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Hiring new recruits in the UAE comes with one big headache: processing the visa. You find the perfect candidate, sign the employment contract, but then the waiting begins. Weeks can go by, projects stall, while the candidate start feeling agitated, all while your competitors are racing ahead.
While doing business in the UAE, even a day matters. Delays aren’t just inconvenient; they can cost you contracts, damage client relationships, and leave your team frustrated. For professionals relocating, visa hold-ups bring uncertainty to both work and life plans.
The Mission Visa aims to change that by offering legal work permits in less than a week. But the question is: does it really cut through the hassle? Or is it just another bureaucratic delay?
In this blog, we’ll look at what the Mission Visa has to offer, including real processing times and compliance details you need to know. Whether you’re an employer under pressure or a professional eager to start, this guide will help you make sense of it all and move forward with confidence.
A Mission Visa (officially called a Mission Work Permit) is the UAE government’s solution to urgent, short-term staffing. MOHRE launched it in February 2022 specifically for professionals entering the country for time-bound assignments.
The employer is responsible for applying for the visa, which permits only a single entry. If the holder leaves the country before the visa expires, the visa becomes invalid, and a new application must be submitted for re-entry.
Key features of mission visa:
This visa category works brilliantly for specific professional scenarios:
| Feature | Mission Visa | Employment Visa | Freelance Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 60-90 days | 2 years renewable | 1-3 years |
| Purpose | Short projects | Long-term work | Independent clients |
| Processing | 5-7 days | 2-4 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
| Cost | AED 500-5,000 | AED 3,000-7,500 | AED 7,500-15,000 |
| Employer Tie | One employer only | One employer only | Multiple clients OK |
| Residency | None | Full residency | Full residency |
| Family Sponsorship | Not allowed | Yes (if eligible) | Yes (if eligible) |
| Travel | Single entry | Multiple entries | Multiple entries |
| Conversion | Must exit UAE first | Renewable in-country | Renewable within UAE |
| Bank Account | Very challenging | Standard process | Standard process |
| Driving Licence | Cannot obtain | Can obtain/convert | Can obtain/convert |
Mission Visas are faster than employment visas, more legitimate than working on tourist visas (which is illegal), but far more restrictive regarding long-term benefits.
Understanding the right use cases prevents costly mistakes and maximises the benefits this visa offers. Ideal scenarios for mission visa
Racing against project deadlines
You’ve secured a contract starting in two weeks. A specialist must be on-site immediately. Standard visa processing takes four weeks minimum, which means you’d miss the deadline entirely.
Mission Visas solve this exact problem. They get people working legally within 10 to 14 days from application start.
Testing before committing
International hiring carries risks. Skills look great on paper, but how does the candidate actually perform? Do they fit your company culture? Can they deliver under UAE market conditions?
The 90-day Mission Visa functions as an extended paid trial. Both parties assess the fit before committing to long-term employment contracts. This significantly reduces hiring risks.
Clearly defined project work
Some needs have obvious start and end points:
When project scope matches visa duration naturally, Mission Visas eliminate unnecessary administrative overhead.
Budget-conscious hiring
For genuinely short assignments, Mission Visa cost less upfront:
The savings become significant when multiplied across multiple short-term hires throughout the year.
1. Construction and Engineering
2. IT and Technology
3. Professional Consulting
4. Events and Hospitality
5. Corporate Training
Step 1: Company preparation
Verify MOHRE registration remains current without violations. Apply for Mission Visa quota approval through your PRO. Gather required documentation: trade licence, establishment card, authorised signatory documents.
Step 2: Employee documentation
Assemble passport with 6+ months validity, passport photographs meeting exact specifications, attested educational certificates, and previous employment documentation.
Step 3: Submission
PRO submits application through MOHRE’s digital portal with all documents and fees (base fee AED 100). MOHRE reviews against company quota and verifies documentation.
