximately 8.84 million expatriates, comprising 88% of the UAE population.
MoHRE recognizes 13 distinct work permit categories, each serving specific employment arrangements from standard full-time positions to freelance operations. The 2025-2026 regulatory updates introduced AI-powered processing systems, expanded eligibility categories, and streamlined the Work Bundle platform, consolidating previously fragmented services.
Key Regulatory Bodies
- MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation): Issues work permits and labor cards
- GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs): Processes residence visas
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security): Issues Emirates ID and manages Golden/Green visa applications
- DHA/EHS (Dubai Health Authority/Emirates Health Services): Conducts medical fitness examinations
Types of UAE Work Visas
Standard Employment Visa (2-Year)
The primary pathway for foreign workers employed by UAE-registered companies. Employer-sponsored, valid for 2 years, renewable upon continued employment to maintain validity.
Green Visa (5-Year Self-Sponsored)
Introduced in October 2022 for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors. Eliminates employer dependency while permitting legal residence and work.
Golden Visa (5-10 Year)
Long-term residency targeting investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, and exceptional professionals. Offers five or 10-year validity without sponsor requirements.
Remote Work Visa (1-Year)
Enables foreign remote workers employed by non-UAE entities to reside in Dubai while maintaining overseas employment.
Job Seeker Visa (60-120 Days)
Temporary entry permit for qualified professionals exploring employment opportunities without requiring local sponsorship.
Specialized Work Permits
| Permit Type | Purpose | Validity |
| Temporary Work Permit | Short-term assignments at different companies | Project-based |
| Mission Work Permit | Specific temporary projects from overseas | Project duration |
| Part-Time Work Permit | Reduced hours across multiple employers | 2 years |
| Juvenile Work Permit | Workers aged 15-18 under restricted conditions | 2 years |
| Freelance Work Permit | Independent service providers | 2 years |
| Golden Visa Holder Work Permit | Employment formalization for Golden Visa holders | 2 years |
| Family Sponsorship Work Permit | Employment for family-sponsored residents | 2 years |
Standard Employment Visa Requirements
Age Requirements
Minimum age: 18 years. No maximum age limit exists, though employers pay additional fees (AED 5,000) for workers aged 65 and above.
Educational Qualifications
Worker classification depends on educational attainment:
| Category | Education Level | Labor Card Fee Range |
| Category 1 | Bachelor’s degree or higher | AED 300 |
| Category 2 | Post-secondary diploma | AED 600 – AED 2,000 |
| Category 3 | High school diploma | AED 5,000 |
Academic credentials require attestation from:
- The issuing country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- UAE Embassy in the country of origin
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Employment Prerequisites
Applicants must satisfy these conditions:
- Valid job offer from a UAE-registered employer
- Job role aligned with the employer’s licensed business activities
- Employer holds an active trade license without MoHRE violations
- Employer maintains available visa quota based on office space allocation (9 sq m per visa)
- Role matches the worker’s documented qualifications and experience
Health Requirements
Foreign nationals must demonstrate freedom from communicable diseases, including:
- HIV/AIDS
- Tuberculosis (chest X-ray required)
- Hepatitis B (for specific occupations)
- Syphilis (for specific occupations)
Female domestic workers additionally require negative pregnancy test results.
Green Visa Eligibility and Requirements
The Green Visa provides 5-year self-sponsored residency for three primary categories.
Skilled Employees
| Requirement | Specification |
| Employment Contract | Valid UAE contract required |
| Occupational Classification | Level 1, 2, or 3 per MoHRE standards |
| Education | Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent |
| Salary | AED 15,000+ per month |
Freelancers and Self-Employed
| Requirement | Specification |
| Permit | Freelance/self-employment permit from MoHRE |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma |
| Income | AED 360,000 annual income (previous 2 years) OR proof of financial solvency |
Investors
| Requirement | Specification |
| Business Structure | LLC, joint stock company, or partnership |
| License | Valid commercial/industrial license from DED or Free Zone |
| permit |
Green Visa Benefits
- 5-year renewable residency
- Self-sponsorship without employer dependency
- Family sponsorship, including spouse, children (sons up to 25), unmarried daughters (no age limit), and parents
- 6-month grace period after visa expiry or cancellation
- Employment flexibility across the UAE
Green Visa Fees
- Application fee: AED 2,000 – AED 2,500
- Emirates ID: AED 575
- Medical services: AED 320
- Entry permit (if outside UAE): AED 1,250
The Golden Visa program provides 5- or 10-year residency to distinguished individuals, including investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and outstanding students, based on specific requirements such as property value, investment amount, or academic achievement, and guides readers to the appropriate category.
