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Dubai employment visa: how it works (2026)

Short answer

Your employer applies for the employment visa and pays for it. It usually takes 1–4 weeks: an entry permit (valid 60 days), a medical test and Emirates ID, then a 2-year residence visa.
Updated Sep 2026

Steps

  1. 1

    Accept the offer

    You sign the MOHRE offer letter. Check the basic salary, allowances and who pays the visa: by law, your employer does, and can't charge you for it.

  2. 2

    Your employer applies for the entry permit

    They apply for a work permit and an entry permit. You send a passport copy, photo and your attested degree.

  1. 3

    Fly to Dubai

    You travel on the entry permit, which lets you stay 60 days while the residence is done (or on a visit visa if your passport allows it; the employer then changes your status inside the country).

  2. 4

    Medical test and Emirates ID

    A medical fitness test at an approved centre, then fingerprints for your Emirates ID, soon after you arrive.

  3. 5

    Residence visa and labour contract

    Your residence is issued and linked to your Emirates ID. Your employer registers the labour contract with MOHRE within 60 days of your entry.

  4. 6

    Sponsor your family

    Once your residence is issued, you can sponsor your spouse and children if you meet the salary rule.

  5. Documents

    • A job offer on the MOHRE offer form, signed by you and your employer
    • A passport valid for at least 6 months
    • Your degree certificate, attested at home and in the UAE (skill levels 1 and 2 need a bachelor's degree)
    • A medical fitness test and biometrics for your Emirates ID after you arrive

Who it suits

Good for

  • You have a job offer from a UAE company
  • You want your employer to handle the paperwork
  • You'll bring your family later

Think twice if

  • You want to change jobs often without a new sponsor
  • You want to freelance for several clients

Indian passport: you need your employer's entry permit before you fly, unless you hold a US visa or green card, or a residence permit or visa from the UK or the EU (then you can get a short visit permit, and your employer changes your status in the UAE).

Other visa routes

Job-seeker visa Green visa Freelance visa

Questions

Who pays for my employment visa?

Your employer. By UAE labour law the employer pays for the work permit, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and residence visa. A recruiter or employer asking you to pay for a visa is a warning sign.

How long does it take?

Usually 1–4 weeks from signing your offer to having your residence visa and Emirates ID.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Once your residence visa is issued you can sponsor your spouse and children if you earn at least AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 with housing provided. You pay for their visas unless your employer offers to.

Can I change jobs?

Yes. Your new employer applies for a new work permit; your current one cancels yours. Check your contract's notice period first.

This is guidance, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; check the official page (opens in a new tab) before you apply.

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