UAE Work Visa: Steps, Timeline, Costs, Renewal, and Common Mistakes
The fastest way to turn a UAE job offer into a real career is to get your work visa right the first time. Employers move quickly, approvals are time-bound, and small errors can stall weeks of progress. This guide gives you a crystal-clear, end-to-end playbook—steps, timelines, costs, documents, renewal rules, cancellation & overstay fines, visa types—and ready-to-copy sections so you can apply with confidence and start your new chapter without delays.
What Is a UAE Work Visa?
A UAE Work Visa (residency visa for employment) allows a foreign national to legally live and work in the UAE under a licensed employer. Approvals typically involve the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE), the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) / ICP, and, where applicable, free zone authorities.
Eligibility Snapshot
- Signed offer letter or employment contract from a UAE entity
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Profession aligned with education/experience (as applicable)
- Clear medical fitness results; clean legal record
Step-by-Step UAE Work Visa Process
- Offer Letter & Contract – You sign the offer (and later the labor contract) to initiate approvals.
- Work Permit (MoHRE) – Employer applies for initial work permit (a.k.a. labor approval).
- Entry Permit (eVisa) – Once issued, you can enter the UAE (or do in-country status change).
- Change of Status / Entry – If already in the UAE, your status is converted internally.
- Medical Fitness Test – Government-approved center: blood test + chest X-ray.
- Emirates ID Biometrics – ICP center fingerprints & photo; Emirates ID processing begins.
- Health Insurance – Mandatory; generally provided by the employer.
- Labor Contract Signing (MoHRE) – Digital contract signed and recorded.
- Residency Visa Stamping – Visa sticker/eVisa issuance and Emirates ID issuance.
Typical Timeline
| Stage | Indicative Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Approval | 3–7 working days | Varies by free zone/mainland & completeness |
| Entry Permit (eVisa) | 3–10 days | Valid ~60 days; can do status change if in-country |
| Medical Fitness | 1–2 days | Express options available in some emirates |
| Emirates ID Biometrics | Same day | Appointment required; keep SMS/QR handy |
| Visa Stamping / Residency | 5–7 working days | Processing differs by emirate/free zone |
| Total | ~2–4 weeks | Faster with proactive employer & complete docs |
Documents Checklist
- Passport (6+ months validity) & clear scanned copy
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Signed offer letter / employment contract
- Attested education certificates (if required for the role)
- Previous visa cancellation proof (if switching employer)
- Medical fitness report
- Emirates ID application form/receipt
- Any professional licenses (e.g., engineering, healthcare, legal)
Cost Overview (Indicative)
Note: Costs vary by free zone/mainland, company category, and fast-track options. Employers typically pay the majority of government fees for work permits and residency; employees may pay for attestation, translations, and personal incidentals.
| Cost Item | Usually Paid By | Range (AED) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit / Labor Approval | Employer | ~400–2,000+ | Depends on company category/skill level |
| Entry Permit (eVisa) | Employer | ~350–1,000 | Varies by emirate/free zone |
| Medical Fitness Test | Employer (often) | ~300–700 | Express costs more |
| Emirates ID (2 yrs) | Employer (often) | ~370–500 | Duration affects fee |
| Visa Stamping / Residency | Employer | ~500–1,200+ | Admin/service fees may apply |
| Health Insurance | Employer (mandatory) | Plan-dependent | Basic to comprehensive |
| Education Attestation | Employee (often) | ~300–800+ | Home country + UAE embassy + MOFA |
| Translations / Notary | Employee/Employer | ~100–400+ | As needed |
UAE Residence & Work Visa Types (At a Glance)
- Standard Employment Visa (Mainland / Free Zone) – Employer-sponsored; 1–3 years validity depending on zone and contract.
- Green Visa (Skilled Professional / Freelancer) – Self-sponsored for eligible professionals; typically 5-year residence with criteria (salary, degree, profession).
