Employment Visa in UAE – Legal Work & Residency Through Employer Sponsorship

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. EGSH facilitates the complete employment visa application process. This includes job offer registration, work permit issuance, coordination of medical fitness tests, Emirates ID application, and final visa stamping through the GDRFA. Individuals cannot apply for a Dubai work visa independently of their employer. A valid company sponsor and compliance with all legal procedures are mandatory.

To qualify for a UAE employment visa as a skilled worker, the following conditions must be met:  — A valid job offer from a licensed UAE company.  — A standard employment contract approved by MOHRE.  — A passport valid for at least six months.  — Educational or professional certificates attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE embassy in the issuing country.  — Classification under MOHRE skill levels 1 to 3, based on the occupation.  — A monthly salary of no less than AED 4,000 (excluding commission). Additional documents may apply depending on the employer’s activity and the applicant’s nationality. EGSH ensures full compliance with all UAE employment visa requirements and manages the submission through official government channels.

A medical fitness test is mandatory before issuance or renewal of an employment visa. It must be completed at a government-approved medical centre and includes screening for tuberculosis and HIV. Applicants found medically unfit are ineligible for residency. Test results are linked to the visa system and required before Emirates ID and GDRFA stamping. The necessary medical test can be completed directly at EGSH with fast processing and full legal support throughout the procedure.

The price for a 2-year employment visa in Dubai depends on multiple factors, including the company’s classification by MOHRE (Category A, B, or C), the applicant’s skill level, and visa application route (inside or outside the UAE). In addition to the government visa fee, the total cost includes charges for the medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and mandatory health insurance. EGSH provides a full breakdown of applicable fees during consultation and ensures all payments comply with current government schedules.

A Dubai work permit can be transferred to a new licensed employer, subject to approval by MOHRE and GDRFA. The transfer process requires a new job offer, a signed employment contract, and fulfilment of legal conditions, such as a notice period or a NOC from the current sponsor, if applicable. The new employer must initiate the transfer through official channels. EGSH facilitates the whole process, including documentation, approvals, and visa re-stamping under the new sponsor.

Holders of a valid UAE labour visa (employment visa) may sponsor immediate family members, including spouse, children, and, in some cases, parents — subject to meeting the income and accommodation requirements set by the GDRFA. As of 2025, the minimum salary required to sponsor a family is AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with company-provided accommodation. Additional documents include a tenancy contract, a salary certificate, attested marriage or birth certificates, and an Emirates ID. EGSH assists with family visa applications, ensuring compliance with GDRFA regulations and full documentation support.

The UAE visa stamping process is the final stage of issuing an employment visa. After completing the medical fitness test and submitting the Emirates ID application, the applicant’s passport is submitted to the GDRFA for residency stamping. The stamped visa confirms the holder’s legal residency status under employer sponsorship. EGSH handles the whole process, including document verification, application submission, and collection of the stamped passport through authorised channels.

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.