🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa
Also known as: UAE employment visa, UAE work visa
Last verified: September 2, 2026
What is the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa?
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 overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $1,400 |
| Processing time | 2–6 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians and Pakistanis.
United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | — | 2–4 weeks | — | — |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistanis | $1,400 | 2–6 weeks | — | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa
- Signed offer letter & MOHRE contract
- Attested degree certificate (if required)
- Employer obtains work permit approval
- Entry permit issued — travel or status change
- Medical fitness test in the UAE
- Emirates ID biometrics
- Residence visa stamping & Emirates ID delivery
- After arrival: bank account & essentials
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Employment Residence Visa right for you?
Answer 6 questions and see every United Arab Emirates visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in United Arab Emirates. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians and Pakistanis; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa cost?
- The government fee is about $1,400 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa processing time?
- Typical processing takes 2–4 weeks for Indians and 2–6 weeks for Pakistanis after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Do I need a job offer for the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in United Arab Emirates is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa lead to permanent residency?
- No. On its own it does not lead to permanent residency.
- Is the UAE employment visa the same as the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa?
- Yes. UAE employment visa and UAE work visa are other names people use for the United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa.
United Arab Emirates Employment Residence Visa guides by nationality
Other United Arab Emirates visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government sources: u.ae, mohre.gov.ae. This guide is general information, not legal advice.