Can a work permit be transferred to a new employer in Dubai?

A Dubai work permit can be transferred if the new employer obtains MOHRE approval and the applicant meets all regulatory conditions. EGSH assists with the complete Dubai work permit transfer process.

Can I sponsor my family after obtaining a work visa in the UAE?

Yes. Provided they meet the salary and accommodation requirements set by the GDRFA, UAE employment visa holders may sponsor their spouse, children and, in some cases, parents.

What happens if my UAE employment visa application is rejected?

A visa may be rejected due to incomplete documents, non-compliance, medical issues or employer violations.

Is a medical test required for the UAE employment visa?

Yes. All applicants must pass a medical fitness test at a government-approved medical centre. The UAE employment visa medical test screens for infectious diseases and must be completed before residency stamping.

How can I apply for a work visa in Dubai through a licensed employer?

To apply for a work visa in Dubai, the process must be initiated by a licensed UAE employer. The employer submits a job offer and applies for a work permit via MOHRE. Once approved, the GDRFA issues an entry permit valid for 60 days. Individuals cannot apply for a Dubai work visa independently of their employer. A valid company sponsor and compliance with all legal procedures are mandatory.

How long is the working visa valid in Dubai?

A standard Dubai working visa issued under employer sponsorship is valid for a period of two years. The validity is tied to the employer’s trade licence and the duration of the employment contract. Renewal must be processed before expiry to maintain legal residency and work status.

Can a tourist or visit visa be converted to an employment visa?

Yes. Applicants already in the UAE on a tourist or visit visa may apply for a status change if an employer sponsors them. The process involves a work permit and issuance of the employment entry visa from within the country.

Employment Visa in UAE – Residence visa for working in the UAE

Employment Visa Services in the UAE

Official UAE Work Visa Processing Through EGSH

EGSH is an authorised Amer Centre providing full support for UAE employment visa applications in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Through EGSH, applicants complete all mandatory steps for obtaining UAE employment residency—including work permit issuance, entry permit activation, medical fitness testing, Emirates ID procedures and final GDRFA residency stamping. All submissions are processed through official government systems during your visit.

Why EGSH:

Government-authorised Amer Centre
Full support with MOHRE and GDRFA procedures
VIP service with no queues
Government-regulated fees

Most employment visa applications are completed within 7–10 working days, depending on medical fitness and Emirates ID issuance.

Apply for an Employment Visa in Dubai

Officially regulated fees
No hidden charges
Queue-free service
VIP support at no extra cost

From AED 79

+971 4 612 1810

Visit EGSH

Visit EGSH during working hours for VIP, queue-free service, or book your visit online. Our consultant reviews your current UAE status and confirms the requirements for your employment visa.

Employer Work Permit

Your employer applies for the work permit and employment contract approval through MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority. After the approval is issued and the employment entry permit is generated, you may begin the residency procedures.

Entry Permit Activation

EGSH processes your GDRFA employment entry permit in the UAE (or upon arrival), completes the status change where required, and prepares your file for residency procedures.

Residency Stamping

Once the entry permit is active, you complete the mandatory medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics. EGSH finalises your GDRFA residency stamping, and your UAE employment visa is issued electronically.

Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues

You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.

Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai

Operating hours
Monday–Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

Call +971 4 612 1810 WhatsApp

Passport & Photos

Valid passport (6+ months) and recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.

Job Offer & Contract

MOHRE-approved job offer letter and signed standard employment contract.

Educational Certificates

Attested academic or professional certificates (if required by job category).

Employer Trade Licence

Copy of the sponsoring company’s valid trade licence and establishment card.

Take a 3D Tour of EGSH

VIP Service

Personal assistance and priority processing with no queues.

Affordable Fees

Official government rates with transparent, fixed pricing.

All Services in One Place

Comprehensive range of UAE government services under one roof.

One-Visit Completion

Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the centre.

What Is an Employment Visa in the UAE

An employment visa in the UAE is a residence permit issued to foreign nationals sponsored by a licensed employer. The visa is processed through MOHRE for private-sector work permits or through the relevant free zone authority, and viaGDRFA/ICP for entry permits and residency stamping.

The process begins with an approved work entry permit, allowing the applicant to enter or remain in the UAE for 60 days to complete all mandatory steps, including the medical fitness examination, Emirates ID biometrics and final residency endorsement. Once the residency permit is issued, the holder may legally live and work in the UAE under employer sponsorship.

An employment visa is required for all salaried positions in the UAE and is issued only when the employer and applicant meet the federal residency and labour requirements.

Stages of the UAE Employment Visa Process

The UAE employment visa process consists of several regulated steps handled through MOHRE (for private-sector work permits) and the GDRFA or ICP (for entry permits and residency issuance).

