UAE Ministry sets steps for employers to obtain work permits

Key Takeaways

• Employers must have valid trade license, establishment card, and MoHRE quota to hire foreign workers in the UAE.
• Work permit process involves application submission, document uploads, medical exams, and biometric registration for Emirates ID.
• Official fees range from AED 500 to AED 5,200 based on worker skill level; permits can be processed in two days.

Securing a work permit in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 is a crucial step for employers looking to bring workers from outside the country. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), commonly called the UAE Ministry, has created a detailed process to help employers do this legally, quickly, and in a way that protects workers and the company. This guide breaks down every step so that employers can clearly understand what is needed from start to finish.

Introduction: Why Work Permits Matter in the UAE 🇦🇪

A work permit is a legal document that allows a foreign national to work in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪. The rules are in place to protect everyone involved: the company, the worker, and the country as a whole. Companies cannot simply hire someone from outside the UAE 🇦🇪 and ask them to start work; the law requires that every step is followed carefully. Mistakes or skipped steps can lead to major fines or the inability to hire international talent in the future.

Employers shoulder the responsibility for making sure every legal requirement is met, that all paperwork is correct, and that all fees are paid. This guide provides the full process as set by the UAE Ministry, with practical tips and a checklist for success.

Checklist: Documents and Steps Needed for UAE 🇦🇪 Work Permits

Before beginning, make sure you have the following:

• Valid company trade license
• Company establishment card
• No outstanding fines or violations with MoHRE
• Enough quota (permission for foreign hires) for hiring foreigners
• Prospective employee’s passport (valid for 6+ months)
• Passport-size photograph of employee
• Signed job contract in English, Arabic, and native language (if needed)
• Attested academic or professional certificates (if the job requires them)
• Company’s trade or commercial license (a copy)
• Proof of professional license, if applicable (health, engineering, etc.)

Step 1: Check Company Eligibility

Employers must first prove that their business is fully legal and ready to hire. The UAE Ministry requires:

• Current trade license—confirms your company is legally registered.
• Valid establishment card—proves you have permission to hire employees.
• No unpaid fines or violations with the UAE Ministry.
• Quota approval, if needed—this ensures your company stays within the limit for hiring foreign workers. Certain industries may allow more or fewer foreign hires.

Tip: Keep your business paperwork up to date. Unpaid fines or missing documents can delay your entire hiring process.

Step 2: Submit the Work Permit Application

Once your company is cleared, you need to officially request permission to hire your chosen worker. Here’s how:

• Log into the MoHRE online portal using UAE Pass or another approved option. (The UAE Pass is an official online ID used for government services.)
• Fill out the work permit application on behalf of your new employee.
• Upload all supporting documents, including:
  • Employee’s passport copy
  • Passport-size photo
  • Signed contract (in all required languages)
  • Attested educational or professional documents
  • Your company’s trade license
  • Extra licenses or certificates if the job requires it (for example, medical or engineering jobs)

Note: Missing any part of the application or uploading unclear documents can lead to major delays.

Step 3: Application Review by the UAE Ministry

The UAE Ministry will review your submission. During this time:

• Officials check if all documents are correct and up to date.
• If something is missing or there’s a mistake, they’ll inform you through the online portal.
• You may need to correct mistakes or submit missing papers promptly.
• Once everything checks out, the Ministry gives preliminary approval.

Tip: Respond quickly to any Ministry requests. Delays in reply can cost you valuable time.

Step 4: Pay Fees and Obtain Entry Permit

After getting the initial thumbs up from the UAE Ministry, here’s what you need to do:

• Pay the official government fees. These vary based on the worker’s skill level:
  • Category 1 (higher skills/education): AED 200 for approval, AED 300 for electronic permit.
  • Category 2 (mid-level skills): AED 200 for approval, AED 600–2,000 for permit.
  • Category 3 (lower skills): AED 200 for approval, AED 5,000 for permit.
• High-skill workers cost less, while lower-skilled roles cost more.
• Some companies will also need to provide a bank guarantee or get special insurance, depending on their business sector.

Important: Always confirm the current fee structure with MoHRE as it can change.

Once fees are paid:

• The UAE Ministry issues an “entry permit,” also called a “pink visa.”
• This entry permit allows your new employee to enter the UAE 🇦🇪 for a limited time (usually two months).

Tip: Make sure your worker arrives before the entry permit expires. Otherwise, you’ll need to restart the process or risk extra costs.

