visas
How to Get an Employment Visa in Dubai from Outside the UAE
For employees currently outside the UAE. Your employer initiates the process in Dubai; you enter on an entry permit once it is approved.
Gov. fee
AED 4,500 – 7,000
Timeline
4–8 weeks
For
Employees outside the UAE with a confirmed offer from a Dubai mainland employer.
Steps
7
Start
Your employer files an initial work permit application with MOHRE (Ministry of Human…
Last updated: April 2026
- 1Employer Submits MOHRE Work Permit
- 2Employer Applies for Entry Permit
- 3Travel to Dubai on the Entry Permit
- 4Complete the Medical Fitness Test
- 5Register for Emirates ID
- 6Residence Visa Stamped in Passport
- 7Labour Contract and Employment Card Issued
Step by step
Employer Submits MOHRE Work Permit
Your employer files an initial work permit application with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) via Tasheel. You provide your passport copy, qualifications, and job offer letter. You do not need to be in the UAE for this step.
Where to go
MOHRE via Tasheel
Address / portal
Any Tasheel service center in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 200 – 600
Est. time
2–4 working days
Advice
Your employer or their PRO handles this. Track progress by asking your employer for the MOHRE application reference number.
Employer Applies for Entry Permit
After MOHRE approval, your employer applies for an entry permit at GDRFA via Tasheel. The entry permit is valid for 60 days from the issue date and is single-entry. It is sent to your employer — ask them to share a copy so you can book travel.
Where to go
GDRFA via Tasheel
Address / portal
Any Tasheel service center in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 1,200 – 2,000
Est. time
3–5 working days
Advice
Book your flight only after the entry permit is in hand. Allow a buffer of 2–3 weeks before the entry permit expiry to complete all remaining steps after arrival.
Note
Do not enter on a tourist visa and expect to convert to a work residence visa. The correct entry document is the entry permit issued through this step.
Travel to Dubai on the Entry Permit
Enter the UAE using the entry permit. Show it to immigration on arrival at Dubai International Airport. You will receive an entry stamp; this begins your 60-day window to complete the remaining steps.
Where to go
Dubai International Airport
Address / portal
Terminal 1, 2, or 3 — any immigration counter
Est. cost
Flight costs (not government fee)
Est. time
Travel day
Advice
Keep a printed and digital copy of the entry permit. Inform your employer of your arrival date so they can schedule the next steps promptly.
Complete the Medical Fitness Test
Attend a medical fitness test at a MOHRE-approved clinic. The test covers a blood test, chest X-ray, and physical examination. Results are typically available within 24 hours.
Where to go
MOHRE-approved medical center
Address / portal
Any approved clinic in Dubai — your employer or PRO will direct you to a nearby one
Est. cost
AED 300 – 500
Est. time
1–2 working days
Advice
Bring your original passport and entry permit stamp. Some clinics require a typed application form — your employer's PRO usually prepares this.
Note
If the test reveals certain communicable diseases, the visa process cannot proceed.
Register for Emirates ID
Visit an ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) service center or Amer branch to register your biometrics (photo, fingerprints). The Emirates ID card is mailed within a few days.
Where to go
EIDA (ICA) service center or Amer
Address / portal
Any ICA service center or Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 370
Est. time
3–5 working days for card delivery
Advice
You can start the registration online at ICA.gov.ae and complete biometrics in person. Bring your passport and the medical test confirmation.
Residence Visa Stamped in Passport
Your employer or PRO submits the residence visa application at GDRFA via Amer or Tasheel. Once approved, your passport is stamped with a 2-year residence visa tied to your employer's sponsorship.
Where to go
GDRFA via Amer or Tasheel
Address / portal
Any Amer branch or Tasheel center in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 1,500 – 2,500
Est. time
3–5 working days
Advice
Your employer submits this and holds your passport during processing (typically 2–3 working days). You receive confirmation by SMS when the visa is ready.
Note
The residence visa must be stamped before your entry permit 60-day window expires. If it expires before stamping, an overstay fine applies.
Labour Contract and Employment Card Issued
MOHRE registers the employment contract in the Wages Protection System and issues the labour card. This is largely handled by your employer's system. You should receive a copy of the registered contract.
Where to go
MOHRE (processed electronically)
Address / portal
No in-person visit required
Est. cost
Included in MOHRE work permit
Est. time
1–2 working days
Advice
Ask your employer for a copy of the registered MOHRE contract. It confirms your official employment record and salary as per the offer letter.
Overview
The outside-UAE employment visa route applies when you are currently abroad and your employer is on the Dubai mainland. You cannot start working until an entry permit is issued and you have physically entered the country.
Your employer handles the MOHRE and GDRFA applications. Your role begins when the entry permit is issued — you book travel, complete the medical test and Emirates ID on arrival, and the residence visa is then stamped. Total government fees typically range from AED 4,500 to AED 7,000 depending on your labour category. The full process takes 4–8 weeks from application to visa stamp.
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