Employment Visa & Work Permit in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Working legally in the UAE means clearing two separate hurdles — a work permit and a residence visa — through two different authorities. The order matters; the residence visa can't issue until the work permit lands.
- Work permit: the employer files it with MoHRE for mainland roles, or with the relevant free zone authority (JAFZA, DMCC, DAFZA, etc.) for free-zone roles.
- Residence visa: once the work permit is approved, the employer sponsors your residence visa through GDRFA in your emirate or through ICP.
- Entry permit: issued before you arrive, valid 60 days. Inside that window: medical test, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping all need to be done.
- Medical test: at an approved health centre — screens for communicable diseases. Failing it can mean denial of residency.
- Emirates ID: the central identification card here. You'll use it for banking, telecoms, healthcare, government — almost everything.
- Visa duration: usually 2-3 years for employment visas, renewable. Free-zone visas vary.
When does it apply?
- You have received a job offer from a UAE-based employer — mainland or free zone.
- You are a foreign national who needs legal authorisation to work in the UAE.
- This applies to both mainland and free zone employment, though the processing authorities differ.
What to Do If Your UAE Employer Is Not Processing Your Work Visa
- Don't pay for your own visa. Under FDL 33/2021 the employer covers visa, work permit, and medical test costs. If you're being asked to, that's the first warning sign.
- Get a bilingual (Arabic and English) copy of your employment contract before you board the plane. MoHRE requires the standard form — make sure it's the one you signed.
- Sort the medical test and Emirates ID promptly after arrival. The ICP smart app tracks the status in real time.
- Make the employer hand you a copy of your work permit and residence visa. You're entitled to both.
- If you're going into a free zone role, ask whose PRO is processing the visa — the free-zone authority or GDRFA. Don't assume; the answer matters for renewals later.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't work without a valid work permit. Both you and the employer get fined; you risk deportation and an entry ban.
- Don't surrender your passport. Confiscation is illegal under FDL 33/2021 Article 13. Report it to MoHRE on 600-590000.
- Don't overstay your 60-day entry permit. Once it lapses, fines start at AED 100/day and the longer you wait, the harder the fix.
Common Questions
When does it apply — employment visa & work permit?
You have received a job offer from a UAE-based employer — mainland or free zone.You are a foreign national who needs legal authorisation to work in the UAE.This applies to both mainland and free zone employment, though the processing authorities differ.
What should I do if my employer in the UAE has not processed my work permit or residence visa?
Don't pay for your own visa. Under FDL 33/2021 the employer covers visa, work permit, and medical test costs. If you're being asked to, that's the first warning sign.Get a bilingual (Arabic and English) copy of your employment contract before you board the plane. MoHRE requires the standard form — make sure it's the one you signed.Sort the medical test and Emirates ID promptly after arrival. The ICP smart app tracks the status in real time.Make the employer hand you a copy of your work permit and residence visa. You're entitled to both.If you're going into a free zone role, ask whose PRO is pr...
What should you NOT do — employment visa & work permit?
Don't work without a valid work permit. Both you and the employer get fined; you risk deportation and an entry ban.Don't surrender your passport. Confiscation is illegal under FDL 33/2021 Article 13. Report it to MoHRE on 600-590000.Don't overstay your 60-day entry permit. Once it lapses, fines start at AED 100/day and the longer you wait, the harder the fix.