Visas

Hiring your first employee: the UAE employment visa process

1 min readBizSetup24 advisory team

Once your company has its licence and establishment card, you can start sponsoring employees. The process follows the same sequence for most roles.

Work permit and entry permit

The company applies for a work permit and an entry permit. If the employee is already in the UAE, a change of status replaces the need to exit and re-enter.

Medical test and Emirates ID

The employee completes a medical fitness test and gives biometrics for the Emirates ID. The residence visa is then issued and linked to the Emirates ID.

Labour contract and payroll

Sign the labour contract on the official system and set up salary payments through the Wage Protection System. Keep copies of every document for renewals.

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so contact us to confirm the requirements for your business.

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