How to Get a UAE Work Visa from Outside the Country (2025 Guide)
With tax-free salaries, world-class infrastructure, and a free business environment, the United Arab Emirates remains one of the world’s favorite places for skilled professionals. If you are yet overseas and preparing to relocate to the UAE to work, being aware of the formal work visa process will be worth it by saving you time, money, and frustration.
This guide explains, in plain language, how it all happens in 2025 who does what, which gates you’ll use, what paperwork you’ll need, and what to expect when you get there. It also points out alternatives (like the Jobseeker Visa and the Virtual Work Visa) that may be appropriate for some types.
Note: UAE labor and immigration policies are digital-first and continuously revised. Always double-check significant steps on the UAE Government Portal (uae), MOHRE, ICP, and GDRFA Dubai if your employer is in Dubai.
Work Authorization in the UAE: How It’s Organized (Who’s Who)
It is helpful to know the organizations involved prior to getting into steps:
MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) issues work permits and controls private-sector labor relations (mainland companies). There are a number of different types of permits, including hiring a foreign worker and part-time/temporary.
ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) controls entry permits, residency, and Emirates ID at the federal level (all emirates except some Dubai-specific front-ends).
GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs) handles entry permits/residency for Dubai specifically (front-end for the majority of Dubai employers).
In short: your sponsor gets a MOHRE work permit applied for, and a work entry permit is subsequently released (ICP/GDRFA). You travel to the UAE, get medical fitness, Emirates ID biometrics, and residency stamped/issued, and your work permit gets activated through your labour contract.
Visa Options Leading to Work (and When to Apply Them)
Standard Employment (Residency) Visa + Work Permit
For most expats who have an employment offer from a UAE-registered company. The employer sponsors the process on behalf of MOHRE and ICP (or GDRFA Dubai).
Free Zone Employment Visa
If your employer is in a free zone, free zone authority sponsors the process. The process is identical (entry permit → medical → Emirates ID → residence), but information is processed via the free zone’s system.
Green Visa (Skilled Employee)
A self-supported, extended residence for eligible skilled professionals who go over salary/qualification thresholds; you still need to have a legitimate job/contract to work for a company.
Visit Visa to Look for Job Opportunities (Jobseeker Visa)
If you have not yet found a job but must travel to the UAE to search, Dubai offers an appearance visa to search for jobs (no local sponsor; degree required). It does not allow you to work; it is for searching for jobs.
Virtual Work (Remote Work) Visa
Entitles you to live in the UAE while remotely working for a foreign employer outside the UAE. It is not a UAE employer work visa but it is a valid way of being resident and keeping your overseas employment.
The Economic Times
Step-by-Step: How to Get a UAE Work Visa from Abroad
Step 1: Receive a Formal Job Offer
A UAE company (mainland or free zone) must issue a written job offer that delineates your job title, salary, and benefits. The company to be hired must be registered and in good standing.
Step 2: Employer Seeks a MOHRE Work Permit (Outside-UAE Recruitment)
Your employer (or their PRO/typing center) submits an application for a work permit to recruit an employee from overseas via MOHRE’s online services. Depending on your type of employment contract, they may submit under standard, part-time, or temporary categories.
What you may need to provide to the employer at this point:
Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Passport photo against white background
Certified education/experience certificates (for protected occupations)
Any profession-specific approvals (where applicable)
Tip: Make sure your name, passport number, and spelling match across all documents.
Once the work permit is approved, an employment entry permit (sometimes called a “pink visa” historically) is issued via ICP (federally) or GDRFA Dubai (if your sponsor is based in Dubai). You’ll receive a digital copy to print for travel.
Where it’s done:
ICP Smart Services (most emirates): application, status check, and downloads.
Smart Services
GDRFA Dubai / Amer (sponsors in Dubai): front-end portals and centres of service.
Step 4: Enter the UAE on the Employment Entry Permit
Travel to the UAE on the entry permit. Don’t show up on a tourist visa in case your employer plans to seal the employment immediately; travel on the work entry permit issued to avoid future status change.
