United Arab Emirates UAE Employment Visa for Pakistanis
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 2–6 weeks
- Government fee
- about $1,400
- Start preparing
- about 14 weeks before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 12
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 2–6 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Employer-sponsored residence visa, valid up to 3 years and renewable. Your employer applies to MOHRE for the work permit, then an entry permit is issued that you use to fly in — the medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and residency stamping all happen after you arrive, typically within 7–21 working days. There is no work-visa ban for Pakistani nationals, but screening has been noticeably stricter since March 2026, so attested documents and a clean record matter more than they used to. Degree and professional certificates must be attested by the Pakistan MOFA and the UAE Embassy before the permit is approved.
This page covers Pakistanis. For every nationality we track, see the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa overview.
Requirements for Pakistanis
| 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 2–6 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $1,400. Difficulty: 2/5.
Documents you'll need
- Secure a job offer and signed MOHRE employment contractThe offer letter must match the contract MOHRE registers.
- Renew passport if under 6 months validityThe UAE requires at least six months' passport validity.
- Attest degree certificate (HEC → MOFA → UAE Embassy)Three stages: HEC verification, Pakistan MOFA attestation, then UAE Embassy legalisation.
- Attest experience letters and police clearance certificateUses the same attestation chain as the degree certificate.
- Employer obtains MOHRE work permit approvalFiled with the trade licence and establishment card; employer cost roughly AED 4,000-9,000.
- Receive the entry permit and travel to the UAEA temporary visa that lets you enter to complete the process.
- Complete BEOE protector registration before departureRegistered at beoe.gov.pk with passport, CNIC, signed contract and medical report, for about PKR 9,200.
- Take the medical fitness test at an approved UAE centreBlood test and chest X-ray at a government-authorised clinic; results usually in 2-4 days.
- Submit biometrics and apply for your Emirates IDBooked at an ICP or Amer/Tasheel centre; needed for banking, tenancy and telecoms.
- Employer completes residency visa stampingStamped via GDRFA/ICP; the visa is valid up to three years and brings a labour card.
- Open a bank account and register your tenancy (Ejari)Both require the Emirates ID.
- Sponsor family once salary threshold is metCommonly AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation, with attested marriage and birth certificates.
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 UAE Employment Visa takes about 14 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 UAE Employment Visa right for you?
Answer 6 questions and see every visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the United Arab Emirates UAE Employment Visa take for Pakistanis?
- Typical processing time is 2–6 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the UAE Employment Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $1,400. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Pakistanis need a job offer for the UAE Employment Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in United Arab Emirates is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the UAE Employment Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other United Arab Emirates visas for Pakistanis
Other destinations for Pakistanis
United Arab Emirates visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.