EMPLOYEEVISA
When a UAE company hires someone, the company becomes their sponsor. The employee needs a work permit and a residence visa linked to the company, and the employment is recorded through a labour contract. The process is similar for mainland and free zone companies, but the authority and some steps differ.
Draft text — under review by Milton Bridge
Milton Bridge runs the process for each new hire, whether you are bringing one person or building a team. We check the company's visa allowance, prepare the applications, book the medical and biometrics, carry the documents and track every file until the employee has an Emirates ID.
What a UAE employee visa includes
An employee visa is not a single document. It is usually a set of linked approvals:
- Work permit — the approval to employ the person, issued by the labour authority for mainland companies or by the free zone authority.
- Entry permit — to enter the UAE, or a change of status if the person is already in the country.
- Medical fitness test — required for residence.
- Emirates ID — with biometrics where required.
- Residence visa — issued and linked to the employer.
- Labour or employment contract — recorded with the relevant authority.
How to hire an employee in the UAE: the steps
The company first needs a valid trade licence and an available visa allowance, which usually depends on the licence and the office. The employer then applies for the work permit and entry permit, the employee enters the UAE or changes status, completes the medical test and biometrics, and the residence visa and Emirates ID are issued.
Timing depends on the authority, the employee's nationality and job, and how quickly documents are ready. Some roles need attested qualifications. We give you a realistic plan for each hire.
Employer obligations for employee visas
Sponsoring an employee brings responsibilities for as long as they work for you. The details depend on whether the company is on the mainland or in a free zone, and on current labour rules.
- Paying the visa and permit costs set by the rules, which are generally the employer's to cover.
- Providing health insurance as required in the emirate.
- Paying salaries on time, on the mainland usually through the Wage Protection System.
- Keeping contracts, permits and visas valid and renewing them in time.
- Cancelling the visa and permit correctly when employment ends, including end-of-service benefits where they apply.
Health insurance for employees in the UAE
Health insurance is generally a condition for an employee's residence visa, and in the UAE the employer is usually responsible for providing it. Requirements, such as the minimum cover, depend on the emirate and are updated from time to time.
We make sure each employee has a policy that meets the requirements before the visa is issued, and we can introduce you to insurers through our partners if you do not have one.
How it works with Milton Bridge
- 1
Tell us about the hire on WhatsApp
Send us the role, the employee's nationality and whether they are inside or outside the UAE. We check your company's visa allowance and confirm the steps and documents.
- 2
Documents collected
We collect the passport copy, photo, qualifications and any attested documents. Where originals or signatures are needed, our couriers collect and carry them.
- 3
Work permit and entry permit
We prepare the offer and contract, apply for the work permit and the entry permit or change of status, and send the employee clear instructions.
- 4
Medical, biometrics and insurance
We book the medical fitness test and biometrics, tell the employee where and when to go, and make sure the health insurance is in place.
- 5
Visa, Emirates ID and renewals
We track the residence visa and Emirates ID until they are issued, then record renewal dates so permits and visas never lapse unnoticed.
Employee Visa: frequently asked questions
How do I get a work visa for an employee in the UAE?
The employer applies for a work permit and an entry permit, then the employee completes a medical test and biometrics, and the residence visa and Emirates ID are issued. The company needs a valid licence and an available visa allowance first. We handle each step for you.
What is the difference between a work permit and a residence visa?
A work permit allows a company to employ a person, while the residence visa allows that person to live in the UAE. An employee normally needs both, and they are linked to the same employer. If one is cancelled, the other is usually cancelled too.
How many employee visas can my company get?
It depends on your licence, your office and the rules of your free zone or emirate. On the mainland the allowance is usually linked to the premises; in free zones it is often linked to the office package. We check your current allowance and how to increase it.
Who pays for an employee visa in the UAE?
The employer generally pays for the employee's work permit and residence visa. UAE labour rules generally do not allow these costs to be passed on to the employee. We confirm the costs for your case before we apply.
Can an employee start work before the visa is issued?
An employee should not start work without the right permit in place. Working without a valid permit can lead to fines for the employer. We tell you at which point in the process the employee can legally start.
Can I hire someone who is already in the UAE?
Yes, you can typically hire someone who is already in the UAE, often through a change of status without leaving the country. If they currently hold a visa from another employer, it usually needs to be cancelled or transferred first. We check their status before we apply.
Is health insurance mandatory for employees?
Yes, health insurance is generally a requirement for employees in the UAE, and the employer is usually responsible for providing it. The minimum cover and rules depend on the emirate. We make sure the policy meets the requirements before the visa is issued.
What happens to the visa when an employee leaves?
The employer usually needs to cancel the work permit and residence visa when employment ends. The employee then typically has a period to leave the UAE or move to a new visa. We handle the cancellation and help you settle end-of-service obligations correctly.
