Work visa, employment and Emirates ID in the UAE
To work legally in the UAE you need a work permit and a residence visa sponsored by your employer. The employer applies through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE); the standard employment residence visa is issued for two years and is renewed. The employer normally bears the cost.
How hiring works
- MOHRE issues the work permit; the residence visa follows through GDRFA/ICP.
- The salary should be paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS) into a UAE bank account — this is a legal requirement and is also the basis of your banking history.
- An employment contract should state the role, salary, working hours, leave, notice period and end-of-service benefit. Ask for the MOHRE-registered contract and read it, not only the offer letter.
Employee rights and leaving a job
- Notice period: set in the contract and within the limits of the labour law; commonly 30 or 90 days. Check your contract.
- End-of-service benefit (gratuity): payable on completion of service under the labour law; the calculation depends on length of service and basic pay.
- Disputes: MOHRE runs a complaints and mediation service; the labour law and MOHRE are the authority on your rights.
Looking for work and converting your status
- UAE offers a job-search entry permit (Job Exploration) allowing a stay to look for work; you may not work on it. Duration options are commonly quoted as 60, 90, 120 or 180 days — verify with ICP/MOHRE.
- If you entered on a visit visa, it can normally be converted to a work or residence visa, but the process and conditions are set by the authorities and can change — confirm before you commit.
- Some occupations require your degree or diploma to be attested and, for certain roles, recognised by the relevant authority.
Emirates ID and residence
- The Emirates ID is your national identity card and is linked to your residence visa.
- The process includes a medical fitness test and biometrics; the exact steps and fees are set by ICP.
- Without an Emirates ID you cannot open a bank account, sign a long-term lease or exchange your driving licence.
- The residence visa is tied to its sponsor. If you change employer, the visa is normally transferred with the new sponsor.
Visa categories, fees, the job-search permit duration and the attestation requirements change regularly. This page is not legal advice; MOHRE, ICP and the official portal u.ae are authoritative.