Employment visas for your staff
Hiring in the UAE involves a work permit, an employment contract and a residence visa. We run the process end to end.
Mainland companies
Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The company registers an establishment with MOHRE, issues an offer letter, obtains the work permit and then applies for the residence visa.
Free zone companies
Employment is registered with the free zone authority, which issues the employment card and applies for the residence visa.
Steps
- Offer letter and employment contract in the required format.
- Work permit or free zone employment approval.
- Entry permit or change of status.
- Medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID.
- Residence visa issued.
- Enrolment in health insurance and, for mainland employees, payroll through the Wage Protection System. See WPS payroll.
Employer obligations
- Health insurance for employees in Dubai
- Salaries paid on time, through WPS where required
- Unemployment insurance for eligible employees; see Unemployment insurance
- End-of-service gratuity on termination under UAE labour law
- Emiratisation targets for mainland companies above the size set by MOHRE
Common questions
How long does an employment visa take?
Usually two to four weeks from offer to residence visa.
Official sources
We check our guidance against these official sources. Always confirm current fees and rules before acting.