UAE Work Permit vs UAE Work Visa | What You Need to Know Before Working in the UAE?

The UAE has really marked itself as an international magnet for professional talent, attracting people from all corners of the world to its diverse economy and job market. For anyone aspiring to build their career here in the busy hub, their first step is to learn about the employment laws in the area. But here the confounding terms come in. Many would-be employees often wonder what the difference is between a UAE work permit and a UAE work visa: many use the terms interchangeably. This kind of confusion sometimes further complicates the legalities involved in employment.

This guide is intended to eliminate that confusion. We will define each term as clearly as possible, point out the critical differences between them, and then walk you step by step through securing both so that you can begin your employment journey in the UAE on the right foot.

What is a UAE Work Permit?

A UAE work permit, also called a labour card or employment entry permit, is the first document that enables a private company to legally employ an expatriate. It is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for mainland companies and by the free zone authority for free zone companies. Think of it, in effect, as the government’s official validation of the employment contract between you and your employer.

The permit confirms that there is a bona fide offer of employment to you and that your employer is allowed to bring you in for work. Initially, the permit is valid for two months to enable you to come to the UAE and complete the outstanding formalities. It is not a residential document; it purely serves the purpose of establishing your employment. Permits consist of various types, including the new permit for a first-time employee, a renewal permit for an employee already in the UAE, and temporary work permits for short-term projects. No illegal employment can start for a foreigner in the UAE without a UAE work permit being acquired from the MOHRE.

What is a UAE Work Visa?

Whereas the work permit endorses your employment, the UAE work visa actually makes it possible for you to officially live in the country. It is usually then stamped into your passport once you enter the UAE. Therefore, it is called this way because it is stamped by the immigration authority of the UAE through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.

The work visa is, however, dependent upon your employment. If you lose your job, your visa will definitely become invalid. Duration of stay is usually one year or two years, depending on the jurisdiction under which your employer falls, free zone or mainland, plus the duration of the employment contract. This authorizes you to hire an apartment, set up a bank account, and have a local driver’s license. It is important to note that the visa will be renewed by your employer before expiry, based on your continued employment.

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Key Differences | UAE Work Permit Vs UAE Work Visa

The most common points of confusion arise from the simple failure to understand that the permit and visa represent two different stages of one unified process. The UAE work permit is thus about the permission to work, while the residence visa is about the permission to be in the country lawfully while doing so. Neither can exist without the other for a foreign employee.

The timeline makes the difference clear:

• Work Permit Approval: Your employer first applies for, beforehand procuring, your UAE work permit from MOHRE. This is the ‘green light’ from the government for your employment.
• Entry to the UAE: Based on this, an entry permit is then issued, allowing you to travel to the UAE.
• Visa Stamping: Whilst in the country, you will be subject to a medical fitness test and apply for your Emirates ID. Following this, the UAE work visa (Residence Visa) will be stamped in your passport.

Process of Getting a UAE Work Permit and Visa

Navigating through the processing of an application can be complex, one may argue, but it follows a methodized, employer-led pathway. In most aspects, it will be up to you as the employee to see that the proper documents are submitted on time.

Step 1: Employer Applies for Work Permit Approval

Your employer initiates the process by applying for your work permit from MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority. This entails granting copies of your signed job offer letter, passport, and educational certificates. The authorities review the application with an eye toward determining whether the company has a valid quota to hire a foreign employee and whether you fulfill the criteria for the role. Once granted, you are issued the UAE work permit (usually an entry permit for travel purposes).

Step 2: Employee Enters the UAE

With this entry permit, you can now begin your journey to the UAE. You generally have 60 days from the date of issuance in which to enter the country. Then, immigration authorities at the airport will process your entry permit, thereby setting the next phase of your UAE work visa process into action.

Step 3: Medical Tests, Emirates ID, and Visa Stamping

The last but certainly not the least phase, during which your entry should not exceed 60 days:

• Medical Fitness Test:  A medical test will be required; this is a mandatory test given at any approved health center by the government.
• Emirates ID Application: You will head to a service center where your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be taken for your Emirates ID card, the resident’s ID, which is necessary for each resident.
• Residence Visa Stamping: Your employer submits your passport, medical results, and an application for the Emirates ID to the immigration authority to get the residence visa stamped in your passport.

Roughly 3 to 5 weeks elapse between applying for a permit and stamping a visa on that application. The cost ranges between AED 3000 and AED 8000 and, probably, is the legal responsibility of the employer.

Requirements and Documents

To facilitate the application process for you, some documents should be in place for both you and the employer. Though the lists may differ slightly from one authority to another, the basic requirements are standard, irrespective of whether you are applying in the mainland or the free zones.

Required Documents:

• A clear copy of your passport carrying a minimum of six months’ validity.
• Recently I took a passport-sized photo against a plain white background.
• Copy of the signed job offer letter or employment contract from the employer based in the UAE.
• Attested copies of your educational qualifications, if required for the specific job category.
• Copy of the employer’s valid trade license and establishment card.
• Positive result of the compulsory medical fitness test (which is conducted post-arrival).

It is crucial to note that the process for getting a work permit from a mainland company is under MOHRE, and the one for getting a work permit from a free zone company goes through their governing authority. Both procedures are similar, but there are variations in the submission portals and some specific requirements. This documentation is key to a valid application for a work permit in the UAE.

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Why Work With Arnifi for UAE Work Permit & Visa Services

While the process is straightforward on paper, it is laden with potential pitfalls. There is way too much paperwork involved, rules change at the last minute, and even the tiniest errors can lead to an inordinate delay or outright rejection. Therefore, the need for professional intervention cannot be overemphasized.

Arnifi provides seamless processing from end to end for employment visas. We know what the common issues are: the jargon, the precise requirements for documents, and the deadlines. With years of experience navigating the maze of mainland and free zone procedures, our experts will ensure that your application is accurate, complete, and on time the first time. We will look after everything for you from the beginning of the application for your permit through to the final stamping of your visa, helping save both you and your employer time and earning you some peace of mind.

Speak to one of our Arnifi experts today to get your UAE work permit and UAE work visa stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get a UAE work permit?

MOHRE preliminarily grants work permits within 5 to 7 working days. Otherwise, the entire procedure, including visa stamping, may consume 3 to 4 weeks.

2. Can I change jobs with the same UAE work visa?

No. Your employer sponsors your UAE work visa, so when changing jobs, your employer is responsible for canceling your current visa, while your new employer has to apply for another work permit and visa on your behalf.

3. What’s the cost of a UAE work permit in 2025?

Costs are incurred by an employer, which would depend on the category of the company and whether it is mainland or in a free zone. The actual cost for the permit and visa process usually falls in the range of AED 3000-8000.

4. Is a work permit enough to work without a visa?

No. A work permit is only the preliminary approval to give employment. Completion of the procedure and stamping of your residence visa on your passport will enable you to live and work in the UAE legally.

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between the UAE work permit and the residence visa is the first step towards understanding the process of working in the Emirates. A work permit is supposed to remind one that the job has become a government approval; the residence visa is the second phase, where the government matches its approval with the residence. They are two halves of one whole; getting both of them is the only key to a valid and successful career in the UAE.

Making these changes can be complicated; however, it does not have to be. Putting the implementation of all processes in the beginning ensures that the transition is smooth. Do not let inherent weaknesses put pressure on your application process. Contact Arnifi’s expertise right from the onset, and start your career in the UAE with confidence.