- Golden Visa – Long-term residency (5–10 years) for investors, exceptional talent, specialized professionals, top students, etc.; wider family sponsorship benefits.
- Domestic Worker Visa – For roles like nanny/housekeeper/driver under household sponsorship; separate rules & contracts.
- Freelance Permit + Residence (in select free zones) – Work as an independent professional; combine permit with residence options offered by the zone.
Renewal: Validity, Timing, and What to Prepare
- Validity: Employment visas are commonly issued for 1–3 years (free zones often 2 years; mainland may vary).
- Start Early: Begin renewal 30–60 days before expiry to avoid fines or ID lapses.
- Requirements: Updated medical fitness (if required), active insurance, renewed contract, valid passport, and employer’s sponsorship validity.
- Emirates ID: Renewed alongside residence; keep biometrics appointment if requested.
Cancellation & Overstay Fines
Visa Cancellation
- Employer typically initiates work permit & residence cancellation when you resign/are released.
- Post-cancellation, a grace period is granted to exit or change status (duration may vary by regulation and visa type).
- Clear all dues, ensure labor cancellation and GDRFA/ICP cancellation are complete, and collect service certificates if applicable.
Overstay Fines (Indicative)
- Fines apply after grace period expiry or visa expiry.
- Amounts can differ by emirate/visa category; always regularize status promptly to avoid accumulating penalties.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Rejections
- Profession–Qualification Mismatch: Applying for regulated roles without proper degree/licenses.
- Unattested Certificates: Missing attestation from home country and UAE MOFA when required.
- Expired or Damaged Passport: Less than 6 months validity or unclear scans/photos.
- Entry Permit Lapse: Not entering the UAE or changing status within the permit’s validity window.
- Medical Test Failures: Non-clear medical status halts residence issuance.
- Insurance Gaps: Missing mandatory health insurance delays stamping.
- Contract/Portal Delays: Slow signing or portal errors—monitor SMS/emails and follow up.
Process Summary
UAE WORK VISA – QUICK STEPS
1) Offer & Contract signed
2) Work Permit (MoHRE)
3) Entry Permit (or in-country status change)
4) Medical Fitness + Emirates ID biometrics
5) Health Insurance active
6) Labor Contract recorded
7) Residency Visa issued + Emirates ID delivered
After Your Visa Is Issued
- Collect Emirates ID and verify details
- Open a bank account and set up salary transfer
- Sign a tenancy contract (if required) to access services
- Family Sponsorship: Once eligible (income/tenancy/insurance criteria), you can sponsor spouse, children, and in some cases parents—prepare attested marriage/birth certificates and adequate housing & insurance.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
How long does the whole process take? Around 2–4 weeks with complete documents and active employer follow-up.
Do I need to exit the UAE? Not necessarily—status change is possible if you’re already in the country with an eligible status.
Who pays for what? Employers typically cover core government/visa/insurance fees; candidates often pay for personal document attestation and translations unless agreed otherwise.
Can I switch employers? Yes—ensure proper cancellation, NOC/notice compliance (as per contract), and new work permit issuance.
Looking for Verified UAE Jobs?
Apply to curated openings across sales, hospitality, finance, IT, construction, retail, and more:
jobs.nepaleseinuae.com.
Build your profile once, upload your updated CV, and track applications—so recruiters can find you faster.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Approval
- Keep PDF + editable Word versions of your CV ready
- Use your passport name consistently across all forms
- Book medical and biometrics as soon as you receive SMS/QR
- Save all receipts, SMS, and reference numbers
- Renew your visa 30–60 days before expiry
Your goal isn’t just a visa stamp—it’s a smooth landing into the UAE job market. Follow the steps, prepare the right documents, renew on time, and avoid the common pitfalls that cause delays. When you’re ready, explore real openings at jobs.nepaleseinuae.com, send a sharp CV, and turn your offer into a confident first day at work.