Work Permit Approval (MOHRE or Free Zone Authority)
The employer obtains approval for the work permit by issuing the job offer and employment contract through MOHRE (private sector) or the applicable free zone authority.
Employment Entry Permit (GDRFA/ICP)
After work permit approval, an employment entry permit is issued, allowing the applicant to enter or remain in the UAE for 60 days to complete residency procedures.
Medical Fitness Examination
The applicant undergoes mandatory medical testing at an approved government medical centre.
Emirates ID Biometrics (ICP)
Biometric enrollment is completed as part of the Emirates ID application, which is required for residency issuance.
Residency Visa Stamping (GDRFA)
The passport is processed for residency endorsement, completing the UAE employment visa procedure.
Work Permit Activation
For private-sector employers, MOHRE activates the work permit after residency issuance, allowing the employee to begin work legally.

When an Employment Visa Is Required in the UAE

A UAE employment visa is required for any foreign national who will work for a licensed UAE employer. It is mandatory in the following situations:

Joining a UAE company in the private sector, government or free zone.
Changing employers, where the work permit and residency must be transferred to the new sponsor.
Converting a visit or tourist visa to an employment visa when the applicant is already in the country.
Domestic workers, who must be sponsored under the authorised domestic worker category.

Employment without an approved work permit and residency visa is prohibited under UAE labour and immigration laws.

Employment termination often requires residence visa cancellation.

Eligibility and Special Conditions for Obtaining a UAE Work Visa

To apply for a UAE employment visa, both the applicant and the sponsoring employer must meet the requirements set by MOHRE and the GDRFA.

Applicant Eligibility

Valid passport (minimum 6 months).
Medical fitness clearance.
Attested qualifications where required for the specific occupation.

Employer Eligibility

Valid trade licence and establishment card.
MOHRE approval for private-sector companies or equivalent approval for free zone entities.
No pending labour or immigration violations.

Special Conditions

A UAE-licensed employer must provide sponsorship.
All residency steps must be completed within the 60-day entry permit validity.
Additional rules may apply for regulated professions or specific nationalities.

These requirements ensure full legal compliance throughout the UAE employment visa process.

Government Fees for the UAE Employment Visa

MOHRE, GDRFA and ICP regulate UAE employment visa fees. The total cost varies depending on the employer’s MOHRE classification, company category, applicant’s status (within the borders of or outside the UAE) and free zone requirements.

Typical government charges include:

MOHRE work permit fees (based on company category).
GDRFA entry permit and residency issuance fees.
Medical fitness testing charges.
Emirates ID issuance fees.
Knowledge and Innovation Dirham applied to each transaction.

A detailed fee breakdown is provided by EGSH after reviewing the employer’s category and applicant details.

Many employment visa applications require a valid police clearance certificate as part of background checks.

Consequences of Non-Compliance or Incomplete Documentation

Non-compliant or incomplete information can delay or prevent the issuance of a UAE employment visa. Authorities review all employer and applicant details before approving the work permit and residency visa.

Typical consequences include:

Application delays due to missing or inaccurate data.
Work permit rejection if job details, qualifications or company compliance do not meet MOHRE requirements.
Residency refusal if medical fitness, biometrics or entry permit data are inconsistent.
Fines and penalties for working without an approved work permit or before residency stamping.

Accurate documentation ensures timely processing and prevents administrative violations.

Where to Complete the UAE Employment Visa Process

The UAE employment visa process is completed through authorised government channels:

Amer Centres (such as EGSH)—Processing GDRFA entry permits, status changes, residency stamping and Emirates ID submissions.
MOHRE Digital Platforms—Private-sector employers submit work permit applications through their MOHRE corporate accounts.
Free Zone Portals—Free zone companies apply for work permits through their respective free zone authority systems.
ICP/GDRFA Online Services—Entry permits, Emirates ID and residency issuance are processed through the relevant Emirates immigration system.

These channels ensure full legal compliance and accurate recording of all residency and labour actions.

Explained by

Amna Issa Abbas

Visa & AMER Services Consultant at EGSH

Amna Issa Abbas is a dedicated AMER centre service provider with two years of proven experience in delivering immigration and customer services, supporting clients, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

About the Expert

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Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Employment Visa

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Great service and quick turnaround time with EGSH Emirates Government Services Hub. A special thank you to Maria Claudia Garcia for the support throughout — very knowledgeable about the process, very responsive with proper follow up. Thank you.

Excellent service! Ms. Zara was very professional, kind, and helpful throughout the entire process. Everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. Highly recommended. Thank you, Zara!