Step 5: Medical Fitness Examination
All applicants of an employment visa are required to undergo a medical fitness test in any approved government facility after arrival. This generally consists of a blood test and chest X-ray.
Step 6: Emirates ID Application & Biometrics
Your employer (or PRO) initiates your Emirates ID application via ICP. You’ll receive an appointment for biometrics (fingerprints/photo) at an ICP center. The Emirates ID serves as your resident identity card after your residency is issued.
Step 7: Labour Contract Signing
You will sign an MOHRE labour contract (or free zone contract). Check the salary, working hours, holidays, probation, notice period, and benefits prior to signing. The contract is registered online.
Step 8: Activation of Health Insurance
Numerous emirates necessitate health insurance for residence issuance (compulsory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi). Your employer will usually organize this.
Step 9: Issuance of Residency (Visa “Stamping” Goes Online)
After cleared medical and biometrics, your residence visa is released. In most instances, visa “stamping” in the passport has moved to digital residency linked to your Emirates ID, which can be downloaded as an e-residence via ICP. Dubai instances are pre-loaded by GDRFA.
Step 10: Work Permit Activation & Commence Work
After you receive residency and your work permit is activated against the registered contract, you can start work legally with your sponsor. Online MOHRE services are increasingly availed by employers for faster processing and renewals.
Documents Required (Typical Checklist)
Employers make most submissions but must prepare high-quality scans of:
Passport (6+ months validity, clear machine-readable zone)
Passport-size photograph (white background)
Signed job offer / employment contract
Attested academic/professional certificates (if required)
Professional license/eligibility (in regulated professions—healthcare, education, engineering, etc.)
Letters of previous experience (if needed)
Neat police clearance certificate (sometimes required for certain work)
Marriage/birth certificates (if sponsoring future family members—must be attested for UAE)
Always check the latest accepted attestation and legalization procedures for your country of issue.
Timelines: How Long Does It Take?
Processing time varies with employer readiness, your profession, and the emirate/free zone:
MOHRE pre-approval for work permit: some working days for straightforward cases (can be variable)
Granting of entry permit: shortly after permit approval
Post-arrival procedures (medical, biometrics, residence): typically 1–3 weeks depending on appointments and insurance
As flows are now digitally streamlined (and improving), most employers are able to have the process completed faster than in earlier years especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Always refer to your own company’s calendar.
Fees: What You (Usually) Pay vs. What the Employer Pays
Employers cover the labour contract fees, residency, Emirates ID, medical, entry permit, and work permit fees for sponsored employees (company policies differ).
You may be paying for document attestations, translation, and any police clearance from the country of origin if needed.
Beware of a recruiter asking you to pay for a “guaranteed job” or asking for payment for a work permit. Legitimate recruitment agencies in the UAE have no fees to charge candidates.
Mainland vs. Free Zone: What’s Different?
Mainland (MOHRE): You can work wherever you want within the UAE; labour relations fall under MOHRE; company is licensed by the Department of Economy & Tourism (or equivalent emirate).
Free Zone: Your sponsor is the free zone company; labour law is governed by the free zone authority’s rules; you work normally under that company’s licensed activity.
Practical difference to you: Process steps similarly, but day-to-day management (portals, letters, NOCs) may go through the free zone authority rather than MOHRE for some items.
Special Permit Categories Worth Knowing
The UAE has several acknowledged work permit categories to suit modern labour needs:
Standard outside-UAE recruitment permit (classic new hire)
Transfer permit (switch from one employer to another)
Part-time permit (legally work for more than a single employer; limited hours)
Temporary permit (one-off task for a limited period)
Family-sponsored work permit (residents sponsored by relatives who also work)
These types let employers hire flexibly and enable professionals to remain in compliance.
Can I Come First and Find a Job?
