UAE Employment Visa Guide 2025
Everything You Need to Know to Live and Work Legally in the UAE
Reviewed by: Faye Ameen
Updated: June 17, 2025 | 8 min read
The UAE continues to be a magnet for global talent with its tax-free salaries, modern infrastructure, and world-class lifestyle. But before starting a job in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate, it’s essential to understand the employment visa process.
This updated 2025 guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a UAE work visa — from the types of visas to the step-by-step application process, visa fees, fraud warnings, and work rights.
🇦🇪 Why Work in the UAE in 2025?
- Tax-free income
- High-quality healthcare and safety
- Multicultural environment
- Opportunities across sectors: tech, marketing, operations, real estate, and more
- Strategic global business hub
🛂 UAE Visa Types for Employees
There are three main employment-related visa types in the UAE:
1. Standard Work Visa
- Sponsored by an employer
- Valid for 2 years
- Renewable
- Only valid for working with the sponsoring company
2. Green Visa
Designed for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors:
- Valid for 5 years
- No employer sponsorship required
- Renewable
- Flexibility in job switching
Eligibility Criteria (Green Visa):
Freelancers/Self-employed:
- Valid freelance permit
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- AED 360,000+ annual income over the past 2 years
Skilled Employees:
- Monthly salary of at least AED 15,000
- Skill level 1, 2, or 3 as per MOHRE
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
3. Golden Visa
Long-term 10-year residency visa for:
- Investors (AED 2M+ investment or property)
- Entrepreneurs (projects worth AED 500,000+)
- Specialized talents: doctors, scientists, Ph.D. holders, athletes, etc.
✅ Employment Visa Requirements
General Eligibility:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Fall into one of MOHRE’s 3 skill levels based on qualification
Required Documents:
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-sized photos
- Signed employment contract
- Entry permit
- Medical clearance
- Health insurance
Rules to Remember:
- Only work for your sponsor
- Sponsor must have a valid trade license
- Job role must match sponsor’s licensed activity
📝 UAE Employment Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)
1. Quota Approval
Employer gets approval from the Ministry of Labour to hire a foreign worker.
2. Employment Contract Submission
Signed by both parties and submitted to the MOL within 14 days.
3. Apply for Entry Permit & Work Visa
Employer submits documents (passport, certificates, etc.) to get a work permit and entry visa.
4. Receive Entry Visa
Employee receives the visa by email — valid for 60 days.
5. Enter the UAE
Employee arrives in the UAE and starts medical screening and Emirates ID process.
6. Medical Test
Done within 14 days of arrival for HIV, hepatitis, and TB.
7. Apply for Residence Visa
Employer submits documents to ICA within the 60-day window.
8. Submit Labor Contract to MOHRE
Reviewed for compliance and attested.
9. Health Insurance
Employer provides coverage as required by UAE law.
10. Receive Residence Visa
Issued by ICA, tied to the Emirates ID (no passport stamping post-2021).
11. Apply for Emirates ID
Must be done within 15 days of arrival. It’s essential for all legal transactions in the UAE.
💰 UAE Visa Fees in 2025
| Permit Type | Application Fee | Issuance Fee (per year) | eChannel Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Sector | AED 100 | AED 100 | AED 150 |
| Private Sector / Free Zone | AED 100 | AED 100 | AED 150 |
| Investor / Partner | AED 100 | AED 100 | AED 150 |
❌ Visa Cancellation Process
Only employers can initiate visa cancellation.
Cancellation Fees:
| Permit Type | Request Fee | eService Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Permit | AED 50 | AED 10 |
| Residency Permit | AED 50 | AED 10 |
| Exit Permit | AED 50 | AED 10 |
Post-Cancellation:
- 28-day grace period to find a new job or exit the UAE
- No fines if action is taken within grace period
🔎 How to Check Your Visa Status
- Call ICA Helpline: 600-522-222
- Dubai Visa: Use GDRFA website
- Other Emirates: Use the ICA website
- Typical update time: 2–5 business days
🔄 Switching from Visit Visa to Work Visa
⚠️ Important: Working on a visit visa is illegal.
To switch legally:
- Secure a job offer
- Complete medical test
- Employer applies for work permit and residence visa
- Process typically takes 5 business days
🚨 Avoid Common Visa Frauds
Be cautious of these red flags:
- Tourist visas offered for employment
- Hidden fees
- “Guaranteed job” scams
- Fake companies using personal data
Always verify:
- Trade license of the employer
- Offer letter via the Ministry of Labour
- That the employer covers all visa costs
⏰ Working Hours, Leave & Benefits (UAE Labor Law)
Working Hours:
- Max 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week
- 2-hour daily reduction during Ramadan
- Max 2 hours/day overtime with extra pay
Leaves:
- 30 days annual leave with full pay
- 90 days sick leave (15 full-pay, 30 half-pay, 45 unpaid)
End of Service Benefits:
- Applies after 1 year of service
- Basic salary used to calculate gratuity
- Paid within 14 days after contract ends
🧳 UAE Job Seeker Visit Visa (2025)
Explore job opportunities in the UAE without a sponsor.
Validity Options: 60, 90, or 120 days
Eligibility:
- Must be in MOHRE skill levels 1–3
- Or graduate (within 2 years) from a top 500 global university
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Provide financial guarantee
Documents Required:
- Passport copy
- Recent color photo
- Attested qualification certificate
Apply through:
- ICP (Issue search for job visa)
- GDRFAD (Dubai-specific job-seeker visa services)
👀 Final Thoughts: Start Your UAE Career Right
Getting a UAE employment visa is easier and more transparent in 2025 than ever before — but it still requires preparation, compliance, and attention to detail. Whether you’re entering on a Green Visa, a standard work permit, or seeking jobs through a visit visa, this guide equips you with everything you need to succeed.
🎯 Next Step: Secure your job offer, start your visa process, and begin your career journey in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.
Looking for jobs in the UAE?
Explore top roles in:
- ✅ Marketing
- ✅ Product Management
- ✅ Software Development
- ✅ Sales
