UAE Work Visa

MoHRE offers different work permit categories based on the employee’s circumstances and type of employment. Common options include: 

• Standard work permit — for employees hired from outside the UAE
• Transfer permit — for employees already in the UAE moving to a new employer
• Permit for residents on family sponsorship — allows family-sponsored residents to work
• Part-time permit — for reduced hours, with the option to work for more than one employer with MoHRE approval
• Temporary and mission permits — for short-term assignments or time-bound projects
• Golden Visa holder permit — for Golden Visa holders taking up employment

Free Zone Employee Visa

Companies registered in a free zone apply for employee visas through their free zone authority instead of MoHRE. The employer needs a valid licence, an establishment card and available visa quota.

These rules come mainly from Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law) and its implementing regulations. Checking them early helps avoid problems later:

• Verify the employer and offer. Confirm the company is licensed and registered with MoHRE or a free zone. MoHRE offers job offer verification for mainland roles, and a Dubai work visa entry permit can be checked with GDRFA Dubai.
• Match the offer to the contract. Your registered employment contract should reflect the salary and terms in your job offer.
• Probation has limits. Probation cannot exceed six months. Moving to another UAE employer during probation generally requires at least one month’s written notice, and different notice rules apply when leaving the UAE.
• Notice periods are set by contract. Under UAE Labour Law, the notice period must be between one and three months.
• Wages go through WPS. Employers covered by the Wage Protection System must pay salaries through the approved system.
• Your passport stays with you. Employers are not allowed to keep employees’ personal documents.
• Use the entry permit in time. Enter the UAE or complete the status change before the entry permit expires.

The exact list depends on the role, the employee’s current status and the employer’s jurisdiction. Common documents include:

From the employee

• Passport copy with at least six months’ validity
• Passport-size photograph with a white background
• Signed job offer
• Attested educational certificates, for skilled roles
• Professional licence or approval, for regulated occupations
• Copy of current visa or entry stamp, if already in the UAE

From the employer

• Valid trade licence
• Establishment card and MoHRE or free zone registration
• Health insurance for the employee

Documents issued outside the UAE may need attestation in the issuing country and by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, depending on the occupation.

The Dubai work visa price varies based on the employer’s location, permit type, MoHRE classification and application process. The main expenses include:

1. Work Permit Fees: Mainland work permit issuance or renewal fees generally range from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the employer’s MoHRE classification and permit category. Other visa-related expenses are charged separately.
2. Entry Permit or Status Change: Fees set by GDRFA Dubai, with additional charges for in-country applications.
3. Medical Fitness Test: Charges depend on the approved medical centre.
4. Emirates ID: Fees vary according to visa validity.
5. Residence Permit: Fees are determined by GDRFA Dubai.
6. Health Insurance: Costs depend on the employer’s insurance plan.
7. Service Charges: Additional typing or processing fees may apply.

Free zone visa fees are determined by the respective free zone authority. Always verify current charges before applying.

Managing employee visas involves several authorities and deadlines. Start Any Business helps companies keep each UAE work visa application accurate and on track:

• Employer setup first. We help with establishment cards, immigration files and MoHRE or free zone registration, so your company is ready to hire.
• Right permit, right route. We identify the correct work permit type based on the employee’s status, role and your jurisdiction.
• Paperwork checks. We review passports, attestations and job details before submission to reduce rejections and delays.
• End-to-end coordination. We manage entry permits, status changes, medical appointments and Emirates ID applications.
• Clear costs. We share itemised quotes for the work visa cost in UAE, with government fees and service charges shown separately.
• Honest scope. Work permits and visas are approved by UAE authorities. We prepare and coordinate your file; we do not promise outcomes.