The Golden Visa program offers five or 10-year residency to distinguished individuals across multiple categories.
Investors
Real Estate Investors (10-Year)
- Property value minimum: AED 2,000,000
- Property must be wholly owned (mortgage permitted from approved local banks)
- Off-plan purchases accepted from approved developers
Fund Investors (10-Year)
- Deposit minimum: AED 2,000,000 in an accredited UAE investment fund
- Alternative: Commercial/industrial license with capital of AED 2,000,000+
- Tax contribution option: AED 250,000+ annual payment to the Federal Tax Authority
Entrepreneurs (5-Year)
- SME ownership registered in the UAE
- Minimum project value: AED 500,000
- Approval from an accredited business incubator
- Technical/financial recommendation from an authorized incubator
Specialized Professionan als (10-Year)
Executive Directors:
- Attested university degree (minimum bachelor’s)
- 5+ years of experience in the current position
- Valid employment contract
- Minimum salary: AED 50,000 per month
Skilled Professionals (Abu Dhabi pathway):
- Minimum monthly salary: AED 30,000
- Professional license where applicable (physicians, pharmacists, teachers)
- Verified skilled talent classification
Other Golden Visa Categories
- Scientists and Researchers: Recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists
- Healthcare Workers: Approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention
- Creative Professionals: Approval from the Ministry of Culture and Youth
- Outstanding Students: Graduation from a top 500 university or a high GPA
Golden Visa Benefiuniversityear a renewable residency without a sponsor
- Entry visa for 6 months with multiple entries
- Extended absence permitted (beyond standard 6-month limit)
- Ability to sponsor spouse, children, and parents
- Sponsorship of unlimited domestic helpers and drivers
- Access to Fazaa Card loyalty benefits
Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)
Dubai’s Virtual Working Programme enables foreign remote workers to reside in the emirate while employed by non-UAE entities.
Eligibility
- Employment with a company registered outside the UAE
- Minimum 1-year employment contract
- Remote work capability
- Business owners with overseas-registered companies are also eligible
Income Requirements
| Source | Minimum |
| Official GDRFA | USD 3,500/month |
| Some service providers quote | USD 5,000/month |
Verified via payslips and bank statements for the previous 3-6 months.
Required Documents
- Passthe port valid 6+ months
- Recent passport-sized photo (white background)
- Proof of employment with a remote work arrangement
- Proof of monthly income meeting the threshold
- Valid health insurance covering the UAE
- Business ownership proof (for entreprenethe urs)
Remote Work Visa Features
- 1-year validity, renewable annually
- Emirates ID issuance (enables banking, housing, utilities)
- Family sponsorship permitted (spouse and dependents)
- Multiple entry/exit permitted
- No UAE employment allowed (overseas work only)
- No personal income tax on foreign earnings
Total cost approximately AED 3,000 – 4,000, including visa fee, medical examination, and Emirates ID. Processing time: 2-4 weeks.
Job Seeker Visa
Temporary visit visa enabling qualified professionals to explore employment opportunities in the UAE without sponsorship requirements.
Optionin the UAE 1: Skila a l Level Classification
- Level 1: Legislators, managers, business executives
- Level 2: Professionals in scientific, technical, and humanitarian fields
- Level 3: Technicians in the scientific, technical, and humanitarian fields
Option 2: Recent Graduates
- Graduation from top 500 universities (Ministry of Education classified within the previous 2 years.
Duration Options and Fees
| Duration | Visa Fee |
| 60 days | AED 200 |
| 90 days | AED 300 |
| 120 days | AED 400 |
Additional fees include a security deposit (AED 1,025), e-services charges, and ICP fees.
