If you run a company in Dubai, managing employee visas in Dubai correctly means faster hiring and fewer rejections or fines. Therefore, this practical guide explains the visa stages from quota approval to linking residency with the Emirates ID, including estimated timelines and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Why You Need This Guide in 2025
- The process is now largely digital; however, sensitive points like quota and qualification attestations remain.
- Requirements differ between the mainland and free zones; consequently, the process and timelines vary.
- Residency is now digitally linked to the Emirates ID, which makes completing biometrics early even more important.
The Roadmap: From Job Offer to Residency
- Quota Approval: Checking the company’s capacity with MOHRE or the free zone authority.
- Employment Contract: Creating a unified job offer and contract, then getting it approved within the legal timeframe.
- Work Permit & Entry Permit: Applying electronically and issuing an entry permit (usually valid for 60 days).
- Medical Fitness Test: Completing the test at an approved center upon entering the country.
- Emirates ID: Applying for the ID and completing the biometrics.
- Residency Application: Submitting the residency application to GDRFA/ICP and linking it to the ID.
The Detailed Steps to Issue an Employee Visa (2025)
1) Quota Approval
First, the company applies for quota approval before hiring. Factors like office size, activity type, and compliance affect the decision. Therefore, ensure your license and establishment card are valid before applying.
2) Employment Contract & Approval
Next, both parties sign a unified contract via the MOHRE portal or the respective free zone authority. After that, upload the contract within the specified period to avoid any subsequent delays.
3) Work Permit & Entry Permit
Then, submit the initial work permit and entry permit application online. The entry permit is usually issued within a few days and sent to the employee to complete the process inside the UAE.
4) Medical Fitness Test
The employee undergoes a medical fitness test at an approved center in Dubai. Usually, the results are released within 24-72 hours. However, some professions may require additional tests.
5) Emirates ID
Afterward, apply for the Emirates ID and book an appointment for biometrics. As a result, the residency will be linked to the ID, making it the primary document instead of the passport stamp.
6) Residency Application & Linking
Finally, submit the residency application to the relevant authority (GDRFA/ICP) once the medical and ID steps are complete. The approval is then received, and the residency file is automatically linked to the Emirates ID in most cases.
Expected Timelines
- Quota + Contract: 3-7 working days in normal cases.
- Entry Permit: 2-5 working days after approvals.
- Medical Test: 1-3 days for the result.
- Biometrics & ID: 3-7 days depending on appointments.
- Residency: 2-5 days after all requirements are met.
Overall, the entire process takes about 2-4 weeks. Nevertheless, it might extend to 4-8 weeks if certificate attestations or special professional approvals are needed.
Core Requirements
- Employee Documents: Passport valid for 6 months, passport-sized photos, attested qualification certificates (if required).
- Company Documents: Valid trade license, establishment card, approved employment contract, health insurance as per Dubai’s regulations.
Quota Management (Mainland vs. Free Zone)
On the mainland, MOHRE manages the quota and assesses capacity based on compliance and activity. In contrast, each free zone manages its quota internally with independent rules and caps. For this reason, always check the physical space requirements; many authorities use a common guideline of approximately 9 sq. meters per visa when assessing capacity.
Common Work Permit Types (MOHRE)
- Recruitment from outside the country.
- Transfer between establishments within the UAE.
- Temporary or short-term mission permit.
- Part-time/flexible work.
- Students and minors under specific controls.
- Golden Visa holders (special arrangements).
Estimated Fees & Costs
Costs vary depending on the professional category, licensing authority, and tests/insurance. Generally, the common range is between AED 3,000–7,500 for the basic visa, excluding professional attestations and special variables.
Common Mistakes That Delay Approvals
- Unattested certificates: Especially for regulated professions; therefore, complete attestations early.
- Mismatched data: Differences in name/number between the contract and passport will cause rejection.
- Invalid establishment card or lease: This halts the process; renew these documents first.
- Delaying medicals or biometrics: The entry permit might expire before completion.
Brief Comparison: Mainland vs. Free Zones
| Criteria | Mainland (MOHRE/GDRFA) | Free Zone (Its Own Authority/ICP) |
|---|---|---|
| Quota Management | Via MOHRE with compliance and space assessment | Internal to each authority with independent rules |
| Expected Timelines | Typically 2-4 weeks | Similar, and can be faster for some authorities |
| Costs | Variable based on professional category | Package-based fees that differ between zones |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the employee visa process in Dubai take?
Usually 2-4 weeks, but it can extend to 4-8 weeks with requirements for attestations or special professional approvals.
Is the residency stamp on the passport still required?
Residency is now digitally linked to the Emirates ID in most cases, so a passport stamp is not always necessary.
Can an employee start working before the residency is issued?
This is not recommended, to avoid violations. Instead, complete the entry permit, medical test, and ID, and then finalize the residency.
How can I increase the company’s visa quota?
Improve compliance, renew documents, expand office space if needed, and then apply for an increase through official channels.
Official Links & Resources
- Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) Services Portal.
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA) Portal.
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) Portal.
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