Visas
Employment visa: how to hire an employee
Step-by-step guide to employing staff in the UAE: entry permit, residence visa, work permit, medicals, and Emirates ID.
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Overview
To work in the UAE, a work visa is required. Working under other types of visas is prohibited by law unless the employee holds a valid work permit. The employment process consists of several stages, each with its own specifics. The procedure may differ depending on whether the company is registered in the Mainland or a Free Zone.
Employee Registration Process
Step 1
Entry Permit (Visa on Entry)
To obtain an entry permit for future employment in the UAE, the following conditions must be met:
- The potential employee must be at least 18 years old (in some cases, persons aged 15+ may also work in the UAE).
- The employer company must hold a valid business license.
- The company must have no violations.
- The employee’s job must correspond to the company’s licensed activities.
- The company must hold a valid immigration card (establishment card).
- The company must have available visa allocations.
Thus, any foreigner over 18 years old may work in the UAE provided they meet the standards set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). However, certain professions (e.g., doctors) require additional government licenses.
- Employer applies for entry permit Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. The entry permit is valid for up to 60 days from issuance.
- Employee receives scanned entry permit by email Before traveling to the UAE, the document must be printed and carried.
- Arrival in the UAE Upon arrival, an entry stamp is placed on the printed entry permit.
Step 2
Residency Visa and Work Permit
A residency visa is issued for two years with the possibility of renewal. Processing takes up to 7 business days.
Documents required:
- Application form
- Passport
- Photograph
- Entry permit
- Medical examination results
- Copy of the company’s immigration card (establishment card)
- Copy of the employer’s business license
- Signed employment contract
Step 3
Medical Tests and Biometrics
The employee must undergo medical testing at an authorized UAE center.
Step 4
Emirates ID
After medical results are issued, the employee must apply for an Emirates ID, attaching the required documents. Applications can be submitted online or at an ICP service center.
If the documents are complete and all requirements met, the employee will receive the Emirates ID, delivered by courier.
A complete roadmap for launching and running a business in the UAE — in our guide 'How to Do Business in the UAE?'
In the guide, you will find not only basic information but also expert recommendations based on real cases and deep jurisdictional knowledge:
- How to register a Mainland company
- Types of business licenses in the UAE
- What to do in the UAE after registering your company
- When a bank account in the UAE can be closed
- How to use cryptocurrency in the UAE
- All about UAE corporate tax and IP-Box incentives
Ready to discuss your project?
Leave a request and receive:
- A personal consultation on your UAE residency options
- A step-by-step plan for obtaining a residency visa and Emirates ID
- A list of required documents
- Answers to all your questions about the benefits, timelines, and opportunities of UAE residency