Step 4: Entry permit and travel
Upon approval, MOHRE issues entry permit valid 60 days. Employee books travel, presents permit at UAE airport, receives entry stamp.
Step 5: In-country completion
Employee undergoes medical fitness test, signs labour contract with employer, and receives labour card before legally starting work.
The cost of a Mission Visa in the UAE starts with an application fee of AED 100. However, when you add other required expenses like medical tests, health insurance, document processing, and government fees, the total cost usually ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000. Most employers pay these costs because the Mission Visa is for temporary work assignments. This visa is a budget-friendly way to bring in skilled workers for short periods.
Let’s break down what actually happens from application to legally starting work. Understanding the realistic timeline helps everyone set proper expectations.
Complete timeline: 5 to 7 working days for approval, 13 to 14 days total to start working.
The Mission Visa is generally valid for 60 to 90 days and cannot be renewed while you stay in the UAE. To get another Mission Visa, the visa holder must leave the country first. The employer then cancels the current visa and applies for a new one. This process usually takes about 5 to 7 working days. It is important to leave before the visa expires to avoid fines or penalties.
Document problems
Company-side issues
Applicant complications
*Note: Completing attestations early and ensuring photos meet precise specifications eliminates most delays.
Here’s what catches employers by surprise: you cannot convert Mission Visas to Employment Visas while the employee stays in UAE.
The mandatory process involves:
What this means practically:
When this works: Both parties knew upfront that Mission Visa was a trial period with exit requirement discussed from the beginning.
When this fails: Company knew they wanted permanent hire but chose Mission Visa just for speed. The conversion headache outweighs initial time savings.
What are the compliance rules to follow under a UAE Mission Visa
UAE authorities take visa compliance seriously. Violations bring consequences from fines to deportation and multi-year entry bans.
What companies must have
What employees must qualify
Single employer restriction
Mission Visas create exclusive employment relationships. You cannot work for multiple companies, do freelance projects on the side, or change employers without cancelling and reapplying.
Single entry limitation
The moment you leave UAE territory; your Mission Visa cancels automatically. This applies to business trips, personal travel, family emergencies, or weekend getaways. There’s no mechanism to preserve the visa during absences or re-enter on the same authorisation.
No in-country conversion
You cannot switch from Mission Visa to any other type while physically in UAE. The only legal path involves exiting UAE first, cancelling the Mission Visa, then applying for the new visa category from outside.
Extension isn’t guaranteed
While extensions theoretically exist up to 6 months, they require company quota availability, MOHRE approval, valid business justification, and clean compliance records. Treat the initial 60 to 90 days as your working window.
Overstay consequences
| Violation Type | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Daily overstay | AED 100 fine per day |
| 10+ days beyond expiry | AED 1,000+ fines plus possible detention |
| Extended overstay | Deportation plus entry ban (6 months to years) |
Real example: Staying 30 days past expiry means AED 3,000+ minimum fines plus real risk of a ban preventing UAE return.
Some situations make Mission Visa the wrong choice entirely:
When it comes to quickly deploying talent, Mission Visa provides a real advantage. They speed up the process by 50 to 70% compared to standard employment visas. This speed can make a big difference when tight deadlines require immediate access to specialists. Before you start, consider whether your project can fit within the 60- to 90-day window. Consider whether the role becomes permanent later. Also, ask if you are ready to handle visa conversions if your plans change.
In the fast-paced business world of the UAE, swift talent deployment isn’t just helpful, it is essential. Mission Visas processes visas in just 5 to 7 days. This is much faster than the usual 2 to 4 weeks with traditional visas. It gives your business a clear edge. However, these visas are single-entry and short-term, making them best suited for specific situations.
In early 2024, the UAE issued nearly half a million work permits. This indicates that the country prioritizes mobility to drive economic growth.
Contact Stratrich today to find the visa solution that fits your timeline, budget, and goals, balancing speed with sustainability for success in the UAE market.
