How long does the Standard Employment Residence Visa (United Arab Emirates) take to process?

Varies by ICP, GDRFA, airline, sponsor or service channel; some digital services are processed quickly after complete submission.

How long can you stay on the Standard Employment Residence Visa (United Arab Emirates)?

Employment residence is generally valid for two years or one year depending on contract/sector.

Can you work on the Standard Employment Residence Visa (United Arab Emirates)?

Work allowed for approved employer under UAE work permit/residence conditions.

Country Info Hub

United Arab Emirates

A dynamic Middle Eastern hub offering fast-track work options, tax-free income, and an incredible lifestyle.

Visa Routes Breakdown

17 Total

Work (5)

PR (3)

Study (1)

Visit (5)

Capital: Abu Dhabi
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Fetching live rate...
Languages: Arabic (English widely spoken)
Time vs Colombo: -1h 30m
Population: About 0.0 million
Calling code: +971
Drives on: Right
Climate: Desert; hot summers and mild winters

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Official Visa Data

Visa Routes Breakdown

17 Total

Work (5)

PR (3)

Study (1)

Visit (5)

Back to all visas

At a glance

Government fee

MOHRE work permit issuance/renewal ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450 depending on company classification; residence fees vary.

No guessed static fee was added where UAE official service fees depend on channel, emirate, duration or sponsor.

Processing time: Varies by ICP, GDRFA, airline, sponsor or service channel; some digital services are processed quickly after complete submission.
How long you can stay: Employment residence is generally valid for two years or one year depending on contract/sector.
Work rights: Work allowed for approved employer under UAE work permit/residence conditions.
Where it leads: Entry, visit, residence, work, study or long-term residence in the UAE for the approved purpose.
Where you apply: ICP smart services/app, GDRFA Dubai, UAE-based airline, authorised travel agent/hotel, sponsor/employer or relevant UAE authority depending on route.

Key requirements

valid passport usually at least six months
passport photo
purpose-specific supporting documents
medical fitness/insurance for residence where required
pay official service fees and guarantees where applicable

Step-by-step process

The verified roadmap from starting your application to the grant.

1
Receive official offer
Before applying
Employer/sponsor prepares offer, contract or domestic worker basis.
2
Employer applies
Application day
Employer/sponsor applies for work permit or entry permit through official channel.
3
Enter and complete checks
After entry
Enter after approval and complete medical, biometrics and Emirates ID steps.
4
Residence issued
Varies
Residence visa/permit is issued after post-arrival steps.
Work under permit
After issue
Work only for the approved sponsor/employer and conditions.

Document checklist

Track your progress as you gather what you need.

0 / 6ready

Identity & Personal

Purpose of Visit

Health & Character

Your ticks stay on this device.

Cost breakdown

A verified breakdown beyond just the visa fee.

Government fee: MOHRE work permit issuance/renewal ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450 depending on company classification; residence fees vary.
Agent fee: $914
Travel: $328
Settling in: $4,449
Monthly living cost: $1,667

More details

Important notes

Use the official ICP, GDRFA, MOHRE or airline channel for final fees and checklist.
Visit/tourist visas do not authorise employment.

Streams

UAE
Official route

Official sources

This is information, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.

United Arab Emirates

Visa Routes Breakdown

Quick facts

Visa Routes Breakdown

Receive official offer

Employer applies

Enter and complete checks

Residence issued

Work under permit

Identity & Personal

Purpose of Visit

Health & Character

Important notes

Streams

Official sources

Receive official offer

Employer applies

Enter and complete checks

Residence issued

Work under permit

Identity & Personal

Purpose of Visit

Health & Character

Important notes

Streams

Official sources