UAE Employment Visa

A UAE Employment Visa (work visa) allows a company to legally sponsor foreign employees to live and work in the UAE. Every non-UAE national employed by a UAE company — whether Mainland or Free Zone — requires a valid employment visa tied to that employer.

Who Needs an Employment Visa?

• Foreign employees hired by a UAE Mainland or Free Zone company
• Staff relocating from India or elsewhere to work at your UAE entity
• Employees on intra-company transfer from an Indian parent or group company

Employment Visa Process

1. Establishment Card — Your company must hold a valid establishment card/labour registration linked to its trade licence.
2. Work Permit — Apply for an initial work permit/entry permit for the employee.
3. Entry to the UAE — The employee enters the UAE on the entry permit.
4. Medical Test and Emirates ID — The employee completes a mandatory medical fitness test and applies for an Emirates ID.
5. Visa Stamping — The residence visa is stamped in the employee's passport, completing the process.

Visa Quota Considerations

The number of employment visas a company can sponsor is generally linked to its office/facility size and business activity — larger office spaces and certain free zone packages typically allow higher visa quotas. This is an important factor to plan for when choosing office space during company formation.

Documents Typically Required

• Passport copy of the employee
• Passport-size photograph meeting UAE specifications
• Employment contract or offer letter
• Educational certificates, attested where required for certain professions

How StartRight4U Helps

StartRight4U manages the complete employment visa process for your UAE team — from establishment card setup and work permits to medical tests and visa stamping — so your employees can start working without delay. Contact us to plan your team's visa requirements.