Yes but not tourist visa if your aim is more than short-term job seeking. Look at the Jobseeker Visa (visit visa to search for jobs) permitting entry without a sponsor and aimed at job searching, not employment. After being employed, your new employer can change your status and sponsor your work/residence. Conditions are required passport, photograph, and university degree.
Virtual Work Visa: Remain in the UAE, Foreign Employer Employee
If you plan to stay in the UAE but continue your non-UAE work, the Virtual Work (Remote Work) Visa is a lawful alternative. It’s a one-year residence (renewable) that does not require local sponsorship. You can’t work for a UAE employer on this visa, but many remote workers use it to get settled in the UAE.
Once You Have Your Work Visa: What’s Next?
Read your contract (probation, notice, leave, overtime, end-of-service) carefully.
Safe-guard your Emirates ID; it is usually required for a lot of services (banking, housing, telecom).
Download electronic versions of your e-visa/e-residence from ICP/GDRFA for travel.
Find out about your rights and obligations under UAE labour law (working hours, leave, avenues for resolving disputes through MOHRE).
Common Reasons for Delays or Rejections (and How to Avoid Them)
Inconsistent document details (spelling of names or incorrect dates).
Solution: Same spelling on passport, certificates, and forms.
Unverified certificates for licensed professions.
Solution: Get full attestation/legalization through your home country and UAE missions before applying.
Expired passport (less than 6 months’ validity).
Solution: Renew before you begin.
No health insurance (where applicable for residence issuance).
Solution: Get your employer to advance your policy.
Incorrect visa category (e.g., coming on tourist visa when an employment entry permit is issued).
Travel on the right entry permit to avoid subsequent status changes.
Taking Your Family Along Later (Dependents)
Once your residency is activated and your income/tenancy reach thresholds, you can sponsor your spouse and kids. You’ll need attested marriage and birth certificates, an active tenancy contract, and proofs of income. (Specific thresholds and rules vary; consult u.ae and local authority websites for current criteria.)
FAQs
Q: Can I pay someone to “rush” my visa?
A: Legally, only your PRO/employer can process your application through official means. Avoid making any unofficial payments or “guarantees.”
Q: Do I need to cancel a previous UAE visa first?
A: If you had UAE residence previously, it should have been cancelled or expired before a new one is issued. GDRFA/ICP provide official FAQs as well as cancellation and status check services.
ID & Foreign Affairs Directorate
Q: How long is the work residence valid?
A: Most work residencies are granted for two years (dependent on category/free zone). Renew before expiration through your employer portal.
Q: Can I change jobs later?
A: Yes dependent on MOHRE transfer permits, contract duration, and notice periods. Your new employer will have to apply for a transfer or new permit.
Quick Step-By-Step Summary (Checklist)
Job offer from a UAE employer.
Employer applies for MOHRE work permit (outside-UAE recruitment).
Obtain entry permit through ICP/GDRFA; you receive a soft copy.
Travel to UAE on that entry permit.
Medical fitness test at the approved center.
Emirates ID application & biometrics through ICP.
Smart Services
Labour contract signed & registered (MOHRE/free zone).
Health insurance activated.
Residency issued (soft copy visa attached to Emirates ID).
Smart Services
Work permit active → start work; keep copies of all e-docs.
The Economic Times
Pro Tips to Make It Effortless
Scan & save PDFs of passport, photo, and certificates at high res.
Use the same email and mobile number across forms to receive OTPs and updates.
Name consistency matters (e.g., middle names).
Plan medical and biometrics in advance after reaching to capture entry-permit validity windows.
Request HR to provide access numbers to applications so that you can track progress on ICP/GDRFA portals.
If your business is Dubai-based, familiarize yourself with Amer/GDRFA service centers for queries.
Last Word
Getting a UAE work visa overseas is a piece of cake after you are aware of the chain: MOHRE work permit → Entry permit → Arrival → Medical → Emirates ID → Residency → Activation of work permit. With digital government services on the rise, employers are able to process faster and with fewer paper jams if your documents are clean and in harmony.