Onboard Your Talent Seamlessly and Compliantly
A UAE Employment Visa is the legal permit that allows a foreign national to work for your company. Our expert PRO services manage the entire multi-step process, ensuring your employees can be onboarded quickly and in full compliance with UAE Labour Law.
Let's Talk
Free Consultation
Understanding the Employment Visa Process
Sponsoring an employee in the UAE is a significant legal responsibility for a company. The process involves approvals from multiple government bodies, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for mainland companies and the respective authority for free zone companies, as well as the Immigration Department (GDRFA/ICA).
The visa grants the employee the right to work exclusively for your company and live in the UAE. It is typically valid for two years. Our dedicated PRO services are designed to handle this entire workflow, from initial quota applications to the final visa stamping, allowing your HR team to focus on talent management, not paperwork. For a complete overview, see our main UAE Residence Visas guide.
Core Components of an Employment Visa
Company Sponsorship
The visa is tied to your company, which acts as the official sponsor for the employee's residency.
Official Labour Contract
A formal employment contract, registered with MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority, is mandatory.
Medical Fitness Test
All employees must pass a government-mandated medical screening to be eligible for residency.
Emirates ID Card
The employee receives an official Emirates ID, which serves as their primary identification document in the UAE.
Enables Family Sponsorship
Once their visa is stamped, employees meeting a minimum salary requirement can sponsor their own families via our dependent visa services.
Mandatory Renewal
The visa and labour contract must be renewed every two years for the employee to continue working legally.
Our Streamlined Employment Visa Process
Quota & Job Offer Submission
We begin by applying for any required visa quotas and submitting the official job offer to MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority for pre-approval.
Work Permit & Entry Visa
Once the offer is accepted, we secure the employee's work permit and entry visa, which allows them to enter the UAE to complete the process.
Medical Test & Biometrics
We schedule the employee's mandatory medical fitness test and their appointment for Emirates ID biometrics.
Labour Contract & Visa Stamping
We prepare and manage the signing of the official labour contract. After the medical results are issued, we submit the passport for visa stamping.
Emirates ID Issuance
The final step is the issuance of the Emirates ID card. Our team tracks its status and arranges for collection and delivery to your employee.
Client Feedback
We use their services for all our new employee visas. Their PRO team is incredibly efficient and always up-to-date with the latest MOHRE regulations. They make our onboarding process smooth and predictable.
Linda Johansson, HR Manager
Employment Visa FAQs
What is the difference between an Investor Visa and an Employment Visa?
An Investor Visa is for the owners/shareholders of the company. An Employment Visa is for the staff they hire. You cannot be an employee of a company where you are the sole shareholder; you must be an investor.
How many employee visas can my company have?
For mainland companies, visa eligibility depends on the size of your office space. For free zone companies, it depends on the package you have purchased (e.g., virtual office vs. physical office). Quotas can often be increased if required.
What is MOHRE?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is the federal body that governs all labour-related matters for private sector companies on the UAE mainland. All mainland employment contracts must be registered with them.
Can the visa process be done if the employee is outside the UAE?
Yes. We can process the initial entry permit while the employee is outside the UAE. They can then enter the country using this permit to complete the final steps (medical, biometrics, stamping).
Build Your Team in the UAE
Ensure a compliant and efficient onboarding process for your employees. Contact our PRO services team for a consultation on your visa requirements.
Your expert partner for company formation and corporate services in the UAE. We provide clear, efficient, and reliable solutions for entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide.
Copyright 2025 © Business Setup UAE - All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy