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Employee Visa

Reliable & Fast Support for Employee Onboarding

The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a global hub for international professionals. With a GDP of ~$548.6 billion USD and over 3.5 million expatriate workers, the UAE offers:

  • Tax-free income for residents;
  • High salaries in key sectors (IT, finance, engineering, healthcare);
  • Family sponsorship opportunities;
  • Pathway to long-term residency (Green Visa, Golden Visa).

An Employee Visa (Work Visa) is the standard route for professionals who have secured a job offer from UAE-based companies. The visa is valid for 2 years and is renewable.

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                  "Work visa" for persons who have entered into an employment contract with a local company. The employer sponsors the employee by applying for a visa for a period of 2 years.

01


2-year residency visa.

02


Allows you to sponsor immediate family — a spouse and children.

03


Allows you to submit for a Golden Visa as a manager if you were holding a managerial position with a monthly salary above AED 30 000 for at least 6 months.

Process of Obtaining Employee Visa

01


Submit your documents to the employer (a passport, your address and other information).

02


Sign an employment contract if necessary, depending on a free zone where are you going to be employed.

03


Receive an entry visa if you are outside the UAE (if you are inside the UAE, you will undergo a change of status which adds to the cost of the visa and to the time of the visa processing).

04


Enter the country and stamp e-visa at the customs.

05


Submit you stamped visa to your employer.

06


Attend medical and biometrics.

07


Receive your residency visa.

08


Receive your Emirates ID.

                  On the side of an employer the process is much more complicated. Depending on the place of the company incorporation employers might need to obtain a medical insurance, register employees in Wage Protection System and comply with other requirements besides just applying for a visa and arranging medical for the future employees.
For instance, Dubai Internation Financial Centre requires you to enroll with DEWS – end of services benefit program — employer should register the company and employees in this program and make monthly contributions for each employee.

Types of Work Visas in UAE

Visa Type

For Whom

Validity

Key Features

Employee Visa (Work Visa)

Professionals with employment contract

2 years

Employer-sponsored

Green Visa

Skilled professionals, freelancers

5 years

Self-sponsored, greater flexibility

Golden Visa

High earners (AED 30,000+/month), exceptional talent

5-10 years

Long-term residency with family benefits

Freelancer Permit

Independent professionals

1-2 years

Work legally with multiple clients

In-Demand Sectors and Salary Ranges in UAE

Sector

Sample Roles

Average Annual Salary (AED)

IT & Technology

Software Engineer, Data Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist

150,000-300,000

Finance & Banking

Accountant, Risk Manager, Investment Analyst

160,000-320,000

Engineering

Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer

140,000-280,000

Healthcare

Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist

120,000-360,000

Logistics & Aviation

Operations Manager, Supply Chain Specialist

130,000-250,000

Marketing & Media

Digital Marketing Manager, Content Strategist

90,000-180,000

*1 AED ≈ 0.27 USD | Data current as of 2025

FAQ

01

What are the requirements for UAE Employee Visa applicants?
02

What should the company verify before hiring a new employee?
03

Who is responsible for the costs of processing an Employee Visa?
04

Can an employee open a bank account in the UAE?

What documents are required for an Employee Visa?

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months);
  • Passport-size photograph (4x6 cm, white background);
  • Employment contract copy;
  • Educational certificates (attested for certain professions);
  • Medical fitness certificate (completed after arrival in UAE).

Can I change employers on an Employee Visa?

Yes, but it requires:

  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer;
  • Completion of "ban period" (can be up to 1 year depending on contract terms);
  • New employer must file a visa transfer application.

How can I transition to a Green Visa or Golden Visa?

  • Green Visa: For skilled professionals, no employer sponsorship required, 5-year validity, self-sponsored;
  • Golden Visa: For managers earning AED 30,000+ per month for at least 6 months, 5-10 year validity, long-term residency.

What happens if I resign or am terminated?

  • You have a 30-60 day grace period to find a new employer or exit the UAE;
  • Visa is cancelled by the employer through GDRFA system;
  • Option to convert to tourist visa to continue job search;
  • Some free zones offer more flexible terms.

Get a Free Consultation

  • Get answers to all your questions in 15 minutes
  • Receive an accurate cost estimate for your specific case
  • Develop a step-by-step action plan

WhatsApp: +971 55 158 3500

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