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The number of businesses and professionals immigrating to the United Arab Emirates has grown substantially in recent years. The UAE offers lucrative business growth and career opportunities, making it a top destination for employment-related immigration. In fact, the expat community makes up approximately 88% of the UAE’s population.
As per the UAE Labour Law, expats or foreign nationals require a valid UAE work permit issued according to the procedures set out by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to be employed legally. However, obtaining the UAE work permit can be a complex process for employers and employees as it requires extensive documentation, approvals and compliance with the UAE Labour laws.
Navigating the work permit process and understanding the legal requirements of the UAE Labour Law can seem complex for employers trying to relocate or hire international employees. At Stratrich, we assist businesses and professionals in obtaining UAE work permits efficiently, ensuring both parties a smooth and stress-free experience.
Businesses and professionals can choose from the following types of UAE work visas available based on their professional requirements:
| Visa Type | Who Is It For? | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Employment Visa | For employees sponsored by a UAE company. Requires a valid contract and MoHRE approval. | Up to 2 Years |
| Green Visa | For freelancers and self-employed professionals. Includes relative sponsorship and 6-month grace after expiry. | 5-Year Residency |
| Golden Visa | For investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. Offers long-term stay, family sponsorship, and insurance access. | 5–10 Years |
| Mission Visa | For short-term, project-based or temporary work assignments in the UAE. | Up to 6 Months |
Navigating work permits and visas in the UAE can be a complex process for employers as well as employees. This involves understanding the legal requirements and fulfilling extensive documentation, approvals and compliance. We simplify the process and assist companies and employees in obtaining work permits efficiently by reducing delays and ensuring approvals.
Employees must provide the following documents in compliance with UAE labour regulations to secure a work permit in the UAE.
The employee must have an official job offer from a UAE-based company.
Employees must undergo a medical examination to confirm they are physically fit and free from any contagious diseases.
Relevant educational certificates must be attested and submitted for professional or skilled roles.
The employee as well as the employer must fulfil the following conditions:
A valid passport with at least six months of validity and recent passport-sized photographs are required.
An entry permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to legally enter the UAE for employment purposes.
The application for work permits and visas in the UAE involves several steps, including selection of visa, Emirates ID and fulfilling the compliance requirements.
We assess your job offer, qualifications, and determine your eligibility for the UAE work permit.
We gather the required documents based on the eligibility criteria, including language translations and notarizations.
Assistance with mandatory medical tests from empanelled healthcare facilities.
Submit the required documents and biometrics for obtaining the Emirates ID.
We submit the work permit application along with the required documents to MOHRE.
Finalising visa stamping and issuing the work permit for legal employment.
Here is a list of supporting documents generally required for a UAE work visa:
After submission of the work permit application and supporting documents, it takes 2 to 4 working days to obtain the work permit. You can request an expedited work permit for an additional fee that reduces the processing time to 2 business days.
Work visas in the UAE are generally valid for 1 to 2 years.
Yes, UAE work visa can be renewed. Your employer needs to renew it within 30 days before it is set to expire.
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