Dubai Work Visa (Employment Visa) 2026: Eligibility, Documents, Step-by-Step Process, Fees & Rules

Landing your dream job in Dubai is exciting—but to live and work legally you need a Dubai Work Visa (Employment Visa) tied to a UAE employer. This 2026 guide explains, in clear steps, who qualifies, which documents you need, exact stages of the process, how long it takes, and the rules on fees so you avoid scams and delays.

Quick truth: In Dubai, the employer sponsors and processes the work visa. It is unlawful for an employer/agent to charge you “visa fees” or recruitment costs that the employer is responsible for.

What Is a Dubai Work Visa? Key Concepts for 2026

A Dubai Work Visa is a residence visa for employment issued after an entry permit (work) is approved by the authorities. After you enter the UAE (or change status from inside), you complete medical tests, biometrics for Emirates ID, labour contract, health insurance, and residence visa stamping (now typically digital/e-visa). The visa allows you to live and work in the UAE for the sponsoring employer.

Who Is Eligible? 2026 Eligibility Criteria & Sponsorship Rules

• Valid job offer from a UAE-licensed company (your sponsor).

• Passport valid 6+ months.

• Age: usually 18+ (higher skill roles preferred; skill levels per MOHRE).

• Qualifications: role-appropriate education/experience; some professions must attest degrees.

• Clean record and medical fitness.

• Compliance with any profession-specific licensing (e.g., healthcare, education).

Note: If you don’t yet have a job offer, consider a Job Seeker Visa or long-stay Visit Visa to explore opportunities (see internal links).

Documents Required for a Dubai Work Visa

Employee-Side Documents

• Passport (valid 6+ months) + clear color copy

• Recent passport photo (white background)

• Educational certificates (attested where required)

• Updated CV and experience letters (if requested)

• Medical fitness result (done after entry/status change)

• Any profession-specific approvals (if applicable)

Employer-Side Documents

• Company trade license, establishment card, immigration card

• Signed employment contract / offer letter (MOHRE format)

• Entry permit (work) application & approvals

• Valid corporate insurance/WPS compliance as applicable

Dubai Work Visa: Step-by-Step Application Workflow

Step 1: Entry Permit (Work) Issuance

Your employer applies for an Entry Permit (sometimes called “work entry permit”). Once approved, you receive an e-permit.

Step 2: Status Change & Entry to UAE

• If you’re outside UAE, enter using the work Entry Permit.

• If you’re inside UAE on another visa, your employer arranges an in-country status change (no exit required in most cases).

Step 3: Medical Fitness Test

Attend an authorized clinic for blood test + chest X-ray. A fit result is mandatory to proceed.

Step 4: Biometrics & Emirates ID Application

Give fingerprints/biometrics and apply for your Emirates ID, which serves as your national ID while resident.

Step 5: Health Insurance & MOHRE Labour Contract

• Employer activates health insurance (mandatory).

• MOHRE labour contract is generated and digitally signed by both parties. Keep a copy.

Step 6: Residence Visa Stamping (e-Visa) & Final Activation

Your residence visa (employment) is issued—often as an e-visa linked to your Emirates ID. Now you are legally resident and allowed to work for your sponsoring employer.

Processing Time & Typical Fees in 2026

• Average end-to-end timeline: ~ 1–3 weeks after Entry Permit approval (varies by emirate, peak periods, and attestation needs).

• Who pays? Employer pays the official government fees for the work visa process, medical test, Emirates ID, etc.

• What might you pay? Personal costs like degree attestation in your home country or document translations, if needed.

Red flag: Any request that you pay “work visa issuance fees” to the employer/agent is a warning sign. Always ask for official receipts and clarify responsibilities in your offer letter.

Validity, Renewal & Job Changes

• Validity: commonly 1–2 years (varies by category/emirate); renewable while you remain employed.

• Renewal: initiated by the employer before expiry (medical/ID renewal required).

• Changing jobs: secure a new job offer → obtain NOC/cancellation from current employer → new employer sponsors a fresh Entry Permit and processes your new residence visa. Observe notice periods and contractual terms.

Important Rules: What Employers Can/Can’t Charge

• Employers sponsor and bear the official work visa process costs.

• You must not be forced to pay recruitment or governmental visa issuance fees that fall on the employer.

• Any salary deductions must be legal, documented, and agreed in your contract.

• Always sign the MOHRE labour contract and retain a copy. Never hand over your passport except for necessary stamping; request it back promptly.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Rejections

• Unattested degrees for roles that require them → attest early.

• Blurry passport scans / wrong photo specs → follow exact photo/passport scan guidelines.

• Mismatched job title vs. qualification → align designation with your credentials.

• Missing medical/insurance → complete promptly after status change.

• Working before visa activation → don’t start until residence visa is issued.

Can I Go to Dubai to Look for Jobs First? Alternatives to a Work Visa

If you don’t have an offer yet, consider:

• Job Seeker Visa (2026): sponsor-free entry to explore jobs for a limited period.

• Long-Stay Visit/Multiple-Entry Visas: attend interviews, networking, assessments.

• Transit Visa (48/96 hours): for short, time-boxed visits/meetings in transit.

Apply via our fast, guided application to minimize errors and rejections.

Why Apply Through a Professional Service

• End-to-end guidance on documents, attestation, and timelines

• Compliance-first approach (no risky shortcuts)

• Live status updates and prompt issue resolution

• Higher approval confidence with expertly prepared files

CTA: Start Your UAE Visa Process Now

Ready to move to Dubai for work—or still exploring?
Apply through Dubai Transit eVisa for error-free, compliant processing of Job Seeker, Visit/Multiple-Entry, and Transit visas.
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