Hiring someone from outside the UAE involves several authorities, and each step depends on the one before it. Below is the usual order for a mainland company. The exact requirements depend on the employee’s nationality, the job and your company’s records, so check your case with us before you start.
Before you start: your company records
Your company needs a valid trade licence and an active establishment card with the immigration authority and MOHRE. If either has lapsed, the application stops at the first step.
Step 1: work permit and offer letter
The employer applies to MOHRE for a work permit. The employee signs the offer letter, which sets out the salary and terms that later go into the labour contract.
Step 2: entry permit
Once the work permit is approved, an entry permit is issued so the employee can travel to the UAE. If they are already in the country, a change of status may be possible instead.
Check your company records first. A lapsed establishment card stops everything.
Step 3: medical test and Emirates ID
After arriving, the employee takes a medical fitness test at an approved centre and gives fingerprints for their Emirates ID.
Step 4: residence visa and labour contract
When the medical result is cleared, the residence visa is issued and the labour contract is registered with MOHRE. From then on the employee can work legally.
Timelines vary by authority and by case. When we review your documents, we will give you an estimate for your specific hire.
