UAE Work Visa 2026: Permits, Green Visa, Costs and Steps
Working legally in the United Arab Emirates takes two things: a work permit from the labour ministry and a residence visa. In the standard route your employer applies for you. In the Green residence route you need no sponsor. This guide explains both, using the UAE government's official portal and its identity and residency authority as read on 13 October 2026.
Quick answer
To work in the UAE you need a work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE); working without one is illegal. The standard work visa is valid for two years, is renewable, and must be applied for by your employer. The permit to recruit a worker from outside the UAE is also valid for two years. Issuing or renewing a work permit costs between AED 250 and AED 3,450, depending on the employer's compliance classification. Skilled workers who want to sponsor themselves can apply for Green residence, valid for five years, which requires a UAE employment contract, a bachelor's degree and a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000. Freelancers need annual income of at least AED 360,000 over the previous two years.
The routes to working in the UAE
| Route | Who sponsors you | Validity | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard work visa | Your employer | Two years, renewable | A job with an employer in the government or private sector, who applies for you |
| Green residence, skilled worker | Yourself | Five years, renewable | A valid UAE employment contract, a bachelor's degree and a salary of at least AED 15,000 a month |
| Green residence, freelancer or self-employed | Yourself | Five years, renewable | A freelance or self-employment permit and income of at least AED 360,000 a year over the previous two years |
| Golden residence | See the programme's rules | 10 years, renewable | Meeting the requirements of the Golden programme |
The work permit: the rule that applies to everyone
Under Article 6 of the UAE Labour Law, Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, it is illegal for a person to work in the UAE without a valid work permit issued by MoHRE. Employers, in turn, may not recruit or employ anyone until a permit has been issued. MoHRE issues permits to establishments registered with it.
Conditions for a work permit
- The worker must be at least 18 years old, except under a juvenile or student training permit.
- The occupation must match the business activity of the establishment.
- The company's trade licence must be valid and free of violations.
- For regulated professions, the worker must hold the licence required to practise.
- A person legally authorised to represent the company must submit the application.
MoHRE can refuse, decline to renew or cancel permits if the establishment provides incorrect documents, is fictitious, or does not comply with the Wages Protection System.
The main types of permit
MoHRE has 13 types of work permit. These are the ones most relevant to someone moving to the UAE.
| Permit | What it is for | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Recruiting a worker from outside the UAE | Bringing in a new employee from abroad | Two years |
| Transfer between establishments | Moving a non-UAE worker from one employer to another | Two years |
| Resident on a family sponsorship | Hiring someone already in the UAE on a family member's sponsorship | Two years |
| Part-time | Working fewer hours or days than a full-time employee; more than one employer is possible with ministry approval | Not stated |
| Mission | Coming from outside the UAE for a specific temporary job or time-bound project | Not stated |
| Golden visa holder | Employment of someone in the UAE who holds Golden residence | Two years |
| Freelance | Working independently without an employer's sponsorship or an employment contract | Not stated |
What it costs
Issuing or renewing a work permit costs from AED 250 to AED 3,450. The amount depends on how MoHRE classifies the company: A, B or C. The classification reflects the company's compliance with the labour law, the Wages Protection System and workers' rights, and its record on cultural and demographic diversity. Companies with a history of violations are placed in category C.
That gives you a useful signal. The fee depends on the category, and a company that commits serious violations can be denied new permits altogether. Ask a prospective employer about its standing before you resign from your current job.
How the standard route works
- You accept a job offer from a UAE employer.
- The employer applies for your work permit through MoHRE. For someone abroad this is the permit to recruit a worker from outside the UAE.
- The employer applies for your residence visa. The standard work visa is valid for two years.
- You complete the medical examination and fingerprinting required for the Emirates ID.
- You start work once the permit and residency are in place.
The UAE has merged these steps for private-sector employers in a platform called the Work Bundle. The government says it cut the process from 15 steps and 16 documents to 5 steps and 5 documents, reduced in-person visits from 7 to 2, and brought processing time down from 30 working days to 5.
Green residence: working without an employer as sponsor
Green residence is one of the UAE's long-term residence categories. It is granted for five years, is renewable, and lets the holder live and work in the UAE without a sponsor. Holders can sponsor family members, including a spouse and children, and get specified grace periods when the residence expires.
| Category | Key requirements |
|---|---|
| Skilled workers | A valid employment contract in the UAE; an occupation in professional levels 1 to 3 of MoHRE's classification; at least a bachelor's degree; a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 or the equivalent |
| Freelancers and self-employed | A freelance or self-employment permit from MoHRE; at least a bachelor's degree, specialised diploma or equivalent; proof of stable income or solvency; annual freelance income of at least AED 360,000 over the previous two years |
| Investors and business partners | Proof of investment in or contribution to a business in the UAE; the necessary licences and approvals |
The difference from the standard route is what happens when a job ends. With a standard work visa your residence depends on your employer. With Green residence it does not.
Mistakes to avoid
- Starting work on a visit visa. Working without a MoHRE work permit is illegal.
- Assuming the visa is yours to arrange. In the standard route the employer must apply.
- Taking a job that does not match the company's activity. The occupation on the permit has to align with the establishment's business.
- Ignoring professional licensing. Regulated professions need a licence to practise before a permit is issued.
- Tutoring on the side without a permit. Private lessons require the private teacher work permit, which is free and lasts two years.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a work visa for the UAE?
In the standard route, a UAE employer hires you and applies for both your MoHRE work permit and your residence visa. You cannot apply for the standard work visa yourself. The alternative is Green residence, which you apply for on your own if you meet its requirements.
How long is a UAE work visa valid?
The standard work visa is valid for two years and is renewable. Green residence is granted for five years and Golden residence for 10 years.
How much does a UAE work permit cost?
Issuing or renewing a work permit costs between AED 250 and AED 3,450, depending on whether MoHRE classifies the company as A, B or C.
Can I work in the UAE without a sponsor?
Yes, with Green residence. Skilled workers need a valid UAE employment contract, at least a bachelor's degree and a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000. Freelancers need a MoHRE freelance or self-employment permit and annual income of at least AED 360,000 over the previous two years.
Is it legal to work in the UAE on a tourist visa?
No. Under the UAE Labour Law it is illegal to work without a valid work permit issued by MoHRE, and employers may not employ anyone before the permit is issued.
How long does a UAE work permit take?
The government says its Work Bundle platform for private-sector employers has reduced processing time from 30 working days to 5 working days.
What is the minimum age to work in the UAE?
A worker must be at least 18 for a normal work permit. A juvenile work permit covers people aged 15 to 18 under specific conditions and is valid for one year.
Sources (official only)
- UAE Government portal — Work visa
- UAE Government portal — Work permits
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security — Green Residence guide
All figures verified against the official pages above on 13 October 2026. Fees and requirements change, so check the official portal before you apply. Information, not legal advice.