Hiring in UAE requires: (1) confirm trade licence allows the role; (2) MOHRE work permit; (3) employment entry permit (ICP); (4) employee arrives in UAE; (5) medical fitness test; (6) Emirates ID; (7) residence visa stamped; (8) sign employment contract; (9) register contract on MOHRE; (10) enrol in WPS; (11) GPSSA if UAE/GCC national; (12) process first WPS salary.
Complete UAE employee hiring checklist
1. Confirm your trade licence allows the role
Your UAE trade licence defines the scope of business activities. Certain roles require the trade licence to cover that activity. For free zone companies, check your free zone authority for approved activities before proceeding with the work permit.
2. Apply for MOHRE work permit
Submit the work permit application on MOHRE Tasheel: trade licence, employee passport, job title/salary, and educational certificates. Mainland employers apply via MOHRE; free zone employers apply to their free zone authority. Processing: 3–5 working days.
3. Apply for ICP entry permit
Once the work permit is approved, apply for the employment entry permit via ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security). The entry permit allows the employee to enter UAE for employment. Valid for 60 days from issue.
4. Employee travels to UAE
The employee enters UAE using the entry permit. Note: if the employee is already in UAE on a different visa (visit/tourist), a status change can be done in-country — no need to travel out.
5. Medical fitness test
Within days of arrival, the employee completes a medical fitness test at a DHA/HAAD-approved centre. Standard tests: chest X-ray, blood tests. Results in 1–2 working days. Positive result (no communicable disease) is required to proceed.
6. Biometrics and Emirates ID
Attend the ICP service centre for fingerprinting and Emirates ID application. Emirates ID issued within 5–7 working days. The Emirates ID is the employee’s primary UAE identification and required for most official processes.
7. Residence visa stamping
After Emirates ID is issued, the residence visa is stamped into the passport by ICP. The visa is typically valid for 2 years and tied to the employer’s sponsorship.
8. Sign employment contract
Execute the written employment contract (bilingual Arabic/English, limited-term, max 3 years). Both parties sign. The employer retains a copy and the employee receives the original or a certified copy.
9. Register contract on MOHRE portal
Upload the signed employment contract to the MOHRE Tasheel portal. This creates the official labour card and links the employee to your trade licence in the MOHRE database.
10. Enrol employee in WPS
Register the employee’s bank account with your WPS agent (bank or exchange house). Ensure the account is WPS-compatible. The employee’s bank account details must be in the SIF file for the first payroll run.
11. GPSSA registration (UAE/GCC nationals only)
If the employee is a UAE or GCC national, register them with GPSSA in the first month of employment. Submit the GPSSA enrolment form with the employee’s Emirates ID and salary details.
12. Process first WPS salary
On the first pay date, generate the SIF file including the new employee, submit via your WPS agent, and ensure funds reach the employee within 15 days of the agreed pay date.
Typical UAE hiring timeline
| Step | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MOHRE work permit | Days 1–5 | Mainland; free zones may take 7–10 days |
| ICP entry permit | Days 5–8 | After work permit approval |
| Employee travel | Days 8–14 | Depends on employee availability |
| Medical + biometrics | Days 14–16 | Typically same or next day after arrival |
| Emirates ID | Days 16–23 | 5–7 days from biometrics |
| Residence visa stamp | Day 23–25 | After Emirates ID |
| Contract + MOHRE registration | Days 25–27 | Can be done before visa in many cases |
| First WPS payroll | End of first full month | Based on join date and pay cycle |
Hiring a new employee in UAE?
We manage the complete 12-step UAE hiring process — work permit, visa, contract, WPS, GPSSA — for one employee or a full team. Fixed fee per hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the process for hiring an employee in UAE?+
12 steps: MOHRE work permit, ICP entry permit, employee arrival, medical fitness test, biometrics, Emirates ID, residence visa, employment contract, MOHRE contract registration, WPS enrolment, GPSSA (if UAE/GCC national), first WPS payroll. Total: 2–4 weeks.
How long does UAE work permit processing take?+
3–5 working days for mainland MOHRE permits. Free zone work permits may take 7–10 working days depending on the authority. Expedited processing is available at some authorities for an additional fee.
Can an employee start work before the Emirates ID is issued?+
Technically, work should not commence until the residence visa and Emirates ID process is initiated, but in practice many employees start working after the medical test and biometrics (while the Emirates ID is being processed). The employment contract should be signed before work commences.
Does the employer pay for the UAE employment visa?+
Yes. The employer must bear the cost of bringing the employee to UAE — work permit, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, and visa fees. Deducting these costs from the employee’s salary is prohibited.
What if an employee fails the medical fitness test?+
The employee cannot obtain a UAE residence visa and cannot be employed on a UAE work permit. The entry permit lapses. The employer can cancel the work permit without penalty. The employee must leave UAE on or before the entry permit expiry.
When must a UAE national employee be registered with GPSSA?+
Within the first month of employment. Late registration attracts GPSSA penalties and the employer becomes liable for retroactive contributions from the first day of employment.