UAE work visa explained: Costs, validity, and processing time you need to know

A UAE work visa is a residency visa sponsored by an employer, allowing a foreign national to live and work legally in the UAE.

The process begins once an individual secures a job contract, with the employer applying for an employment entry permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

After entering the UAE, the worker must undergo a medical fitness test, provide biometric data for an Emirates ID, and complete residency visa stamping in their passport.

Typically valid for two to three years depending on whether the job is in the mainland or a free zone, the visa is renewable and all related costs are borne by the employer.

The process usually takes two to three weeks, and authorities stress that working on a tourist or visit visa remains strictly prohibited.

Who applies: The employer — company, free zone, or government entity.

Initial step: Employer gets a work permit (entry permit) from MOHRE.

On arrival: Employee completes a medical test, Emirates ID biometrics, and passport visa stamping.

Validity: Usually 2 years (mainland) or 2–3 years (free zones), renewable.

You’ll also get your Emirates ID, which is essential for banking, healthcare, housing, etc.

Costs: Paid by the employer, not the employee.

Key point: Working on a tourist/visit visa is illegal — a work visa is mandatory.

Processing time: Around 2–3 weeks after arrival in the UAE.

The employer is legally required to bear the costs of the work permit, residency visa, and related fees—not the employee.

Key Documents Required:

— Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)

— Passport-sized photos

— Employment contract

— Education/professional certificates (sometimes attested)

— Entry permit (issued by MOHRE)

— Medical test results

— Emirates ID application

Visa rules may differ slightly between mainland companies and free zones.

On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates is offering  a Remote Work Visa to foreigners working outside the country, allowing them to enter, reside, and work remotely for employers based abroad.

This visa is valid for one year and is renewable, provided the holder complies with the terms and conditions.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) clarifies that this visa enables foreigners to reside in the UAE without a local sponsor. 

The ICP stated that the documents required include proof of remote employment with a company or entity outside the UAE, evidence of a monthly income of at least $3,500 (or equivalent in other currencies), a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, a colored passport-sized photograph and a valid health insurance coverage within the UAE.

Applicants can apply through the smart services system via the ICP’s official website or the UAEICP mobile app. The visa permits entry into the UAE within 60 days of date of issuance.

It can be applied for on line by these steps: Registering and logging in to the ICP’s website or app, filling in the required details and upload necessary documents, paying the applicable fees, and evaluating the service and then the applicant will receive the visa via email.

The fees of the total application fee are Dhs350, including: visa issuance fee (Dhs100), application fee (Dhs100), smart services fee (Dhs100) and ICP service fee (Dhs50).