UAE onboarding, explained from both sides.

UAE employment visa and work permit: the mainland MOHRE route (2025-2026)

Hiring a foreign worker onto a UAE mainland payroll is an employer-led, three-stage process: MOHRE issues the work permit, an employment entry permit lets the worker enter (or change status inside the country), and GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other emirates) issues a residence visa after a medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics. The employer applies and pays throughout; the standard employment residence visa is valid for two years and renewable. Since the MOHRE "Work Bundle" launched, the core permit-and-visa issuance is designed to complete in five working days with two in-person visits.

1. 11. Confirm employer eligibility and secure a work-permit quota. The company must hold a valid trade licence, an active establishment card and e-signature card, be registered with MOHRE, and be free of outstanding fines or bans. An authorised representative applies for work-permit quota approval to hire a foreign worker. (MOHRE / u.ae)
2. 22. Sign a MOHRE-approved job offer and employment contract. The employer issues a job offer; once the worker accepts, a standard MOHRE employment contract is registered. This contract is the legal basis for the work permit. (u.ae)
3. 33. Employer applies for the work permit (MOHRE, via Work Bundle / workinuae.ae). The employer submits the application through MOHRE's Work Bundle. Work-permit fees run from AED 250 to AED 3,450 depending on the company's MOHRE classification (category A, B or C). A refundable bank guarantee of AED 3,000 per worker applies on the mainland; fees and guarantee must be paid within the permit's 60-day validity or the permit is auto-cancelled. (u.ae)
4. 44. Employment entry permit is issued (GDRFA / ICP). An electronic employment entry permit (entry visa), valid for roughly two months, is issued so the worker can enter the UAE. If the worker is already inside the country on a visit or tourist visa, the sponsor can instead file an in-country status change via GDRFA or ICP rather than requiring the person to leave. (u.ae / GDRFA)
5. 55. Entry or status change, then medical fitness test. After entering (or on status change), every applicant aged 18+ must pass a residency medical fitness examination at an approved government health centre. Results typically issue within 24-48 hours. (Emirates Health Services)

Fees and timelines vary by emirate, free zone and nationality - confirm the current figure with the regulator before you rely on it.