UAE Employment Visa Process: Step by Step for New Employers

Before your first visa application

You cannot sponsor anyone until your company holds an active trade licence, an establishment card and a labour file with MOHRE (mainland) or the relevant free zone authority.

The sequence

1. Quota approval — confirm how many visas your licence and workspace support.

2. Offer letter and work permit — issued electronically and signed by the employee.

3. Entry permit — allows the employee to enter or change status inside the UAE.

4. Status change or entry — done in-country or on arrival, depending on where the employee is.

5. Medical fitness test — blood test and chest X-ray at an approved centre.

6. Emirates ID biometrics — captured at an ICP or typing centre.

7. Residence visa stamping and labour contract — the file closes once the contract is registered.

Documents to prepare

• Passport copy valid for at least six months, plus photo to ICP specification
• Attested degree certificate for skilled and professional roles
• Company trade licence, establishment card and Ejari or lease
• Signed offer letter matching the registered contract terms

Realistic timeline

A clean application typically completes in two to four weeks. Delays almost always come from unattested certificates, name mismatches between passport and certificate, or medical referrals.

Common rejections and how to avoid them

Mismatched Arabic name spellings, expired quota, and job titles that do not match the employee's qualification are the three most frequent causes. Have every document reviewed before submission — a rejected file costs more time than a careful check.