I had a fantastic experience processing visa applications for my wife and three children at EGSH. The entire process was incredibly smooth, and the team provided helpful guidance at every step of the way.

Hassle-free experience at this center! Mr. Amir was really helpful and professional! And about the center itself, it has a good capacity and the infrastructure to handle a lot of clients at the same time so your time will not be wasted, waiting in line here.

It was truly exceptional services at EGSH specially customer support and guidance provided by Mr. Amir for our golden visa process. Would strongly recommend.

Best place for all government cases

Excellent service, very smooth and fast. Maria was taking care of my case and she did an amazing work! Muchas gracias

Our license renewal experience was excellent: very efficient and great service (thank you Jessica). Will definitely use this service center only going forward.

Zara efficiently expedites visa, trade license, and various government-related work requests through a single communication channel.

Fantastic customer service, Zara was very professional and extremely helpful. What a great experience, Ejari done in no time at all.

I have completed 3 Ejari applications and am always amazed at how helpful the staff here is. They go out of their way to help and make it a single visit affair! Keep up the great job EGSH!!!

Professional place, thanks for Amir for his support, very helpful!

Very reliable and professional service. Fast processing and great communication from start to finish. Mr. Amir was extremely helpful and provided top-level customer service. Definitely recommend EGSH Emirates Government Services Hub.

I Had a Great Experience with EGHS. Mr Amir was my advisor and the person who handled my documents Fast and efficiently for process of Golden Visa

Dear Team EGSH I would like to sincerely express my appreciation and gratitude for the outstanding support and assistance provided by Zara Moshiri

Maybe the best service what I ever got in Dubai! Zara Moshiri is very friendly, very professional and always available within few minutes. Im recommending this location and specially Zara to everyone of my friends, all had the same perfect experience! Thank you! Wishing to meet everywhere this kind of perfect service!

I had a great experience with Emirates Government Services Hub. Huge thanks to Ms. Zara Moshiri for being incredibly supportive, and professional during the entire process. She followed up with us carefully and made sure everything was handled smoothly and quickly.

I had a wonderful experience with Emirates Government Services Hub. Ms. Zara Moshiri was extremely kind, supportive, and professional throughout the entire process. She truly cared about helping us and made everything feel easy and stress-free.

Fast and convenient. Maria was super helpful, kept me up to date and also checked up on whether the ID was received. She kept close and made sure everything went well. Thank you

One of the best place for your government services in UAE, I would like to share my personal experience, I wanted my PCC for my previous stay in UAE. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get through online system, as I was located outside UAE. I approach them, they handled with high professionalism and provided me with PCC within same day. I highly recommend their service. Thank you so much.

I had a very smooth and positive experience with EGSH. I would especially like to thank Maria Claudia Garcia for her outstanding support throughout the entire process of getting my ID.

Zara was excellent. Definitely ask for her to assist you. Went above and beyond to help

Thank you Zara Moshiri and the team for support and attention.

I applied for my residency through Ms. Zara, and my process was completed in the best and fastest way possible. Everything was excellent. Thank you to Ms. Zara and her professional team.

I had a great experience with Tasheel services. The process was smooth, well-organized, and much faster than I expected. The staff were professional and helpful throughout.

Received amazing service from Maria Claudia Garcia. She is was knowledgeable and got my application processed in few days.

Thank you Zara, excellent service and support nice and quick service

Great staff convenience location thanks Zara

Went in for a quick ejari registration and was helped by Zara; the process was very quick and Zara was extremely helpful and kind. Thank you!

Everything is amazing, thank you Mounir

Zara was absolutely amazing, kind, helpful and professional 💯 She got my work done efficiently and quickly as I truly appreciate her services and the services 💯 …

I had a great experience at EGSH Dubai. Zara was incredibly helpful, attentive, and made the whole process of getting a copy of my ID quick and effortless. Everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. Highly recommend their service!

Excellent service! Everything was smooth and professional from start to finish. Special thanks to Zara for her kind and helpful assistance—she made the whole experience even better. Highly recommended!

Perfect place to get Government related services, also for property transfer services.

Thank to Zara who assisted for Golden visa for property owner. She was there step by step and the process was seamlessly.

I want to thank the manager Reman for his prompt assistance and support, I applied for a visa for family members, everything was done on time

Hello, I visited this office today and I really enjoyed their service, expertise, kindness, and approach, especially Ms. Zara, who helped and guided me with great openness and patience.

Best service ever. Special thanks to Mirabelle — she is extremely efficient with property transfers and always makes the process smooth and hassle-free.

