The UAE’s dynamic and growing economy attracts talent from all over the world. For foreign nationals to legally work in the country, they must obtain an **Employment Visa** (also known as a work permit). This visa is sponsored by the employer and is a mandatory requirement for any non-GCC national taking up employment in the UAE. The process is managed by the **Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)** and the immigration authorities. [1]
For employers, understanding and efficiently managing the employment visa process is crucial for onboarding new talent smoothly. For employees, it is the key to starting a new chapter of their career in the UAE. The process involves several steps and requires careful coordination between the employer, the employee, and various government departments.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the UAE Employment Visa process for 2025, outlining the responsibilities of both the employer and the employee. And to ensure a compliant and hassle-free experience, T4me offers comprehensive PRO services to manage this entire process for you.
The Employment Visa Process: An Overview
The process can be broken down into three main stages:
- Entry Permit (Pink Visa): Obtaining an initial permit that allows the employee to enter the UAE for the purpose of employment.
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID: Completing the mandatory health screening and identity card application.
- Residence Visa Stamping: The final step where the long-term residence visa is stamped in the employee’s passport.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Employment Visa Process
Stage 1: Obtaining the Entry Permit
Employer’s Responsibilities:
- Quota Approval: The employer must first have an approved visa quota for the position from MOHRE.
- Job Offer Letter: A formal job offer, compliant with MOHRE standards, must be issued to the employee.
- Work Permit Application: The employer applies for the work permit from MOHRE. This involves submitting the job offer and the employee’s documents.
- Entry Permit Application: Once the work permit is approved, the employer applies for the entry permit (also known as the pink visa) from the immigration authorities (GDRFA).
Employee’s Responsibilities:
- Sign the Offer Letter: The employee must sign the formal job offer letter.
- Provide Documents: The employee needs to provide the employer with a clear passport copy and passport-sized photographs.
Stage 2: Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
Employee’s Responsibilities:
- Enter the UAE: The employee must enter the UAE using the entry permit within 60 days of its issuance.
- Medical Fitness Test: Within 60 days of entering the UAE, the employee must undergo a medical fitness test at a government-approved medical center. The test screens for communicable diseases like HIV and Tuberculosis.
- Emirates ID Biometrics: The employee must visit an Emirates ID service center to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Stage 3: Residence Visa Stamping
Employer’s Responsibilities:
- Submit Application: The employer submits the visa stamping application to the immigration authorities, along with the employee’s original passport, medical test results, and Emirates ID application.
- Health Insurance: The employer must provide the employee with valid health insurance.
Final Step:
- Visa Stamping: The residence visa, typically valid for two years, is stamped in the employee’s passport. The employee can then officially start working.
How T4me (t4me.com) Streamlines the Employment Visa Process
Managing the employment visa process for multiple employees can be a significant administrative burden for companies. T4me’s corporate PRO services are designed to take this entire process off your hands.
Our services include:
- End-to-End Visa Processing: We manage the entire process for you, from applying for the work permit to the final visa stamping.
- Document Management: We ensure all documents are correctly prepared and submitted, minimizing the risk of delays or rejections.
- Employee Assistance: We guide your new employees through the medical test and Emirates ID process.
- Renewal Reminders: We keep track of visa expiry dates and manage the renewal process for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does the employment visa process take?
The entire process can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the efficiency of document submission and government processing times.
2. Can an employee work while the visa is under process?
Legally, an employee should only start working after the residence visa has been stamped in their passport.
3. What happens if an employee fails the medical test?
If an employee fails the medical test for a communicable disease, they will be deemed medically unfit and will not be issued a residence visa. They will be required to leave the country.
4. Can I bring my family to the UAE on an employment visa?
Once your employment visa is stamped, you can then sponsor your family (spouse and children) for residence visas, provided you meet the minimum salary requirement.
5. What is the difference between a work permit and a residence visa?
The work permit, issued by MOHRE, gives you the right to work. The residence visa, issued by immigration, gives you the right to live in the UAE. For employment, you need both.
Conclusion: Your Gateway to a Career in the UAE
The UAE Employment Visa is the essential key that unlocks the door to a professional career in this vibrant country. While the process is detailed and requires careful attention to compliance, it is a well-trodden path.
By understanding the steps and responsibilities, both employers and employees can navigate the process successfully. For a truly seamless experience, partnering with a professional PRO service provider like T4me can save you time, reduce stress, and ensure your new hires are onboarded efficiently and in full compliance with UAE law.
Contact T4me (t4me.com) today to learn more about our corporate PRO and employment visa services. Let us handle the paperwork, so you can focus on building your team.
References
[1] U.AE. “Work and residence permits.” u.ae, 2023, https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/work-and-residence-permits.