Quick Answer
An employment visa is the UAE residency permit issued to a foreign worker sponsored by a registered UAE employer, valid for 2 or 3 years and tied to a specific labour-card role at that employer.
The employment visa is the most common UAE residency type. Process flow: the employer applies for an entry permit through MOHRE/GDRFA, the worker enters the UAE, completes a medical-fitness exam and biometrics, signs the MOHRE-standard employment contract, and receives the residency-visa stamp plus an Emirates ID.
Total processing time for a complete employment visa is typically 3–7 working days from MOHRE's work-permit approval to residency-visa stamping, assuming the worker is in the UAE on a visit or grace status. Government fees total AED 3,500–6,000 per person depending on category, dependent rules, and any urgent processing.
The visa expires when the labour card expires; both must be renewed together with renewed contracts. If the employee leaves the company, the employer must cancel the labour card and visa within the legal grace window, and the employee can either transfer to a new employer (re-issuing both documents) or exit the country.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an employment visa take in the UAE?
Typically 3–7 working days from MOHRE work-permit approval to residency-visa stamping, assuming the worker is in the UAE on a visit or grace status.
How much does an employment visa cost?
Government fees total roughly AED 3,500–6,000 per person, depending on category, dependent rules, and any urgent processing.
What is the difference between an employment visa and a labour card?
The employment visa is the GDRFA residency permit; the labour card is the MOHRE document tying you to a specific employer and role. Both are issued and renewed together.
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