How to Apply for a UAE Work Visa and Residence Permit (2025 Guide)

To legally employ staff in the UAE, every business must sponsor its employees for a work visa and residence permit.
The process ensures that each employee is officially linked to their employer, authorised to live and work in the country, and registered with the relevant government authorities. 

This guide explains how UAE employers can apply for work visas step by step, the documents required, and key compliance points to avoid fines or delays. 

Understanding the UAE Work Visa System 

A UAE work visa allows a foreign national to legally work in the country under the sponsorship of their employer.

It’s part of a wider process that includes: 

• Work Permit (approval to work) 

• Entry Permit (permission to enter the UAE for employment) 

• Medical Examination and Emirates ID registration 

• Residence Visa Stamping (final authorisation to live and work in the UAE) 

Each of these stages must be completed in the correct order through either MOHRE (for mainland businesses) or your Free Zone Authority (for Free Zone companies). 

Employer Prerequisites 

Before applying for an employee’s work visa, ensure your company has:
✅ A valid Trade Licence
✅ An active Establishment Card (registered with MOHRE or the Free Zone authority)
✅ A Quota Allocation — permission to hire a specific number of employees
✅ No pending fines or unpaid labour disputes 

Without these, visa applications will be rejected automatically. 

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Work Visa 

Step 1 – Apply for a Work Permit 

The first stage is to obtain a Work Permit (Labour Approval) from MOHRE or the Free Zone. This confirms the employee’s eligibility to work for your company.
Processing time: 2–5 working days. 

Documents required: 

• Copy of the company trade licence 

• Establishment card copy 

• Employee’s passport and photo 

• Offer letter / signed employment contract 

• Educational certificates (for skilled roles) 

 

Step 2 – Obtain an Entry Permit (Work Entry Visa) 

Once the work permit is approved, apply for an entry permit that allows the employee to legally enter the UAE. 

• If the employee is abroad: The entry permit is sent electronically, and they can travel to the UAE. 

• If already in the UAE: They can convert their existing visa status to employment without leaving the country. 

Validity: 60 days from issue date. 

 

Step 3 – Medical Test and Emirates ID Registration 

After entering the UAE on a work entry visa, the employee must complete: 

1. Medical Examination at an authorised health centre. 

1. Biometric scanning for Emirates ID at a Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) centre. 

Required documents: 

• Original passport 

• Entry permit 

• Job offer or contract 

• Passport-sized photos 

The medical test confirms the employee’s fitness to work; failure results in visa rejection. 

 

Step 4 – Apply for Residence Visa Stamping 

Once medical and Emirates ID steps are complete, apply for residence visa stamping in the employee’s passport. 

Documents required: 

• Stamped medical report 

• Emirates ID application 

• Work permit copy 

• Passport and photo 

• Health insurance proof 

• Labour contract copy 

Residence visa validity: 

• Mainland companies: typically 2 years 

• Free Zones: up to 3 years (varies by authority) 

 

Step 5 – Register in the Wage Protection System (WPS) 

After visa stamping, register the employee in the Wage Protection System (WPS) using your company’s UAE bank account. 

This ensures salaries are paid legally and on time. Employees cannot be paid until WPS registration is active. 

Work Visa Renewal 

Work and residence visas must be renewed before expiry (typically every 2–3 years). 

To renew, repeat medical and Emirates ID steps, then re-stamp the residence visa.
Late renewals attract daily fines and may block future applications. 

Cancelling a Work Visa 

When an employee leaves the company or resigns, the employer must: 

1. Cancel the work permit and residence visa through MOHRE or the Free Zone. 

1. Provide an experience certificate. 

1. Process final salary and gratuity payments. 

1. Ensure visa cancellation is completed within 30 days to avoid penalties. 

The visa cancellation must be approved before the employee exits the UAE or transfers sponsorship. 

Key Timelines 

Step	Typical Processing Time
Work Permit	2–5 days
Entry Permit	2–3 days
Medical + Emirates ID	2–5 days
Visa Stamping	5–10 days
Total Duration	10–15 working days (on average)

Processing may vary depending on Free Zone or emirate.