Step 5: Employee Arrival and Local Formalities

With entry permit in hand, your new worker can travel to the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪. Once they arrive:

1. Medical Screening: The worker must visit an approved medical center for health checks. This is to ensure they are fit for work and free of infectious diseases.
2. Biometric Registration: The worker needs to go to a Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship office to give fingerprints and a photo. This step is for issuing the Emirates ID, an identity card that every resident must carry.
3. Official Work Permit and Labor Card: After passing the medical check, the employer can finish the work permit process. This step also involves starting the application for the worker’s residency visa, which gives them legal status to live and work long-term.

Employers play an active role in guiding their workers through every step. Shortcuts are not allowed—the process is strict to protect the rights of all parties.

Tip: Book medical and Emirates ID appointments early to avoid long waiting times.

Step 6: Finalising Work Permit and Residency Visa

Once the worker is medically cleared and has completed biometric registration:

• The UAE Ministry finalizes the work permit and labor card.
• The residency visa process also moves forward—this is often handled at the same time.
• When both are completed, the worker is fully legal and allowed to begin official work right away.

If, for any reason, the medical check is not passed or if any documents are found to be false, authorities may cancel the process and require the worker to leave.

Timeframes, Fees, and Special Notes

• The entire process, if all documents are ready, can take as little as two working days.
• It may take longer (up to several weeks) if there are missing papers, slow replies, or problems with the health check.
• Employers must pay all required fees and make sure their paperwork is complete throughout.
• Staying compliant after the work permit is issued is vital. This includes renewing documents and following UAE 🇦🇪 labor laws.

If your application is denied, check the notice from the UAE Ministry to understand the reason. You might be able to fix paperwork or reapply after addressing the problem.

Who Handles Each Step?

The table below breaks down who does what in the process:

Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

Best Practices:
– Always double-check all uploaded documents for clarity and completeness.
– Respond to any MoHRE requests as soon as possible.
– Keep your company records up to date, and reconcile any fines right away.
– Start local formalities as soon as your worker arrives to avoid delays.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
– Submitting blurry or incomplete scans of documents.
– Letting the entry permit expire before your worker travels.
– Delaying replies to the Ministry’s requests.
– Overlooking the need for quota approval or sector-specific permissions.
– Failing to renew key documents after your worker arrives.

Being careful with every step helps avoid fines and cuts down waiting time for everyone involved.

Adapting to Changing Rules in the UAE 🇦🇪

The UAE Ministry sometimes changes its rules or processes to better protect workers and help employers find the best talent. Fees can change, and new categories or paperwork may be added. Employers must stay up to date by checking the official MoHRE website or speaking to immigration experts in the UAE 🇦🇪.

For official updates and sector-specific requirements, employers should review the official UAE government page on work permits.

Summary and What to Expect Next

Securing work permits for international workers is vital to keep companies and employees in line with UAE 🇦🇪 law. From making sure your company is eligible, all the way to getting the final work and residency permit, each step must be followed closely. Fees and paperwork may seem demanding, but careful planning saves time and money in the long run.

Employers are expected to champion good practices, help their workers settle in smoothly, and maintain compliance after recruitment. Every document, every signature, and every fee matters. With clear attention to process and timelines, companies can bring in the global talent needed to grow and thrive in the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.

For deeper analysis and practical tips, reports from VisaVerge.com shed light on the best ways for employers to handle work permits and discuss real-world cases. Staying informed through trusted sources and seeking legal help when in doubt keeps your hiring goals on track and trouble-free.

Getting More Help

If you need help or have questions not covered here, reach out to:

• The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
• Licensed immigration consultants, especially for special industries
• The official MoHRE work permits page for forms, fee updates, and sector news

Embarking on the work permit process in the UAE 🇦🇪 with preparation and care will make the experience smoother for both employers and workers. By following every legal step, you help your company and new hires succeed.

Learn Today

MoHRE → The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the UAE authority overseeing labor laws and issuing work permits for foreign employees.
Trade License → An official document that legally authorizes a company to conduct business activities within the United Arab Emirates.
Establishment Card → A permit that certifies a company is registered and eligible to hire employees within the UAE labor system.
Entry Permit (Pink Visa) → A temporary visa allowing a new foreign employee to legally enter the UAE for work purposes.
Emirates ID → A mandatory identification card containing biometric data, issued to all UAE residents, required for legal residency and employment.

This Article in a Nutshell

Securing a UAE work permit is vital for employers hiring international talent. The process requires company eligibility, detailed documentation, and compliance with MoHRE regulations. Timely fee payments, medical checks, and proper document handling are crucial. Following these rules ensures legal hiring, prevents fines, and supports business growth in the UAE.
— By VisaVerge.com

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