Hiring Your First Employee: UAE Work Permits Explained

Before you hire: what your company needs

• A valid trade licence covering the employee's role.
• A valid establishment card.
• Available visa quota, which often depends on office size.
• A business bank account to pay salaries.

If your licence is not yet in place, see our UAE business setup guide and compare free zone packages by visa allocation.

Mainland: MOHRE work permits

Mainland employers apply for work permits through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The ministry sets permit types, fees, Emiratisation obligations for qualifying companies and employment contract templates.

Free zone employment visas

Free zone companies normally apply through their zone authority, which issues the employment approval and processes the visa with immigration. Each zone sets its own fees and quota rules.

Steps from offer to residency

1. Offer letter and employment contract.
2. Work permit or employment approval.
3. Entry permit or change of status.
4. Medical fitness test.
5. Emirates ID biometrics.
6. Residence visa issuance through ICP or GDRFA.

Contracts and salary protection

Mainland employers must pay salaries through the Wage Protection System where it applies. Employees need health insurance, and the ILOE unemployment scheme applies to many workers — see our ILOE insurance guide.

Mistakes that slow hiring

• Choosing a licence package with too few visas.
• Role titles that don't match licence activities.
• Hiring before the establishment card is issued.
• Missing medical or insurance steps.

Plan your visa needs before you choose the licence package.