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Work Authorization and Legal Residence Overview
All non-UAE nationals must obtain a work permit and residence visa before legally working in the United Arab Emirates.
These permits are issued under the authority of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
The UAE work and residency permit process requires employer sponsorship, a medical fitness test, biometric data collection for Emirates ID issuance, and proof that the applicant meets job-specific education and salary requirements.
Job roles are classified into skill levels that impact eligibility, and certain nationalities may face additional scrutiny during background checks or approvals.
Summary: Legal work in the UAE requires a sponsor-issued work permit and residence visa, subject to medical fitness, education relevance, and salary compliance.
Types of Work Visas and Permits Available
Standard Work Permit (MOHRE-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with valid job offers from UAE-based employers, across mainland and free zone companies.
Validity: Up to 2 years (depends on employment contract)
Sponsorship: Required
Transferable: Yes – Change of condition which involves a new work authorization application
Labor Market Test: Not formally required, but compliance and screening apply
Eligibility:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Medical fitness test clearance (includes TB, HIV screening)
- No criminal background or UAE ban
- Role must align with applicant’s education and/or experience
- Salary must meet UAE labor regulations
- Attested education certificates (where applicable)
Skill Classification:
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor’s degree (e.g., engineers, managers)
- Skill Level 2: Diploma or vocational training (e.g., technicians)
- Skill Level 3: High school certificate (e.g., drivers, clerks)
Processing time: 2 weeks to 2 months (varies by entry route)
Pathway to long-term residence: Renewable and may align with UAE Golden Visa eligibility for select professionals
General Employment Permit (Highly Restricted)
Not applicable – all employment in the UAE must be formally sponsored by a registered UAE employer or free zone entity.
Self-Employment or Entrepreneur Visa
Freelance and investor visa options exist through designated UAE free zones or under the Golden Visa program.
- Requires proof of qualifications, income, or business ownership
- Subject to approval by free zone or mainland authorities
Exemptions From Work Permit Requirements
Some individuals may work or reside in the UAE without a traditional work permit:
- UAE citizens and GCC nationals
- Certain dependents (e.g., spouses sponsored under family visa, with work permit)
- Freelancers in designated free zones (with freelance permit)
- Investors and company owners under designated visa categories
⚠️ Individuals from high-risk nationalities may face additional screening. This is not an official policy but may vary depending on current diplomatic and political conditions.
Most Common Route for Foreign Employees
The default pathway for hiring foreign talent in the UAE involves employer sponsorship through MOHRE:
- Employer (or EOR like RemoFirst) submits work permit application to MOHRE
- Once approved, an Employment Entry Permit is issued
- Employee either enters UAE or applies for status change (if already inside UAE)
- Upon arrival or change of status, the employee:
- Completes medical fitness test
- Completes Emirates ID biometrics
- Receives residence visa stamping in passport
This process typically takes 3–6 weeks, depending on internal and consular timelines.
Is Employer Sponsorship Required?
Yes. All UAE work permits require sponsorship from a registered local employer or authorized Employer of Record.
Sponsoring employers must:
- Draft a compliant employment contract (title, salary breakdown, notice period)
- Provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if the applicant is transferring from another UAE sponsor
- Submit required documents to MOHRE and Immigration
Exceptions:
- Freelancers with a freelance permit
- Investors and company owners
Eligibility and Employer Requirements
Who Qualifies (Employee Side):
- Non-UAE national
- Valid job offer with contract from UAE employer
- Education and experience matching role classification (Skill Levels 1–3)
- Minimum salary in line with position and Emirate
- Clean background check
- Medical fitness clearance
- Attested education certificates (for Skill Level 1 or 2 roles)
What the Employer Must Provide:
- Signed employment contract with role, salary, and notice terms
- Company license and sponsorship eligibility
- Salary certificate (for dependents or proof of salary for visa qualification)
- NOC if applicable (for transfers or part-time work)
Other Important Considerations
Exemptions and Alternative Pathways:
- Free zone visa transfers require cancellation and reapplication
- Golden Visa provides long-term UAE residence for eligible investors and skilled professionals but does not replace the need for valid work authorization or employment sponsorship.
- Freelance permits and remote work visas available in some jurisdictions
Tax and Compliance Considerations:
- No income tax on salaries
- VAT applies to certain services, but not personal income
- Mandatory health insurance required in most Emirates
- End of service benefits and gratuity payments apply under UAE labor law
Long-term Residence and Permanent Residency:
- Renewable 2-year visas are standard for employees
- UAE Golden Visa: Provides 5- or 10-year residency for qualifying professionals, but employment still requires separate work authorization, generally issued for up to 2 years.
- Family sponsorship available if income meets threshold
Typical Processing Times and Common Delays
- Work permit approval: 2–5 working days
- Entry permit issuance: Up to 3 working days
- Medical fitness test: 1–2 working days
- Emirates ID biometrics: 3–5 working days
- Residence visa stamping: 3–5 working days
Common Delays Include:
- Missing documentation (e.g., attested certificates, NOC)
- Delays in medical test clearance
- Backlogs in Emirates ID processing
- Change of status issues for applicants already inside UAE
How RemoFirst (RemoVisa) can Help
How RemoFirst (RemoVisa) Helps
Navigating the UAE’s work permit and residence environment can be complex — but that’s where RemoVisa adds value. We help employers and foreign hires by:
- Managing employer-sponsored visa applications: We guide your legal entity registration (if needed), draft compliant job documentation and vacancy justification, and submit work permit requests through the official portal.
- Ensuring compliant work permit + residence permit processing: We coordinate all required documents (passport, translations, contracts, proof of housing, legal attestations) and monitor approvals.
- Leveraging global coverage (110+ countries): As part of a broad global EOR network, we make the UAE just one option among many, scaling hiring across regions.
- Providing managed support from immigration experts: Our team knows the nuances, common pitfalls, and how to anticipate delays or required follow-ups.
- Bundling visa support with payroll, benefits, onboarding: Foreign hires become fully integrated employees without burdening your internal HR — from employment contract to residency compliance to payroll and benefits delivery.
Plus: If your new hire has dependents (spouse or minor children), we can help with dependent permits, housing support, and compliance with resident-application requirements.
Find out what specific permits or visas in the United Arab Emirates we support under our Employer of Record and RemoVisa service.
More Related Resources
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and work permit requirements in the United Arab Emirates may change, and the final decisions are made by local authorities. Always consult with immigration professionals — like through our RemoVisa service — for the most up-to-date and personalized guidance.
