Working in the UAE requires obtaining an appropriate employment visa. Understanding the types and requirements of these visas can help simplify your journey toward employment in the UAE. Here's your clear and simple guide to UAE employment visas in 2025.

Types of UAE Employment Visas

1. Standard Employment Visa

When foreign workers receive a job offer from a business in the United Arab Emirates, they are typically granted this sort of visa. 

2. Visa for Investors

This visa, which is intended for investors and business owners, enables people to reside and run their enterprises in the United Arab Emirates without conventional employment sponsorship.

3. Freelancer Visa

The freelancer visa is ideal for independent professionals. To obtain it, you must first secure a freelance permit through a designated free zone in the UAE, allowing you to work legally without a specific employer sponsor.

4. Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residence, either for 5 or 10 years, and targets skilled professionals, investors, and exceptional talents such as scientists, doctors, and tech specialists.

5. Green Visa

Targeting skilled professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, the Green Visa provides a 5-year residency without requiring a traditional employer sponsor.

Eligibility Requirements for a UAE Employment Visa

You must meet these general criteria:

  • Age: At least 18 years old

  • Job Offer: A confirmed employment offer from a licensed UAE company

  • Qualifications: Attested academic or professional certifications, as required

  • Employer’s Status: A valid company trade license and no pending legal issues

  • Medical Fitness: Pass a mandatory medical exam

Step-by-Step UAE Work Visa Application

1. Secure Employment

Find and secure a valid job offer from a UAE-based company willing to sponsor your employment visa.

2. Application for Employer's Work Permit

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) must receive an application for a work permit from your company. An admission permission will be issued to you upon approval.

3. Reaching the United Arab Emirates

To enter the UAE lawfully, use the entrance permission. Your status needs to be changed to employment residence if you are currently in the UAE on a visitation visa. 

4. Medical Examination

Upon entry, complete a medical fitness test at authorized health centers to screen for contagious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV.

5. Emirates ID

Visit an Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) center to complete your biometric registration and obtain your Emirates ID.

6. Approval of Labor Contract and Work Visa

This step involves the company submitting your signed labor contract to MOHRE for final approval, after which your work visa will be issued

7. Residence Visa Stamping

Your passport must be submitted for residence visa stamping, officially authorizing your residency and employment in the UAE.

Documents Required for UAE Work Visa

Prepare these documents for your visa application:

  • Passport valid for at least six months

  • Passport-sized photos with a white background

  • Attested educational certificates (if applicable)

  • Medical test report

  • Job offer letter

  • Entry permit issued by the employer

  • Completed Emirates ID application form

  • Labor contract

UAE Employment Visa Validity and Renewal

  • Validity: Typically, UAE work visas are valid for 2-3 years, depending on the emirate and employment terms.

  • Renewal: Renew your visa before expiry by repeating the medical test and updating your Emirates ID under your employer’s sponsorship.

  • Overstay Penalties: Failure to renew your visa in time results in fines.

Changing Jobs and Visa Transfers

To switch jobs within the UAE, your new employer must initiate a new work permit application. You must clear exit formalities with your previous employer before starting this process.

Visa Cancellation

When quitting your job or departing the United Arab Emirates, make sure:

  • Your company requests that MOHRE terminate your visa.

  • All outstanding payments have been made.

  • Your visa revocation is confirmed to you. 

Simplifying Your UAE Employment Visa Process

The UAE employment visa process might seem complex, but proper guidance can make it straightforward and hassle-free. Whether applying, renewing, or transferring your visa, following these steps carefully is key.

For personalized, expert assistance, QuickPlus Amer Center Dubai offers comprehensive support, from application and renewals to transfers. Connect with QuickPlus today and experience stress-free employment visa services in the UAE.