UAE — Work Visa & Residency Guide

Comprehensive guide for candidates and employers navigating Standard, Green, or Golden visa pathways in the United Arab Emirates.

Find Your Visa Path View Process

Understanding UAE Work Visa Pathways

Three Main Pathways

Choose based on your situation:

Standard Work Visa: Employer-sponsored, 2 years (most common)
Green Visa: Self-sponsored, 5 years (skilled employees; MoHRE Levels 1-3, degree, AED 15k+ salary)
Golden Visa: Self-sponsored, 10 years (top professionals, AED 30k+ basic salary)

Standard ties you to employer; Green & Golden offer independence.

Core Requirements

All visa types require:

Job offer or meet Green/Golden criteria
Medical fitness test (DHA/EHS/DoH approved centers)
Emirates ID application & biometrics
Attested degree (for skilled positions)

Key Bodies: ICP (immigration), MoHRE (labor), GDRFA-Dubai (Dubai residency)

Timeline & Process

Typical Flow:

Entry Permit: 5-7 days (60-day validity)
Medical Test: 1-2 days for results
Emirates ID: 5-10 days after biometrics
Visa Stamping: 3-5 days

Total: Typically 2-5 weeks in-country. Golden Visa can be longer if degree equivalency needed.

Which Visa Is Right for Me?

Select your situation to understand your best pathway

Standard Work Visa

I have a confirmed job offer and employer sponsor

✓ Most common pathway
✓ 2-year validity
✓ Employer handles process
✓ Tied to sponsoring employer

Green Visa

I'm a skilled professional (Level 1-3), degree attested, salary ≥ AED 15k

✓ Self-sponsored
✓ 5-year validity
✓ Career flexibility
✓ Requires MoHRE Level 1-3 role

Golden Visa

I'm a top-tier professional/executive meeting high salary & field criteria

✓ Self-sponsored
✓ 10-year validity
✓ AED 30k+ basic salary
✓ Premium benefits

Understanding MoHRE Skill Levels

UAE uses skill levels (1-9) instead of "critical skills lists" — Levels 1-3 unlock Green & Golden visas

MoHRE Skill Levels 1-3 (Key for Green & Golden Visas)

Standard Work Visa — Step‑by‑Step Process

The most common pathway for employed foreign nationals in the UAE

Phase 1: Job Offer, Contract & Entry Permit

The employer initiates the process after the candidate accepts the job offer. This phase establishes the legal employment relationship and secures permission to enter the UAE.

Step 1: Job Offer & MoHRE-Compliant Contract

What this means: The candidate receives and signs an employment contract that meets UAE labor law standards.

• Contract Requirements: Must be MoHRE-compliant, fixed-term, and potentially required in Arabic, English, and the employee's native language.

• Registration: Both parties sign and the employer registers the contract with MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation).

• Employer Prerequisites: Employer must have a valid trade license and be compliant with UAE labour regulations.

Step 2: Employer Applies for Quota/Work Permit

What this means: The employer requests approval from MoHRE (or relevant free zone authority) to hire a foreign national.

• Application: Employer applies for visa quota and secures initial work permit approval.

• Requirements: Valid trade license and compliance with labor regulations.

• Timeline: Typically takes several days to process.

Step 3: Employment Entry Permit Issuance

What this means: Upon approval, ICP or GDRFA-Dubai issues an entry permit allowing the employee to enter the UAE.

• Permit Type: Employment Entry Permit (often called "pink visa")

• Validity: Typically 60 days to enter UAE and complete residency procedures

• Processing: Usually takes 5-7 days after approval

This permit is your authorization to enter the UAE and begin the residency process.

Green Visa — Self-Sponsored Path

5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled professionals

Eligibility Criteria:

Valid UAE employment contract
MoHRE Skill Level 1, 2, or 3
Bachelor's degree or equivalent (attested)
Minimum AED 15,000 monthly salary

Process Highlights:

Apply for Green entry permit (if outside UAE) or status change
Medical fitness test & Emirates ID biometrics
Submit Green residency application via ICP
You control the application as self-sponsor

Key Costs (applicant pays):

Entry permit: ~AED 200 + service fees
5-year residency: ~AED 700 total
Emirates ID (5yr): ~AED 500 + fees
Medical test: AED 260-750+

Golden Visa — Premium Long-Term

10-year self-sponsored residency for top-tier professionals

Eligibility (Professionals/Specialists):

Work in key fields: science, engineering, IT, medicine, education, law, etc.
MoHRE Skill Level 1 or 2
Bachelor's degree+ (attested + MoE equivalency may be required)
Minimum AED 30,000 basic monthly salary (excludes allowances)
For Executive Directors: AED 50k+ salary, 5+ years experience

Process Highlights:

6-month multiple-entry permit for initial entry
Extensive documentation & degree equivalency verification
Medical, Emirates ID, and Golden residency application
Can sponsor family members of any age

Key Costs (higher tier):

6-month entry: ~AED 1,250
10-year residency: Total AED 2,700-5,000+ (varies)
Emirates ID (10yr): ~AED 1,075-1,185
Medical: AED 260-1073 (often VIP)

Note: MoE degree equivalency can take 30+ days and must be completed before Golden Visa application.

