🛂 UAE Work Permit & Employment Process

The usual employment journey from verified offer to lawful work authorisation, medical fitness, Emirates ID and residence completion.

Processes vary: Mainland/MOHRE, free-zone, government and domestic-worker employment do not all use the same authority or sequence.

Usual process overview

Employer and vacancy are verified.
Worker reads and signs the official job offer/contract documents.
Employer applies through MOHRE and immigration, or the relevant free-zone/government authority.
Correct work permit/entry or status-change process is completed as applicable.
Medical fitness test is completed for eligible residence processing.
Emirates ID application/biometrics are completed when required.
Health insurance and residence requirements are completed under the applicable emirate/category.
Worker verifies final status and keeps electronic copies.

Passport with required validity and clear personal-data page
Recent photo meeting official specifications
Current visa/status and cancellation documents where applicable
Signed official offer/contract
Education/professional documents with required attestation for certain roles
UAE licence or occupational approval for regulated jobs
Medical, Emirates ID and insurance documents as the process reaches those stages

The exact list depends on job, skill category, nationality, authority and current status.

Ask for the official application/transaction/reference number.
For MOHRE employment, use the genuine MOHRE website/app.
For Dubai immigration stages use official GDRFA channels; for applicable federal immigration stages use ICP.
For free-zone employment, use that exact authority's official portal/contact.
Open websites yourself; never give UAE Pass/OTP access to a recruiter.
Keep receipts and screenshots showing status and date.

The UAE Government visa tracking page routes users to relevant official channels.

Confirm the required work authorisation is active for the actual employer and role.
Check the contract matches salary, job title and benefits promised.
Verify medical insurance and residence/ID progress as applicable.
Do not work for another employer or commercial platform without the required permit/arrangement.
Keep your passport and signed documents accessible.

Do not assume cancellation alone authorises a new job.
Obtain cancellation/final documents and verify dates/status through official channels.
The new employer must complete the applicable new permit process.
Notice, probation, non-compete, immigration grace period and labour-ban questions depend on facts; get official case-specific advice.
Settle company property, salary and end-of-service records in writing.

Do not rely only on a typing centre, agent or employer statement. Verify final status through the responsible official authority.