United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa for Indians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 2–4 weeks
- Government fee
- Varies
- Start preparing
- about 16 weeks before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 8
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 2–4 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Employer-sponsored 2-year renewable residence visa. The employer runs the whole process — MOHRE work permit, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, residence stamping — and by law bears all visa costs, including health insurance. No statutory minimum salary; typical end-to-end time is 2–4 weeks from signed offer.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 2–4 weeks after applying. There is no single government fee on record; see the official source for current fees. Difficulty: 2/5.
Documents you'll need
- Signed offer letter & MOHRE contractThe offer letter is registered with MOHRE (mainland) or the free-zone authority and is binding.
- Attested degree certificate (if required)Notary and MEA attestation in India, then the UAE embassy, then MOFA in the UAE.
- Employer obtains work permit approvalApproval from MOHRE or the free-zone authority, based on quota and the registered offer.
- Entry permit issued — travel or status changeThe e-entry permit lets you enter the UAE, or change status in-country from a visit visa.
- Medical fitness test in the UAEBlood test and chest X-ray at an approved centre.
- Emirates ID biometricsFingerprints and photo at an ICP centre.
- Residence visa stamping & Emirates ID deliveryThe employer files the final residence application; the Emirates ID arrives by courier.
- After arrival: bank account & essentialsWith the Emirates ID you can open a bank account, get a local SIM and sign a tenancy (Ejari in Dubai).
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Employment Residence Visa takes about 16 weeks from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Employment Residence Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 2–4 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Employment Residence Visa cost?
- We do not have a single verified government fee on record for the Employment Residence Visa; the official source lists the current fees. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Employment Residence Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in United Arab Emirates is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Employment Residence Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other United Arab Emirates visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
United Arab Emirates visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.