Big thanks to ZARA for her amazing support! She was extremely helpful when my employee approval got stuck in the Amer system. She went the extra mile to sort it out quickly. Her responsiveness made all the difference, greatly appreciated!!!

Very professional and friendly. They made the property transfer easy and smooth. Golden visa process seamless and thanks to Maya that all the staff (In particular to Maya!!!).

Zara was very helpful and professional. All the documents were submitted very fast by her and the service we received were very efficient. Highly recommend!

Natalia was very professional, she was a pleasure to deal with. Answering my questions, always responsive to phone calls and very prompt at providing updates at each stage of golden visa application which was very quick to process.

had an excellent experience with EGSH. They truly live up to their promise of one-stop government services, handling everything with efficiency and professionalism from start to finish.

I had a wonderful experience. She provided outstanding service with great professionalism and care. Everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. I truly appreciate her dedication and would definitely recommend her services to others

Zara helped to get my Ejari completed. I recommend service here

Maria Claudia garcia helped me to renew my kids Emirates id. She went the extra mile to help me and she was so efficient and her communication skills are amazing. I would recommend the ESGH Emirates government services in barsha anytime. Thank you Maria for your help

Such a great service with an amazing and friendly environment and i would like to specially thank zara for her exceptional professionalism and support.

Had a great experience at Emirates Government Service Hub. Zara Moshiri truly went above and beyond to help me with my visa. I was facing a few issues during the process, and she handled everything patiently and professionally until it was sorted. Really grateful for her support — definitely ask for her when you visit this branch.

I would like to recognize the exceptional service I received from Umida at EGSH. From the very first minute, she made me feel genuinely welcome and at ease. Navigating the documentation required for a Golden Visa can be complex, yet Umida went far beyond what is typically expected — guiding me through every requirement with clarity, professionalism, and patience.

We are extremely pleased with the excellent visa services provided by EGSH in Dubai. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and deep expertise in handling visa applications for our workforce.

Ms. Zara Moshiri is extremely professional, patient, and supportive. She provided clear and thorough guidance and took the time to answer all my questions. I truly appreciate her help and highly recommend working with her.

Outstanding Service and Professionalism My wife and I recently applied for and obtained our 5-year Golden Visa (Retiree) in an exceptionally short time — mine in three days and my wife’s in just one day. We are extremely satisfied with the service provided by EGSH Emirates Government Service Hub.

Exceptional service every step of the way For showing your great example of services Remarkable dedication of consultant mrs Maria Garcia regalado. Thank you EGSH service Hub team

Amazing service! They went above and beyond to assist and resolved my concern there and then! Highly recommended anyone to visit this centre, the ladies are very helpful

Went there for a consulting. Booked an appointment in advance thro their website. Came early — no line — which is good. Very pleasant interior. My consultant Rachel, was polite. Answered all my questions. Can’t judge regarding the process once applied for an exact service, but consulting went well.

Amazing support and communication during the whole process. Rachel, Yara and Maria were super well organized and assisted in record time. We finished the whole process from star to end in 4 business days for 10 year Golden Visa!

I had an excellent experience with the wonderful help of Maria Claudia Garcia. Her professionalism and attention to detail made the whole process easy.

They are really very amazing very kind I was having problem with my residency and my license miss Zara and miss Amna they really help me from start to end and they are really very kind and professional highly recommend if any wants to setup there business go with egsh and thanks miss Zara 🙏 you are really very amazing person

I had a pleasure being assistanced by Ms. Natalia today and her support throughout the process. Everything was smooth, super professional, efficient and high level service was exceptional. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable and smooth government-related services.

I had such a great experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub)! Everything went super smoothly, and the team was really helpful. A big shout‑out to Ms. Zara Moshiri—she was kind and supportive the whole way through. Truly appreciate it!

Super quick and efficient service. Maria was available via WhatsApp and responded very quickly to all messages.

I got a delightful service from them to upgrade my visa category half of the expected timeline. Compared with my previous place, this the best and I would like to recommend any of visa service for all of you. * reasonable fair (I was asked twice my previous what I paid). * fast service and delivering before timeline. * Authentic service. Thank you so much Maria for your dedicated service.!

An exceptional service from Zara at EGSH. She guided us perfectly through the process and managed to get us even more than we had anticipated. A world class service center with exceptional staff. Would recommend them to anyone who wants to get sorted for government services

Hello, My Name is Kelvin it was my first time to hear EGSH Emirates Govt from my sponsor. I was assisted By Mrs Maria Claudia Garcia the experience was amazing from the beginning to the End she has been supporting and guiding me through all the process. I am grateful to her and the entire team for the help. I trust and believe EGSH is a place to recommend to family members and friends.

