Dubai Employment Visa (2026): Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Work Permits, Requirements, Processing & Fees

Dubai is a global hub for technology, logistics, hospitality, finance, healthcare and more. If you’ve secured a job offer—or you’re close—the next milestone is your Dubai employment visa: a package of approvals that lets you live and work legally in the UAE, obtain your Emirates ID, open a bank account, and access services.

This guide breaks down eligibility, documents, the exact process (MOHRE/GDRFA/ICP), timelines, validity, renewal, transfers, and FAQs—updated for 2026.

What Is a Dubai Employment Visa? Definition & How It Works (2026)

A Dubai employment visa is a residence permit sponsored by a UAE employer (mainland or free zone). It begins with a work permit (labor approval) and entry permit, followed by in-country medicals, biometrics, and Emirates ID issuance. Your residence authorization is now digitally linked to the Emirates ID (physical passport stickers are often replaced with e-residency).

Who Is Eligible? Dubai Job Visa Eligibility Criteria

Skill Levels, Education & Equivalency (Attestations)

• Job roles are categorized by skill levels. Professional roles typically require degree/diploma (attested in the issuing country + UAE embassy + MOFA in UAE).

• Some regulated professions (e.g., healthcare, education) may need licenses or authority approvals.

Clean Record, Passport Validity & Age Rules

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months).

• Clean immigration/law record; police clearance (PCC) may be requested in some cases.

• Age: standard employability from 18+; specific categories may have age brackets as per role/insurer/emirate.

Document Checklist for Dubai Employment Visa (Employer & Employee)

Employee Documents

• Passport (6+ months validity), clear color scan

• Passport-size photo (white background, 35×45 mm)

• Education certificates (attested) where required

• Professional license/registration if applicable

• PCC (if requested), CV, job offer/contract copy

• Travel insurance/health insurance (sponsor usually provides group cover post-medical)

Employer/Sponsor Documents

• Valid trade license (mainland/free zone)

• Establishment card, e-channel registration (if applicable)

• Quota/position approval (MOHRE or free zone authority)

• Signed offer letter / employment contract draft

Dubai Employment Visa Process (2026): Step-by-Step

Step 1: Offer Letter & MOHRE Quota/Pre-Approval

• Employer issues a standardized offer letter (role, salary, benefits, probation).

• Employer secures quota/pre-approval for your position (MOHRE/mainland) or free zone portal approval.

Step 2: Entry Permit (Work Entry Visa / eVisa)

• Sponsor applies for your work entry permit.

• Once approved, you receive an e-entry permit to enter UAE (or proceed to status change if you are already inside UAE).

Step 3: Status Change (In-UAE or Airport Entry)

• If you’re already in UAE on visit/tourist/transit, employer can file in-country status change—no need to exit.

• If overseas, enter UAE using the work entry permit.

Step 4: Medical Fitness Test & Health Insurance

• Undergo medical fitness (blood test + chest X-ray).

• Health insurance is mandatory (sponsor policy or individual plan depending on emirate).

Step 5: Biometrics & Emirates ID Issuance

• Attend biometrics for Emirates ID (fingerprints, photo).

• Your residence permit is now digitally tied to your Emirates ID.

Step 6: Labor Contract Signature (MOHRE)

• Review and sign your labor contract electronically (through MOHRE or free zone authority).

• Keep a copy—this governs probation, notice, salary, leave, etc.

Step 7: Residence Permit Stamping (e-Residency Linked to Emirates ID)

• Final residence issuance via GDRFA Dubai (for Dubai) or ICP (federal).

• In many cases, no physical sticker; download e-permit. Your Emirates ID is your proof of residency.

Processing Time & Typical Validity (Free Zone vs Mainland)

• Processing time: typically 1–3 weeks after complete file submission (varies by authority, nationality, and compliance checks).

• Validity: commonly up to 2 years (free zones/mainland may vary by category). Renewable if your employment continues.

Fees & Cost Heads to Expect (Indicative)

• Government charges (work permit, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, residence issuance)

• Typing/service center fees, status change (if in-country)

• Health insurance premium (if not fully covered by employer)

• Attestations & PCC costs (if applicable)

Exact fees vary by emirate, zone, role, and nationality. Ask your employer or speak to our team for a tailored estimate.

Status Change: Convert Visit/Transit to Employment Without Exit

Already in the UAE on visit/tourist/transit? Your employer can request an in-country status change once your work entry permit is issued—saving time and travel. Ensure your current stay remains valid until the status change is completed to avoid fines.

Your Rights & Obligations Under UAE Labor Law (Quick Primer)

Probation, Notice, Paid Leave & WPS Salary Protection

• Probation period must be specified in your contract.

• Notice periods apply for termination/resignation.

• Annual leave, public holidays, sick leave—as per contract and law.

• Salary must be paid through WPS (Wage Protection System) on time.

Contract Types & Overtime Snapshot

• Limited-term contracts are standard; ensure role and grade match your actual duties.

• Overtime and rest days are regulated—check your contract and internal HR policy.

Renewal, Transfer to a New Employer & Cancellation

• Renewal: Start well before expiry (medical/Emirates ID renewal as needed).

• Transfer (Change of Employer): New sponsor obtains approvals; current employer must cancel or transfer per MOHRE/free-zone rules.

• Cancellation: Employer cancels residence and work permit; you may have a grace period to exit, transfer, or change status.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Rejection

• Using the wrong authority (ICP vs GDRFA) or incomplete employer profile.

• Unattested education certificates for roles that require them.

• Low-quality scans, mismatched names/dates, or expired passport.

• Attempting to work before the work permit/residence is active.

• Letting a visit/tourist visa expire while waiting—apply status change on time.

Pro tip: Keep all PDFs crisp, names exactly as in passport, and apply early.

Why Use DubaiTransitVisa.com (Consult & Fast-Track Support)

While your employer sponsors the employment visa, our expert team helps you:

• Pre-audit documents (passport, photos, attestation, PCC) to avoid rejections.

• Plan status change (inside-country vs re-entry) to save time and money.

• Coordinate medicals, Emirates ID & insurance smoothly.

• Guide family sponsorship, renewals, and transfers later.

Transparent guidance. No guesswork. High approval success with clean files.

Call to Action: Start Your Employment Visa Journey

Ready to work in Dubai? Get document-ready and avoid costly delays.
👉 Book a quick pre-check with our experts at Dubai Transit Visa to fast-track your employment visa steps, status change, and onboarding—the right way, the first time.