Live and work legally in the UAE under employer sponsorship
The UAE Employment Visa, commonly referred to as the Work Visa, is the most common residency pathway for expatriates in the United Arab Emirates. It allows foreign nationals to legally live and work in the UAE under the sponsorship of an employer or free zone authority.
This comprehensive guide explains:
- What the UAE Employment Visa is
- Who qualifies and key eligibility criteria
- Differences between mainland and free zone employment
- Required documents for employees and employers
- Step-by-step application process
- Medical, Emirates ID and labour contract rules
- Grace periods after job loss or resignation
- Changing employer or transferring sponsorship
- Costs and processing timelines
- Family sponsorship rules
- Common reasons for refusal and how to avoid them
This article is written for:
- Professionals relocating to the UAE for employment
- HR managers hiring expatriate workers
- Graduates and first-time job seekers in the UAE
- Employees changing jobs or employers
- Expats seeking clarity on UAE labour and residency rules
Primary Calls To Action
→ Check your UAE residency options in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Speak with an adviser about Employment Visa or alternative visa routes
UAE Employment Visa FAQ
What is the UAE Employment Visa?
The UAE Employment Visa allows a foreign national to live and work legally in the UAE under the sponsorship of a licensed employer or free zone authority.
How long is the Employment Visa valid?
Employment Visas are typically valid for 1–2 years depending on emirate, contract type and issuing authority.
Can I change my job in the UAE?
Yes, job changes are permitted subject to notice periods, labour law, and sponsorship transfer procedures.
What happens if I lose my job?
A grace period is usually granted during which you must find a new sponsor, change visa type, or leave the UAE.
Can I sponsor my family on an Employment Visa?
Yes, if minimum income and housing requirements are met.
Do I need to be in the UAE to apply?
Applications can be made inside or outside the UAE depending on the employer and process stage.
What is the UAE Employment Visa?
The UAE Employment Visa is a residence permit granted to foreign nationals who are employed by a UAE-licensed company. The employer acts as the visa sponsor and is legally responsible for visa processing, renewals and cancellations.
The UAE Employment Visa process typically involves:
- Initial work permit approval
- Entry permit or in-country status change
- Medical fitness screening
- Emirates ID biometrics
- Residence visa issuance
- Labour contract registration
A quick and accurate defination of the UAE Employment Visa?
The UAE Employment Visa is a residency and work authorization that allows foreign nationals to legally reside in the UAE and work for a sponsoring employer registered in the UAE mainland or a free zone.
The Employment Visa system supports UAE goals to:
- Attract skilled professionals
- Support economic growth
- Protect employer and employee rights through labour regulation
Mainland (MOHRE) vs Free Zone Employment
Employment in the UAE falls into two distinct regulatory environments.
Mainland employment (MOHRE-regulated)
Mainland employment is regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The employer sponsor is a mainland company.
Key features include:
- Labour contracts registered with MOHRE
- Federal labour law applies
- Employment across the UAE permitted
- Quotas and skill classification may apply
Free zone employment
Free zone employees are sponsored by a free zone authority or a company licensed inside that free zone.
Key features include:
- Contracts issued and administered by free zone authority
- Separate dispute resolution systems
- Business activities restricted to licence permissions
- Often streamlined HR processes
Examples of major free zones include:
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Media City
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- RAKEZ
- Sharjah Publishing City
The choice between mainland and free zone employment impacts:
- Labour contract rules
- Sponsor responsibilities
- Ability to work outside the zone
- Corporate structure and business activities
Who is eligible for a UAE Employment Visa?
You are generally eligible for an Employment Visa if:
- You have a confirmed job offer from a UAE employer
- The employer holds a valid trade licence
- The role matches your qualifications or experience
- You pass security and medical screening
The UAE classifies workers by skill level and education category, which may affect salary thresholds and approval processes.
Categories commonly include:
- Highly skilled professionals
- Degree-qualified specialists
- Technical workers
- Service and labour occupations
Eligibility may depend on:
- Academic degree equivalency
- Profession regulation (medicine, law, teaching, engineering etc.)
- Age and experience level
- Employer quota availability
UAE Employment Visa vs Freelancer Visa vs Remote Worker Visa
Employment Visa vs Freelancer Visa
| Feature | Employment Visa | Freelancer Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Employer | Free zone authority |
| Income source | Single employer salary | Multiple clients |
| Work flexibility | Limited | High |
| Licence required | No | Freelance permit |
Employment Visa vs Remote Worker Visa
| Feature | Employment Visa | Remote Worker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Income source | UAE employer | Employer abroad |
| Local employment | Permitted | Not permitted |
| Validity | 1–2 years | ~1 year |
| Family sponsorship | Allowed | Allowed |
Internal linking suggestions:
- Link “Freelancer Visa” → Freelancer Visa Guide
- Link “Remote Worker Visa” → Remote Worker Visa Guide
What you can legally do on an Employment Visa
With a valid Employment Visa, you can:
- Live legally in the UAE
- Work for your sponsoring employer
- Earn a salary and receive employment benefits
- Sponsor your spouse and children (subject to income)
- Open a bank account
- Enter into rental contracts and utilities agreements
- Access public and private services
You cannot:
- Work for any other employer without official work permit
- Perform freelance work without licence
- Operate a business without company or trade licence
- Remain in the UAE after cancellation without grace or new visa
Required documents for the Employment Visa
Requirements vary by emirate and employer, but most applicants will need the following:
Personal documents
- Passport valid at least six months
- Passport-size photographs
- Current UAE visa copy if already resident
- Previous visas and entry stamps if required
Professional documents
- Signed employment contract
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Degree equivalency where required
- Professional licence for regulated occupations
- Previous experience letters for senior roles
Compliance documents
- Police clearance where requested
- Medical fitness test report
- Emirates ID biometric capture
- Valid health insurance policy
Internal linking suggestion:
- Degree attestation → Legal and Professional Services
- Health insurance → Financial Services – Insurance
Step-by-step UAE Employment Visa application process
Although procedures vary slightly by emirate and employer type, the process typically includes these major stages.