A very hassle free experience from EGSH. Special mention of Ms.Zara who was most helpfull. Her quick response to queries and swift action are much appeciated.

We had the pleasure of being assisted by the lovely Ms Maria and Ms Randa. They were clear concise and super professional throughout our whole process of renewing our Ejari and business licence. Maria provided continued support while we were waiting for our business Ejari to come through and made it a simple seamless process.

EGSH in art of living is the best Hub center for every thing that you want in dubai Specially Ms.ZARA MOSHIRI is the advisor and assistance and she is beside you in every step Thank you Ms.ZARA MOSHIRI and EGSH

I recently visited this institution had an exceptional experience! Ms. Maria Claudia took the time to understand my needs and preferences. I really appreciate her support and services.

Good morning, I needed to apply for the Golden Visa and went to this EGSH Emirates office. I was very impressed by their facilities and the peaceful atmosphere. We were fortunate to be assisted by María Claudia García, who provided exceptional service. She advised and helped us every step of the way, guiding us through the entire process until we obtained the Golden Visa.

I would like to express my appreciation to Ray from EGSH for his outstanding assistance in handling the transfer of our property at Rove Hotel. He was very helpful, accommodating, and patient throughout the entire process, from addressing transaction concerns and verifying documents to the actual property transfer and ensuring the new owner received the title deed…

I worked with Amir and Zara, they took care of everything, I only had to send the mandatory information. In a very short time, everything was completed. I was amazed, considering how difficult it had seemed before. Not to mention, the fees were the same or even lower than those of the other companies I mentioned. For me, it was a 10/10 experience, the quickest and smoothest process someone could have in this journey. Strongly recommend them.

Zara assisted me with my Ejari registration, and she was absolutely amazing. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism, efficiency, and delivered everything promptly. Truly a pleasure to work with!

THE BEST!!! Zara you are as always star

Thanks to EGSH and to Zara for Excellent service — professional, attentive, and truly pleasant experience. Highly recommended!

Had an amazing service for the transfer of property there, specially Rachel Rahmat she was very helpfull throughout the process, looking forward to work more.

Visited for the first time for a property transfer and had an amazing experience with Jessieca! She was professional, helpful, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for all government services excellent customer service!

Personally, I find this the best centre in Dubai. They always go the extra mile. Especially Maria Garcia has help out so much in such an efficient way! Thank you!

Went there for ejari cancellation. Excellent place. Staff was so cooperative. Ms Maria and Ms Fatima assist me and it was a fast process.

This is probably the best government service hub in Dubai. You come in, asked to be seated, and the staff will come to you instead of standing on the reception and on queue. They will offer you tea and water are available at each table. Really embodies the Emirati hospitality and what seamstresses Dubai is known for.

I was here the morning of this post. The concierge like service with a contact person arranging for you all the difeerent interactions is making the interactuon as smooth as possible. A truly delightful experience and a true commitment to service excellence, thank you for the great experience and for the initiative to present government interactions in this way!

Outstanding service — fast, friendly, and highly professional. Thank you very much!

I’ve been here for the first time and I can say that this organization definitely worth to come here and make all proceeds with their help! We were changing the owner and such difficult process was really easy for us with your help and most of the time it was done online. So I’m very grateful to Mrs Zara and her support during all the process❤️

I had an excellent experience with Natalia Baiamonte from EGSH while getting Ejari certificate. From the very beginning, she was professional, attentive, and extremely helpful. Natalia guided me through the process clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and made task feel simple and stress-free. Highly recommend Natalia for her outstanding customer service and dedication!

We had great experience with Amal She is so helpful and awesome She stayed with us over her duty today just to finish her work Thanks Amal

I had a really good experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub). Everything went smoothly and the team was super helpful. Special thanks to Zara and Amal. they were so supportive and kind throughout the process. Really appreciate it!

I had a great experience with this office. They handle everything related to company setup, residency, Golden Visa, DLD, and more. The office is very clean, modern, and welcoming, and the staff are extremely professional and polite. A special thank to Ms. Zara for her kindness and guidance throughout the process so smoothly and professionally, and to Ms. Amal for managing the administrative registration.

Zara is the best always attentive to every requests and helping with a solving problems without delay thank you Zara❤️🌸 …

Absolutely stunning office, i am awestruck. No one can beat Dubai for the kind of hospitality you get in a government office… Its mind-blowing 😍 i wish i could give a 10 star rating (double) on 5 🤩

I had a great experience with EGHS. I was assisted by Sarah Almeida and she delivered an amazing service. Very attentive, promptly responded my messages and guided me throughout the process. It was all very smooth and done very quickly. I highly recommend and I’ll definitely use their services again.