Employing a non-UAE national requires three steps: (1) MOHRE work permit — employer applies before the employee arrives; (2) ICP entry permit — allows the employee to enter UAE; (3) Emirates ID + residence visa — completed after arrival. Total timeline: 2–4 weeks. Total cost: approximately AED 3,000–8,000 per employee.
The UAE employment visa process in 3 steps
Step 1: MOHRE work permit
The employer applies for a work permit through MOHRE Tasheel or their PRO. The application requires: employer’s trade licence, employee’s passport copy and educational certificates, job title and salary. MOHRE approves the work permit within 3–5 working days if documents are in order. Free zone employers apply through their free zone authority instead of MOHRE directly.
Step 2: Entry permit (via ICP)
Once the MOHRE work permit is approved, the employer applies for an employment entry permit through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP — previously GDRFA). This allows the employee to enter UAE on an employment basis. Entry permits are typically valid for 60 days and issued within 2–3 working days.
Step 3: Emirates ID and residence visa
After the employee arrives in UAE on the entry permit: (1) medical fitness test at an approved health authority centre; (2) biometrics at ICP for Emirates ID; (3) residence visa stamping in the passport. The Emirates ID is issued within 5–7 working days of biometrics. The process must be completed within 60 days of entry.
Approximate costs for UAE work permit and visa
Free zone visa fees are set by the individual free zone authority and can differ significantly from mainland MOHRE costs. JAFZA, DMCC, DAFZA, and others have their own fee schedules — usually slightly higher than mainland. Ask your free zone account manager for the current fee guide.
| Fee | Approx. amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MOHRE work permit | AED 500–2,000 | Varies by skill level and emirate |
| ICP entry permit | AED 300–700 | Federal fee; varies by nationality |
| Medical fitness test | AED 250–400 | At approved health centre |
| Emirates ID | AED 370–570 | 2-year validity for employment visas |
| Residence visa stamping | AED 500–1,000 | ICP fee for visa page stamp |
| PRO/typing centre fees | AED 200–500 | Service charge for document handling |
Visa cancellation on termination
The employer must cancel the employee’s work permit and residence visa within 30 days of termination. Cancellation is done through MOHRE Tasheel (work permit) and ICP (residence visa). After cancellation, the employee has 30 days to either leave the UAE or transfer to a new sponsor.
Employers who delay cancellation remain legally responsible for the employee’s UAE residency obligations until the cancellation is processed. Employees who have fled (absconded) can be reported to MOHRE and Immigration — the employer’s liability ends on the report date.
Need the full employment visa process handled for a new hire?
We manage MOHRE work permits, entry permits, medicals, Emirates ID, and residence visa from one to fifty employees. Fixed fee per person.
Frequently asked questions
What is the process for UAE employment visa?+
Three steps: (1) MOHRE work permit — employer applies before employee arrives; (2) ICP entry permit — allows employee to enter UAE; (3) after arrival: medical test, biometrics, and Emirates ID + residence visa stamping. Total: 2–4 weeks.
How much does UAE work permit and visa cost?+
Approximately AED 3,000–8,000 per employee, covering MOHRE permit, ICP entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. Free zone visa costs vary by authority and are often higher than mainland.
How long can an employee work in UAE on an entry permit?+
Entry permits are valid for 60 days. The full medical, Emirates ID, and residence visa process must be completed within 60 days of arrival. Extensions are possible but require ICP approval.
Who pays for UAE employment visa — employer or employee?+
By law, the employer must pay for the cost of bringing an employee to UAE — work permit, entry permit, and associated fees. Deducting visa costs from employee salaries is prohibited under UAE Labour Law.
How does an employer cancel a UAE work visa?+
Through MOHRE Tasheel for the work permit and ICP for the residence visa. Must be done within 30 days of termination. After cancellation, the employee has 30 days to leave UAE or change sponsor.
Can a UAE employee change employers without cancelling their visa?+
An employee can transfer their visa to a new employer — subject to the new employer agreeing to be the sponsor and completing a work permit transfer. This is common for within-UAE job changes and avoids the employee leaving and re-entering on a new entry permit.