Step 1 — Job offer and preliminary approval
- Receive an official job offer
- Sign preliminary employment offer letter
- Employer submits initial approval request
Step 2 — Work permit application
The employer applies for:
- Initial work permit
- Quota and classification approval if applicable
Step 3 — Entry permit or in-country status change
If the employee is outside the UAE:
- Entry permit is issued for arrival
If the employee is inside the UAE:
- In-country status change may be processed
Step 4 — Medical fitness examination
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray screening
- Tuberculosis checks where required
Step 5 — Emirates ID biometrics
- Photograph capture
- Fingerprint scan
- Biometric record creation
Step 6 — Employment contract registration
- Labour contract signed by both parties
- Contract filed with MOHRE or free zone authority
Step 7 — Residence visa issuance
- Visa is affixed electronically or stamped
- Emirates ID card is issued
The applicant is now a legal UAE resident employee.
Medical fitness, Emirates ID and health insurance
Medical fitness test
The medical exam confirms that the employee:
- Is medically fit for residence
- Does not present infectious disease risk
Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is required for:
- Banking
- Telecommunications
- Housing
- Utilities
- Travel within GCC in some cases
Health insurance
Health insurance is:
- Mandatory for residency
- Employer-provided in many emirates
Internal linking suggestion:
- Health insurance options → Insurance Services Page
Costs of the UAE Employment Visa
Employment Visa costs are normally shared between employer and employee depending on corporate policy.
Typical cost elements include:
- Initial work permit fee
- Entry permit or status change
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID application
- Visa stamping or issuance fee
- Typing centre or service provider fees
- Mandatory health insurance
Total cost varies depending on:
- Skill level category
- Mainland vs free zone
- Emirate of issue
- Contract duration
Typical Total Cost Ranges (Indicative)
Mainland Employment Visa
- Without health insurance: AED 2,200 – AED 4,200
- With basic health insurance: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000
- With mid-range insurance: AED 4,500 – AED 8,000
Free Zone Employment Visa
- Without health insurance: AED 2,000 – AED 4,500
- With basic health insurance: AED 3,000 – AED 6,500
- With mid-range insurance: AED 4,500 – AED 9,000+
Higher totals may occur if:
- Family members are sponsored simultaneously
- Private or premium insurance packages are used
- Expedited processing or PRO services are engaged
- Multiple visas are processed in a cluster
Employment Visa processing time
Processing times vary but generally fall within these ranges:
- Initial approval: 3–10 working days
- Entry permit or status change: 1–2 weeks
- Medical, ID and visa issuance: 1–3 weeks
Typical total processing time:
- 3–8 weeks for most applicants
Urgent processing options may be available through some authorities.
Changing jobs or transferring sponsorship
Employees frequently change employers in the UAE.
You may transfer visas when:
- Notice period obligations are met
- Labour ban does not apply
- New employer accepts sponsorship responsibilities
Important considerations include:
- Unpaid debts and fines
- Contract type and probation rules
- Release or NOC requirements in some cases
Losing your job in the UAE
When employment ends through termination or resignation:
- Visa is cancelled by employer
- Grace period begins from cancellation date
Grace periods typically fall between:
- 30 and 180 days depending on category and current rules
During this time you must:
- Find a new employer sponsor
- Change to another visa type
- Or exit the UAE
Overstaying may result in:
- Fines
- Blacklisting
- Difficulties with future visas
Family sponsorship on Employment Visa
Employment Visa holders can normally sponsor:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents in some cases
Subject to:
- Minimum salary threshold
- Valid tenancy contract (Ejari/Tawtheeq)
- Appropriate accommodation
Internal linking suggestion:
- Family Sponsorship Visa Guide
Tax residency and financial planning considerations
Employment Visa holders should consider:
- Tax residency rules in home country
- Treaty arrangements
- Retirement savings structure
- Insurance planning
- Long-term relocation strategy
PlanUAE can assist with:
- Financial planning analysis
- Cash flow modelling
- Insurance and investment structuring
- Access to licensed advisory partners
Common reasons Employment Visa applications are refused
Frequent refusal causes include:
- Incomplete documentation
- Employer licence issues
- Profession classification problems
- Failed medical exam
- Security or compliance flags
Many issues can be resolved and reapplied once corrected.
Living and working in the UAE on an Employment Visa
Employment Visa holders benefit from:
- World-class infrastructure and safety
- Zero personal income tax on UAE-sourced earnings (subject to home-country rules)
- Strong expatriate communities
- International school options
- High global travel connectivity
You may live in:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Ajman
- Fujairah
Internal linking suggestions:
- Cost of Living in the UAE
- Best Places To Live in the UAE
- Dubai vs Abu Dhabi comparison
How PlanUAE supports Employment Visa applicants
PlanUAE supports professionals and employers through:
- Eligibility assessment
- Comparison of Employment Visa vs Green, Freelancer and Remote Worker routes
- Introductions to licensed immigration and PRO service partners
- Financial planning integration with relocation
- Guidance on family sponsorship, insurance and banking
Call to action
Start your UAE employment journey with clarity and confidence
✓ Independent practical guidance
✓ Structured planning tools
✓ Access to vetted service partners
✓ Integrated financial planning support
→ Check your options in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Request personal assistance from our team