Hiring employees in the UAE involves a structured process that ensures both compliance with UAE labor laws and a smooth onboarding experience for your new staff. Whether you are a startup, SME, or a large enterprise, understanding the employee visa process is essential.

 

Step 1: Ensure Your Company is Authorized to Hire

Before you can hire an employee, your company must have the necessary approvals and legal permissions:

• Valid Trade License – Your company must have a current, active trade license issued by the relevant authority (Mainland or Freezone).

• Labor Quota (Mainland companies only) – Mainland companies need Instant or Approved Quota to hire an employee. A visa quota is the maximum number of work visas a company is allowed to sponsor for employees in the UAE, based on its trade license and approvals from the authorities.

• Freezone Approvals (Freezone companies) – Freezone authorities typically manage their own internal labor quotas and approvals for employees.

Step 2: Offer Letter and Contract

Once your company decides to hire, issue a job offer letter and employment contract in compliance with UAE labor laws. The contract should clearly outline:

• Job title and description

• Salary, Allowances and benefits

• Probation period & Notice Period (if applicable)

• Working hours and leave entitlements

Tip: Ensure all agreements comply with MOHRE regulations to avoid visa or labor disputes.

Step 3: Entry Permit / Employment Visa Application

The employer applies for an entry permit (also called a labor approval) from MOHRE for mainland companies, or the respective freezone authority.

Documents typically required include:

• Copy of employee passport

• Passport-size photos (white background)

• Company trade license and establishment card

• Signed Employment contract 

The entry permit allows the employee to enter the UAE legally to complete further procedures.

 

Step 4: Medical Fitness Test

After arriving in the UAE, the employee must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized medical center. The test usually includes:

• Blood test

• Chest X-ray (for tuberculosis)

• General health check

Note: Passing the medical test is mandatory for the issuance of the residency visa.

 

Step 5: Emirates ID Application

The employee must apply for an Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

• Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) are collected.

• The Emirates ID is used for identification, government services, and labor-related processes.

 

Step 6: Residency Visa Stamping

Once medical clearance and Emirates ID procedures are complete, the employee’s passport is submitted to stamp the residency visa.

• Duration: Typically 2–3 years (depending on the company and visa type)

• After stamping, the employee is officially authorized to live and work in the UAE.

 

Step 7: Labor Card / Work Permit Issuance

For Mainland companies, a labor card or work permit may also be issued through MOHRE.

• Confirms the employee is legally employed by your company

• Required for salary transfers and legal compliance

Freezone employees usually get a work permit directly linked with their residency visa.

 

Step 8: Onboarding and Compliance

Once the visa process is complete:

• Register the employee in your HR and payroll system

• Set up health insurance (mandatory in UAE)

• Familiarize them with labor law rights and company policies