UAE Employment Visa: Step-by-Step Process in 2026
Get your UAE employment visa in 2026 with this clear step-by-step process. Learn entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, residency stamping, and official MOHRE costs and timelines.
Overview of the UAE Employment Visa Process in 2026
Most expats moving to the UAE for work receive an employment visa sponsored by their employer. The process runs through MOHRE for approval and ICP for final residency stamping. In 2026, the full journey from offer letter to stamped visa typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on medical and Emirates ID appointment availability.
Step 1: Entry Permit
After your employer registers the job offer with MOHRE and pays the fees, you receive an entry permit. This document lets you enter the UAE for 60 days to complete the remaining steps. The entry permit costs AED 300 when issued inside the country or AED 1,200 if processed from outside. Your employer usually covers this fee.
Step 2: Medical Fitness Test
Within 30 days of arrival you must complete a medical fitness test at an approved DHA, DOH or MOH centre. The test screens for HIV, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other conditions. Standard cost is AED 300-AED 500 depending on the emirate. Results are sent electronically to ICP within 3-5 working days. If any test fails, you must leave the UAE within 30 days.
Step 3: Emirates ID Application
Once medical results clear, apply for the Emirates ID at an ICP centre or through the ICP app. This biometric card serves as your official UAE identity. The standard fee is AED 370 for two years or AED 570 for five years. You must book an appointment in advance; same-day slots are limited in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Step 4: Residency Visa Stamping
After Emirates ID issuance, ICP stamps your passport with the residency visa. This final step converts the entry permit into a residence visa valid for two or three years matching your contract. Stamping costs AED 100 plus any typing centre charges of AED 50-100. Your employer handles most paperwork, but you must attend in person for biometrics and stamping.
Official Costs and Timeline Summary
| Step | Fee Range (AED) | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Permit | 300-1,200 | 5-10 days |
| Medical Test | 300-500 | 1 day + 3-5 days results |
| Emirates ID | 370-570 | 5-10 days |
| Residency Stamping | 100-200 | 1-3 days |
Total government fees for the employee usually range between AED 1,100 and AED 2,500. Employers often pay these costs as part of the employment package.
Common Tips for a Smooth Process
- Carry original attested degree certificates and passport copies from day one.
- Book medical and ICP appointments as soon as the entry permit is issued.
- Keep digital copies of every receipt and approval on your phone.
- If changing jobs, request a new employment visa through your new sponsor before the current visa expires.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the full UAE employment visa take in 2026?▾
Most applicants finish in 4-8 weeks from entry permit to stamped residency visa.
Who pays the employment visa fees?▾
Employers usually cover entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping costs.
Can I start work before residency stamping?▾
No. You must wait until the residency visa is stamped in your passport.
What happens if my medical test fails?▾
You receive 30 days to leave the UAE and cannot proceed with residency.
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