Restrictions
- Single entry only
- No employment permitted until a work visa is obtained
- Cannot convert to residency without exiting the UAE
- Overstaying results in fines and a potential ban
Required Documents
Standard Employment Visa
| Document | Specification |
| Passport copy | Valid 6+ months, clear biodata page scan |
| Photographs | Recent passport-sized, white background |
| Educational certificates | Official employment contract from the UAE sponsor |
| Experience certificate | Previous employer verification letters |
| Job offer letter | Official employment contract from UAE sponsor |
| Medical fitness certificate | From the DHA/EHS-approved center |
| Company documents | the EmpEHS-approved license and establishment card |
Document Attestation Process
- Notarization in the issuing country
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the attestation (country of origin)
- UAE Embassy attestation
- UAE MOFA attestation (AED 750 – 1,500 typical cost)
Work Visa Fees and Costs
Complete Employment Visa Cost Breakdown
| Component | Cost Range (AED) |
| Entry permit | 300 |
| Work permit | 200 – 5,000 (varies by category) |
| Medical examination | 300 – 500 |
| Emirates ID | 370 – 570 |
| Residence visa stamping | 500 – 700 |
| Typing/admin charges | 200 – 500 |
| Health insurance | Employer provided |
| Total Range | 3,000 – 7,000 |
Category-Specific Labor Card Fees
| Worker Category | Fee |
| Category 1 (Bachelor’s+) | AED 300 |
| Category 2 (Diploma) | AED 600 – 2,000 |
| Category 3 (High School) | AED 5,000 |
| Workers 65+ years | Additional AED 5,000 |
Free Zone vs Mainland Comparison
| Aspect | Mainland | Free Zone |
| Total cost | AED 5,000 – 7,000 | AED 3,500 – 6,500 |
| Processing speed | Standard | Often faster |
| Work scope | Anywhere in UAE | Zone-specific |
| Foreign ownership | Per the activity regulations | 100% permitted |
Fee Responsibility
UAE Labor Law mandates employers cover 100% of employment visa costs, including visa application and processing, medical examinations, Emirates ID, health insurance, and renewals. Workers paying recruitment fees can report violations to MoHRE.
Application Process Step-by-Step
Standard Employment Visa Process
Step 1: Job Offer and Contract
- Employer issuesa formal offer letter
- Both parties sign the MoHRE-standard employment contract
- The contract specifies salary, benefits, probation period, and contract duration
- Submission to MoHRE within 14 days
Step 2: Work Permit Application
- Employer logs into the MoHRE portal via UAE Pass
- Submits the work permit application with the required documents
- MoHRE reviews application (automated AI verification introduced in 2025)
- Approval typically takes 2-5 working days
Sin tep 3: Entry Permit Issuance takes place
- Upon work permit approval, an entry permit (pink visa) was issued
- Valid for 60 days
- Employee enters the UAE within the validity period
Step 4: Medical Examination
- Schedule an appointment at a DHA/EHS-approved medical center
- Tests: blood screening (HIV, Hepatitis B, syphilis), chest X-ray (TB)
- Results are typically available within 24-48 hours
- Medical fitness certificate valid for 3 months
Step 5: Emirates ID Application
- Submit within 15 days of UAE arrival
- Biometric registration (fingerprints, photo) at an authorized center
- Processing: 5-7 working days
Step 6: Residence Visa Stamping
- Employer submits the passport to the GDRFA
- E-visa issuance (physical stamping no longer required since 2021)
- Valid for 2 years, aligned with a work permit
Work Bundle Platform (2025 Update)
The Work Bundle consolidates five platforms into a single integrated experience, reduces eight services to 1 integrated process, cuts steps from 15 to 5, reduces required documents from 16 to 5, and reduces processing time to approximately 5 days.
Medical Examination Requirements
Standard Tests
- Blood test for HIV/AIDS
- Blood test for Hepatitis B and C
- Blood test for syphilis
- Chest X-ray for tuberculosis
Additional Tests by Occupation
| Occupation | Additional Screening |
| Food handlers | Comprehensive communicable disease panel |
| Domestic workers | Pregnancy test (female), expanded disease panel |
| Healthcare workers | Enhanced infectious disease screening |
| Beauty/salon workers | Hepatitis B, syphilis |
Medical Examination Process
- Book an appointment (online or walk-in)
- Present entry permit or current residence visa
- Provide a passport-sized photograph
- Complete blood draw and X-ray
- Pay applicable fees (AED 300-500)
- Results transmitted electronically to GDRFA
- Fitness certificate issued (valid 3 months)
Fitness Certificate Outcomes
| Result | Consequence |
| Fit | Proceed with visa processing |
| Temporarily unfit | Treatment required, re-examination |
| Unfit | Visa denied, may face deportation |
Emirates ID Registration
Emirates ID serves as mandatory national identification for all UAE residents, required for banking services, healthcare access, housing/rental contracts, utility registration, mobile phone services, and government transactions.