Complete Documents Checklist

Required documentation varies by visa type — know what you need before starting

Standard Work Visa

For Employee:

Passport: Valid 6+ months with blank pages
Photos: Passport-sized (UAE specs)
Entry Permit: Copy of issued permit
Contract: Signed MoHRE-compliant employment contract
Medical Certificate: From approved center
Emirates ID: Application receipt
Degree: Attested (if required for profession)

For Employer:

Valid trade license
Company establishment/immigration cards
Contract registration
Health insurance coverage for employee

Green Visa (Skilled Employee)

Required Documents:

Valid passport (original + copy)
Passport-sized photographs
UAE Employment Contract: Clearly stating AED 15,000+ salary and Level 1/2/3 job title
Attested Bachelor's Degree: Or equivalent qualification
Proof of MoHRE Skill Level: Evidenced by contract & job title
Medical Fitness Test Certificate
Emirates ID application form/receipt
Copy of Green entry permit (if applicable)

Note: As self-sponsor, you manage the entire application process and documentation.

Golden Visa (Professional)

Extensive Documentation Required:

Valid passport (original + copy)
Passport-sized photographs
Attested Degree(s): Bachelor's+ with full attestation
MoE Equivalency Certificate: Often required (30+ days processing)
Salary Certificate: Proving AED 30k+ basic monthly (or AED 50k for executives)
Employment Contract: In key field (science, engineering, IT, medicine, etc.)
Experience letters (5+ years for executives)
Medical Fitness Certificate
Emirates ID application
Recommendation letters (for some categories)

Degree equivalency from MoE is critical and time-consuming—start early!

Degree Attestation Process (All Visa Types When Required)

The Multi-Stage Process:

Home Country: Notarization → Verification by education ministry → Attestation by Ministry of Foreign Affairs
UAE Embassy: Attestation by UAE embassy in your home country
UAE MoFA: Final attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the UAE
MoE Equivalency: For Golden Visa (and sometimes others), the Ministry of Education must formally recognize your degree's equivalency—this can take 30+ days

Start attestation immediately upon job offer. Consider using specialized attestation agencies due to complexity.

Fees & Timelines — What to Expect

Comprehensive breakdown of costs and expected processing times for each visa type

Cost Breakdown by Visa Type

Standard Work Visa (2 years)

Work Permit/Entry: Varies (AED 250-3,450+ based on classification)
Residence Permit: ~AED 400 for 2 years
Medical Test: AED 260-323 standard; AED 750+ express
Emirates ID: ~AED 270 (AED 200 + service fees)
Status Change: ~AED 500-650 (if applicable)

Employer typically bears costs per UAE Labour Law.

Green Visa (5 years)

Entry Permit: ~AED 200 + service fees
Residency Permit: ~AED 700 for 5 years
Medical Test: AED 260-750+
Emirates ID: ~AED 570 (AED 500 + fees)
Status Change: ~AED 500

Applicant pays as self-sponsor (unless employer agrees).

Golden Visa (10 years)

6-Month Entry: ~AED 1,250
Residency Permit: AED 2,700-5,000+ total
Medical Test: AED 260-1,073 (often VIP)
Emirates ID: ~AED 1,075-1,185
MoE Equivalency: Variable fees

Premium tier; applicant pays all costs.

Timeline Expectations

Stage	Estimated Duration	Key Factors	Applies To
Work Permit Approval	Several days	MoHRE workload	Standard
Entry Permit Issuance	5-7 days	After approval	All types
Medical Test Results	24-48 hours	Standard test	All types
Emirates ID Issuance	5-10 days	After visa stamping	All types
Residence Visa Stamping	3-5 days	After all prerequisites	All types
MoE Degree Equivalency	30+ days	Document verification	Golden (often)
Degree Attestation	Weeks to months	Multi-country process	When required

Overall Timeline: Standard & Green typically 2-5 weeks in-country; Golden can be longer due to equivalency requirements

The 60-day entry permit validity window creates time pressure for completing all in-country procedures. Plan accordingly.

Cost & Timeline Tips:

Standard Visa: Employer typically pays per UAE law. Verify this in your employment offer.
Green/Golden: You're self-sponsoring, so budget for all costs. Total can range from AED 2,000 (Green) to AED 5,000+ (Golden).
Start degree attestation immediately—this is usually the longest variable if required.
For Golden Visa, factor in 30+ days for MoE equivalency; don't apply until this is complete.
VIP/express medical services cost 3x more but reduce wait from 48hrs to same-day.
All fees paid via official government channels (ICP, GDRFA, typing centers).
Overstaying entry permit = AED 50/day fine—complete all steps within 60 days.

Key Official Resources

Always verify current requirements and fees through official government channels

Immigration, Visas & Emirates ID

• ICP (Federal): icp.gov.ae/en

• ICP Smart Services: smartservices.icp.gov.ae

• GDRFA-Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae/en

• UAE Government Portal: u.ae/en

Use these for visa applications, status tracking, and Emirates ID services.

Labour Law & Work Permits

• MoHRE: mohre.gov.ae/en

• Abu Dhabi Residents Office: adro.gov.ae

• TAMM (Abu Dhabi Services): tamm.abudhabi

For work permits, contracts, MoHRE skill levels, and labor regulations.

Medical Fitness Tests

• DHA (Dubai): dha.gov.ae/en/medical-fitness

• EHS (Federal): ehs.gov.ae/en/services

• DoH (Abu Dhabi): doh.gov.ae/en/resources/standards

Book medical fitness tests through these approved health authorities.

Contact & Support

• ICP Call Center: 600522222

• MoHRE Call Center: 600590000

• GDRFA-Dubai: 8005111

• Visa Status Tracking: u.ae/en/...track-visa

Use official channels for inquiries and status updates.

Important: Immigration laws, visa requirements, procedures, and fees in the UAE are subject to change. This guide provides information based on available official sources but should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with official UAE government authorities (ICP, MoHRE, GDRFA, Health Authorities) or consult with a qualified immigration specialist before initiating any application.