UAE visas
UAE employment (work residence) visa
The standard way to live in the UAE for work. Your employer applies for your residence visa.
- Applied by
- Your employer
- Validity
- 2 years, renewable
- Covers
- Government and private sector
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- You have a job offer from a UAE employer
- You are happy to be sponsored by your employer
- You plan to move to the UAE with your family
The basics
What the authorities look for
- A job offer and employment contract from a UAE employer
- The employer applies for the standard work visa
- The visa is normally valid for two years and can be renewed
- Skilled workers can look at the Green Visa for self-sponsored residence
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. Last reviewed October 2026. u.ae: Work visa
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- **Contract before you travel.** Confirm the terms in writing before resigning from your current job.
- **Sponsor dependence.** Your residence is tied to your employer. Plan for a change of job.
- **Check the employer is legitimate.** Verify the company and the offer first.
Your case has details a web page cannot cover.
A short call tells you where you stand, and what to do first.
Book a free 15-minute callFAQs
Employment visa questions
Do I apply myself?
The employer applies for the standard work visa. Your part is documents and the steps they ask for.
Is a Green Visa better?
It depends. It removes employer sponsorship but has salary and qualification tests.
Let's map your global pathway
A first consultation covers eligibility, realistic timelines, total cost and the tax consequences of the move. You leave with a written plan, not a brochure.