Registration Process
- Complete the application through the employer or GDRFA
- Book the iometric appointment at the Emirates Identity Authority center
- Attend the appointment with your original passport, entry permit, and passport photograph
- Provide biometric data (and fingerprints, photo)
- Pay applicable fees
- Receive confirmation of application
Fees
| Validity | Fee (AED) |
| 1 year | 370 |
| 2 years | 470 |
| 3 years | 570 |
Processing time: 5-7 working days for card issuance after biometric submission.
Processing Times
Standard Employment Visa Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
| Work permit approval | 2-5 working days |
| Entry permit issuance | 2-3 working days |
| Medical examination | 1-2 days (results) |
| Emirates ID processing | 5-7 working days |
| Residence visa stamping | 3-7 working days |
| Total estimate | 2-4 weeks |
Visa Category Processing Comparison
| Visa Type | Typical Processing |
| Standard Employment | 2-4 weeks |
| Green Visa | 1-3 weeks |
| Golden Visa | 2-6 weeks |
| Remote Work Visa | 2-4 weeks |
| Job Seeker Visa | 5-7 working days |
Fast-track options available for an additional fee (AED 500-1,000), reducing processing to 5-7 days in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for UAE work visa costs?
UAE Labor Law mandates employers bear 100% of visa-related expenses, including application fees, medical examinations, Emirates ID, and health insurance. Workers should never pay recruitment or visa fees. Report violations to MoHRE.
Can I change my report on a work visa?
Yes. Transfer between employers requires proper cancellation from the current employer, a new job offer, and a fresh work permit application through MoHRE/GDRFA. The Work Bundle system streamlines inter-company transfers.
What is the minimum salary requirement for a work visa?
Standard employment visas have no universal minimum salary. Green Visa requires AED 15,000/month for skilled employees. Golden Visa professional category requires AED 30,000-50,000/month, depending on the pathway. Family sponsorship type typically requires an AED 4,000+ monthly salary.
How long can I stay outside the UAE without losing residency?
Standard residence visa holders must not remain outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months or risk automatic cancellation. Golden Visa holders enjoy extended absence privileges without this restriction.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying incurs fines of AED 50 per day plus potential legal consequences, including deportation and entry bans. Renew, or change status before expiry.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
A: No. Working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal under UAE law. Penalties include fines, deportation, and potential bans for both worker and employer.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. Employers must provide health insurance coverage for all sponsored employees. Self-sponsored visa holders (Green, Golden) must secure independent health insurance coverage.
What medical conditions disqualify visa approval?
HIV/AIDS, active tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases result in visa denial. Drug-resistant TB cases receive conditional fitness certificates with a 1-year visa and monitoring requirements.
Can I sponsor family members?
Yes, subject to salary and housing requirements. Standard visa: Salary AED 4,000+ or AED 3,000+ with accommodation. Green Visa: Can sponsor spouse, children (sons to 25), unmarried daughters, parents. Golden Visa: Sponsor spouse, children (any Goldenarents, domestic helpers.
How do I check my work and my status?
Access the MoHRE website or mobile app using your work permit number and passport details. The GDRFA portal verifies the status of residence visas.
Government Portals
Official Sources
- UAE Government Portal: u.ae
- MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation): mohre.gov.ae
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security): icp.gov.ae
- GDRFA Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae
Legislation
- Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on Regulation of Employment Relationships
- Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (Implementation Regulations)
- Ministerial Decree No. 46 of 2022 (Work Permits)
- Public Health Law No. 5 of 2025 (Medical Fitness Requirements)
Contact Information
- MoHRE Call Center: 800 60
- ICP Toll-Free: 600 522222
- GDRFA Dubai: 800 5111
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information as of January 2026. Regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements through official government portals before submitting applications.
Last Updated: January, 2026
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