When you hire in the UAE, your company becomes a visa sponsor. That comes with a specific process, paperwork, and government authorities to navigate. This guide walks you through the complete UAE work visa sponsorship process: visa types, eligibility requirements, the 8-step application workflow, costs, timelines, and how to sponsor employees even if you don’t have a local entity.
What you need to know about UAE work visa sponsorship
A UAE work visa is a 2-year renewable employment visa that lets foreign nationals live and work legally in the United Arab Emirates. The employer sponsors the visa, which means your company acts as the legal guarantor and handles most of the paperwork. The process runs through the Work Bundle platform, and once the employee arrives in-country, it typically wraps up in about five working days.
The visa is tied to the sponsoring employer. If someone changes jobs, they go through a transfer process to move their visa to the new company.
Two government authorities manage the process:
- MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation): Handles work permits, labor contracts, and employment regulations
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security): Handles residence visas, Emirates ID, and entry permits
Types of UAE work visas
The UAE offers several work visa categories. Your choice depends on whether the employee will be sponsored by a company or self-sponsored.
| Visa Type | Duration | Sponsorship | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Work Visa | 2 years (renewable) | Employer-sponsored | Most employees hired by UAE companies |
| Green Visa | 5 years | Self-sponsored | Skilled professionals, freelancers |
| Golden Visa | 5–10 years | Self-sponsored | Investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talent |
Standard work visa
This is the most common route for foreign workers. The employer sponsors the application and handles the paperwork, while the employee completes medical tests and biometric registration after arriving.
The standard work visa is valid for 2 years and renewable. It’s the focus of this guide since most companies hiring in the UAE will use this path.
Green visa
The Green visa allows skilled employees to self-sponsor without depending on an employer. It’s valid for 5 years and gives holders more flexibility, including the ability to change jobs without going through a full visa transfer process.
To qualify, applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000, depending on the category. Freelancers and self-employed professionals can also apply.
Golden visa
The Golden visa is a long-term residency option lasting 5–10 years. It’s designed for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and individuals with exceptional talent in fields like arts, sports, or technology.
Golden visa holders can sponsor family members and don’t need an employer sponsor. The application process involves meeting specific investment thresholds or demonstrating recognised achievements in your field.
Who is eligible to sponsor a work visa in the UAE
Not every company can sponsor employees right away. You’ll need to meet several requirements before the government allows you to bring foreign workers into the country.
- Registered UAE business: Your company needs a valid trade license, whether you’re operating on the mainland or in a free zone
- Approved establishment card: MOHRE issues this card, which authorises your company to hire foreign workers
- Quota allocation: The government assigns a visa quota based on your business activity and office size. You can only sponsor as many employees as your quota allows
- Good standing: Companies with outstanding violations or unpaid fines may be blocked from sponsoring new visas
Free zone companies follow slightly different procedures. Instead of going through MOHRE directly, you’ll work with your free zone authority (such as JAFZA, DMCC, or DIFC) to process visa applications.
UAE employment visa requirements for sponsors
Before starting the application, gather documentation from both the company and the employee. Missing or incorrect documents are one of the most common reasons for delays.
Employer documentation
The sponsoring company typically provides:
- Valid trade license
- Establishment card from MOHRE
- Immigration establishment card
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) for office space
- Company bank details
- Approved quota allocation
Employee documentation
The employee provides:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining)
- Passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Attested educational certificates (degrees, diplomas)
- Medical fitness certificate (obtained in UAE after arrival)
- Signed employment offer letter
- Emirates ID application form
Foreign documents usually need attestation from the home country’s foreign affairs ministry, followed by UAE Embassy attestation and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) attestation in the UAE. This process can take several weeks, so it’s worth starting early.
How to sponsor a UAE work visa in 8 steps
The UAE’s Work Bundle platform has streamlined what used to be a lengthy process. Here’s how it works from the employer’s side.
1. Apply for entry permit quota approval
Before you can sponsor anyone, you’ll need quota approval from MOHRE. This determines how many foreign workers your company can hire based on your business activity, office size, and existing workforce.
Submit your application through the MOHRE portal. If you’re in a free zone, your free zone authority handles this step instead.
2. Submit the employment offer letter
Once you have quota approval, submit a signed offer letter detailing the job title, salary, benefits, and employment terms. This document forms the basis of the employment relationship and aligns with MOHRE’s standard contract requirements.
3. Apply for the employment entry permit
The entry permit (sometimes called the employment visa or pink visa) allows the employee to enter the UAE legally for the purpose of completing their visa process. You’ll apply through MOHRE or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
The entry permit is typically valid for 60 days from issuance. The employee enters the UAE and completes the remaining steps within this window.
4. Coordinate employee arrival and medical examination
After the employee arrives, they’ll complete a medical fitness test at a government-approved health centre. The examination includes blood work, a chest X-ray, and screening for infectious diseases.
Results are usually available within 24–48 hours. If the employee passes, they proceed to the next step.
5. Apply for the emirates id
The Emirates ID is the primary identification document in the UAE. The employee visits a typing centre or ICP service centre for biometric data capture (fingerprints and photo) and submits their application.
Processing typically takes several business days. The physical card is mailed to the employee’s registered address, though a digital version is often available sooner.
