UAE Employment & Residence Visa
MOHRE work permit, labour contract & residence visa under the UAE labour system
Work in the United Arab Emirates is employer-sponsored. A registered UAE employer secures a work permit (entry permit) through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), which is tied to a written labour contract registered with MOHRE — typically on a renewable two-year term. After entry, the worker completes a medical fitness test, biometrics for the Emirates ID, and a residence visa stamp linked to that contract. Wages are paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS), an electronic payroll mechanism that records salary transfers. Demand is strongest in construction, industrial maintenance, oil and gas, and infrastructure. WorkersFromAsia only lists employers whose MOHRE registration and written contract terms have been verified.
Step-by-Step Process
Employer Job Offer & MOHRE Contract
A MOHRE-registered employer issues a written job offer and a standard labour contract stating role, salary, hours, and benefits. The worker reviews and signs before any permit is filed. WorkersFromAsia verifies the employer's trade licence and MOHRE registration first.
Work Permit (Entry Permit)
The employer applies to MOHRE for the work permit and entry permit. No worker pays for this — UAE law places recruitment and permit costs on the employer. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Entry, Medical & Emirates ID
The worker enters on the entry permit, completes the mandatory medical fitness test, and gives biometrics for the Emirates ID. Results and registration are submitted to the immigration authority.
Residence Visa & WPS Payroll
A residence visa is stamped, linked to the registered labour contract. Salary is paid via the Wage Protection System (WPS). The contract is typically two years and renewable; the employer must not withhold the worker's passport.
Documentation Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this guidance final and guaranteed?
No. This is general guidance only. UAE immigration and labour rules — including MOHRE procedures, fees, and contract terms — change periodically and vary by emirate, employer category, and role. Always confirm current requirements with the employer and official MOHRE/ICP sources before you travel. Nothing here is a guarantee of a visa or a job.
Should I ever pay an agent or hand over my passport?
No. Workers never pay recruitment fees on WorkersFromAsia — UAE law requires the employer to bear permit and recruitment costs. Your passport is your property; withholding it is unlawful in the UAE. Before accepting any role, verify the employer's trade licence and MOHRE registration and insist on a written, MOHRE-registered labour contract. If anyone asks for fees or your passport, stop and report it.
What is the Wage Protection System (WPS)?
WPS is the UAE's electronic salary-transfer system. Employers must pay wages through it, creating an official record of what you are paid and when. A WPS-paid salary is a strong signal that an employer is operating lawfully.
How long is the contract and can I change employers?
Labour contracts are typically two years and renewable. Under current rules workers can move to a new employer at the end of the term, and in defined circumstances during it, by following MOHRE transfer procedures. Confirm the specific terms in writing before signing.
Legal disclaimer: Immigration law changes frequently. The information on this page is general guidance and reflects the best available understanding at the time of writing. All placements via WorkersFromAsia are reviewed for current visa route eligibility before the job is published. Contact us if you have specific questions about a candidate's eligibility.