UAE Employee Visa
The UAE Employee Visa is the residency visa issued to staff sponsored by a UAE-registered employer. Similar to Employment Visa but specifically for ongoing staff visas. 2-year validity, full UAE residency rights.
What Is the UAE Employee Visa?
The UAE Employee Visa is the standard residency permit issued to non-executive staff working in UAE-licensed companies. It is fundamentally the same instrument as the Employment Visa, but the term "Employee Visa" is often used colloquially for non-management positions or for visas where the employer initiates the application on behalf of an employee already on-board.
Employee Visa grants the same rights as Employment Visa: live in UAE, open bank accounts, drive (with Emirates ID), bring family (subject to salary thresholds), exit and re-entry. The employer is the sponsor and pays all fees. The visa is tied to the specific job role and employer — leaving the job triggers cancellation within 30 days.
Who Can Apply
- Valid job offer / employment contract
- Sponsoring company is UAE-licensed (Mainland or Free Zone)
- Approved MOHRE Work Permit issued first
- Clean medical fitness test
- No prior UAE visa violations
- Age 18+
Cost Breakdown
Government fees + Insight service fee. No hidden costs.
Estimates only. Final quote depends on dependents, urgency and current government fees. We confirm in writing within 24 hours.
Step-by-step Application
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01
Job offer + Work Permit
Employee accepts UAE job. Employer obtains MOHRE Work Permit (3-5 days) as the prerequisite.
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02
Entry permit issuance
Once Work Permit approved, entry permit issued. Valid 60 days for first UAE entry.
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03
Medical + biometrics
Employee enters UAE on entry permit. Medical fitness test (1h), biometrics (30 min) at GDRFA.
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04
Status change to Employee Visa
Status changes from entry permit to Employee Visa. Visa electronically issued.
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05
Emirates ID + onboarding
Emirates ID issued in 5-10 days. Employer registers in WPS (salary protection system).
What You Need to Provide
- Passport copy (6+ months validity)
- Employment contract signed
- Approved Work Permit from MOHRE
- Educational certificates (legalised for some roles)
- Health insurance certificate
- Sponsor's trade license + Establishment Card
UAE Employee Visa vs Other UAE Visas
UAE Employee Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
In practice, yes — UAE labour law refers to them as the same residency category. "Employment Visa" is the formal term; "Employee Visa" is more common in everyday usage. Both deliver the same residency rights, tied to the same employer for 2 years.
The employer is legally required to cover all visa costs under UAE labour law — Work Permit, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, visa stamping. The employee should not pay any visa-related fees. Violations can be reported to MOHRE.
10-15 working days from the start of the process to Emirates ID issuance, assuming all documents are in order. The Work Permit (3-5 days) must come first, then entry permit (3-7 days), then medical/biometrics/Emirates ID issuance.
Yes — your visa can transfer to a new employer either via "transfer" (with NOC from current employer) or by cancelling current visa and re-applying via new employer. There is typically a 30-day grace period to complete the transfer.
Yes, subject to salary threshold (typically AED 4,000+/month). You can sponsor spouse, children under 25, and parents (AED 20,000+/month for parents). Standard Family Visa process applies — separate visa per dependent.
Apply for UAE Employee Visa
