Employee Visa in Dubai
End-to-end employee visa processing for Dubai companies. Work permits, residency visas, Emirates ID, and labour card management for your entire team.
To employ staff in Dubai and sponsor their UAE residency, your company must have the appropriate visa quota and process each employee's work permit and residency visa through the correct legal channels. The employee visa process in Dubai involves multiple government authorities — the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for work permit approvals, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) for immigration processing, and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for medical testing — making it a multi-step process that requires careful coordination. Managing employee visas accurately and compliantly is critical for operational reasons: employees cannot legally work in the UAE without a valid work permit and residency visa, and companies that employ staff without proper documentation face significant penalties. Beyond compliance, the employee visa process is also a practical human resource matter — your team members are waiting for their residency to become fully settled in Dubai. We manage the complete employee visa process for companies of all sizes — from a single first hire to a team of dozens. Our PRO team coordinates all submissions, appointments, and follow-ups across the relevant authorities. For business owners needing their own UAE residency, see our investor visa and partner visa services. For Emirates ID support, we handle the full process alongside the visa.
Employee Visa Process
Quota and Eligibility Check
We confirm your company has sufficient visa quota, that the establishment card is current, and that the proposed role aligns with your licensed activities. If quota is insufficient, we advise on expansion options.
Work Permit Application (MOHRE)
For mainland companies, we submit the work permit application through MOHRE, including the employee's documents, offer letter, and role classification. Free zone companies proceed directly to the entry permit step.
Entry Permit
We apply for the employee's UAE entry permit, allowing them to travel to the UAE for visa processing. If the employee is already in the UAE, we process a status change instead.
Medical Fitness Test
We arrange the employee's medical fitness test appointment at a DHA-approved medical centre in Dubai.
Emirates ID Application
We submit the Emirates ID application and coordinate the biometric appointment. The Emirates ID is required before the residency visa is finalised.
Residency Visa and Labour Card Issuance
The residency visa is stamped in the employee's passport. The labour card (for mainland employees) is issued by MOHRE and confirms the employment registration. The employee is now legally resident and authorised to work.
Requirements for Employee Visa Processing
- Valid company trade licence with available visa quota
- Current company establishment card
- Employee passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
- Passport-size photographs (white background)
- Offer letter or employment contract
- Educational certificates — attested if required for the role
- Professional licences or certifications — for regulated professions
- Medical fitness certificate — from DHA-approved medical centre
- Valid health insurance policy meeting UAE requirements
- MOHRE work permit approval — for mainland employees