6. Submit the labor contract to mohre
The employer registers the official labor contract through MOHRE. Both parties sign the contract, which outlines salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination terms.
Once registered, MOHRE issues a digital labor card through their app. This confirms the employee’s authorised work status.
7. Obtain health insurance for the employee
Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The employer provides compliant coverage before the residence visa can be issued.
Minimum coverage requirements vary by emirate, but most policies include basic medical care, emergency treatment, and hospitalisation.
8. Receive the work permit and residence visa
Once all steps are complete, the residence visa stamp is added to the employee’s passport. They’re now legally authorised to live and work in the UAE for the duration of the visa (typically 2 years).
Renewal is straightforward if you start the process at least 30 days before expiry.
How long does UAE work visa processing take
Timeline expectations vary depending on how prepared you are and whether any complications arise.
- Entry permit approval: Typically a few business days
- Medical examination results: 24–48 hours
- Emirates ID processing: Several business days
- Total in-country processing: Approximately 5–7 working days once the employee arrives
Factors that can cause delays include incomplete documents, attestation issues, or medical holds. Starting the attestation process early and double-checking all paperwork avoids most common holdups.
How much does a UAE work visa cost
Costs vary based on company classification, emirate, free zone vs. mainland, and visa type. What typically goes into the total:
- Entry permit fees
- Medical examination fees
- Emirates ID fees
- MOHRE work permit fees
- Residence visa stamping fees
- Health insurance (annual)
Employers typically cover these costs as part of the hiring process. Budget for attestation costs separately, as these can add up if the employee has multiple degrees or certificates that need processing.
How to sponsor UAE employees without a local entity
If you want to hire someone in the UAE but don’t have a registered business there, setting up a legal entity takes time and money and may not make sense if you’re only hiring a few people. An Employer of Record (EOR) solves this.
What is an Employer of Record
An EOR is a third-party organisation that becomes the legal employer on your behalf. The EOR handles visa sponsorship, payroll, tax compliance, and HR administration while you manage the employee’s day-to-day work.
From the employee’s perspective, they’re legally employed by the EOR but work for your company. From your perspective, you can hire in the UAE without the overhead of entity setup.
How EOR visa sponsorship works in the UAE
- EOR sponsors the visa: The EOR uses their UAE entity to sponsor the employee visa
- Service agreement: Your company signs a service agreement with the EOR
- Documentation and filings: The EOR handles all documentation, MOHRE filings, and renewals
- Day-to-day management: The employee works for your company while legally employed by the EOR
RemotePass EOR covers the UAE, KSA, and 150+ countries with visa and relocation support integrated into the same platform used for payroll and HR. Book a RemotePass demo to see how EOR visa sponsorship works in practice.
Common UAE work visa sponsorship mistakes to avoid
- Incomplete document attestation: Foreign educational documents need proper attestation from the home country and UAE authorities. Missing this step delays the entire process.
- Expired passport validity: The employee’s passport needs at least 6 months validity remaining. Check this before starting the application.
- Mismatched job titles: The job title on the offer letter, labor contract, and visa application all need to match. Discrepancies can trigger rejections.
- Missing quota approval: Applying for an entry permit before securing MOHRE quota approval wastes time and may result in rejection.
- Skipping health insurance: In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the residence visa won’t be issued without proof of compliant health coverage.
- Incorrect free zone procedures: Free zone companies follow different processes than mainland companies. Using the wrong authority or forms causes delays.
Streamline UAE visa sponsorship with RemotePass
Sponsoring employees in the UAE involves multiple government authorities, strict documentation requirements, and tight timelines. RemotePass combines visa sponsorship, EOR services, and global payroll into a single platform:
- Visa sponsorship and relocation support in UAE, KSA, and the broader Middle East
- Full EOR coverage in 150+ countries
- Unified platform for onboarding, payroll, and HR operations
- Compliance handled by local experts who understand UAE labor law
- 24/7 support for employers and employees
Book a RemotePass demo to see how it works.
FAQs about sponsoring a work visa in the UAE
Can a company sponsor a UAE work visa without a local office?
Yes. Companies without a UAE entity can use an Employer of Record (EOR) to legally sponsor and employ workers. The EOR becomes the legal employer and handles all visa, payroll, and compliance requirements on your behalf.
What happens if an employee resigns during the UAE visa process?
If an employee resigns before the visa is finalised, the employer cancels the pending application through MOHRE. Failing to do so can result in compliance issues and potential fines.
Can employees sponsored on a UAE work visa bring their families?
Yes. Employees meeting minimum salary thresholds can sponsor dependent visas for their spouse and children once their own residence visa is active. The salary requirement varies by emirate.
How do employers renew a UAE work visa before it expires?
Employers initiate renewal through MOHRE at least 30 days before the visa expires. The process includes updated medical tests, Emirates ID renewal, and submission of current employment documents.
What are the penalties for UAE visa compliance violations?
Violations can result in fines, hiring bans, and potential blacklisting. Common issues include employing workers without valid permits, failing to renew visas on time, or not cancelling visas for departed employees.
Can employers sponsor a remote worker for a UAE employment visa?
Remote workers can be sponsored if they physically reside in the UAE. Workers living outside the country typically don’t qualify for a UAE employment visa, though the UAE does offer a separate Virtual Working Programme for remote workers who want to live in Dubai while working for foreign companies.
