Securing an Employment Visa – Outside the Country is the first step toward starting your career in the UAE. Whether you’re an employer hiring international talent or a professional relocating to the Emirates, understanding the process is crucial. A lack of clarity often causes delays, rejections, or wasted time, but with the right guidance, the journey can be smooth and stress-free.
This guide explains the full process in simple terms — from receiving your job contract and obtaining your entry permit (eVisa), to completing the mandatory medical fitness test, registering biometrics for your Emirates ID, and finally receiving your residence visa and Emirates ID.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which documents you need, how long each step takes, the fees involved, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
An Employment Visa is a type of residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UAE under the sponsorship of their employer. It is directly linked to the company that hires you and is issued by the relevant UAE immigration authorities.
Your visa contains important information such as:
Your full name and nationality
Job title and sponsoring company
Date of issue and expiry
Sponsorship details
This visa is mandatory for anyone working in the UAE, and without it, employment is not legally recognized.
Age eligibility: Applicants must be between 18 and 64 years old.
Employer requirement: The sponsoring company must have a valid immigration card and an available visa quota to apply for foreign employees.
To qualify for an employment visa, both the employer and the applicant must meet certain requirements:
Age limits: Applicants must be between 18 and 64 years old.
Employer’s responsibility: The sponsoring company must provide a valid job offer, hold an active immigration card, and initiate the visa application process.
Special cases: For managerial, technical, or medical roles, applicants may be required to submit an attested degree certificate or other additional documentation.
The process of obtaining your visa outside the country is structured into seven clear stages:
The journey begins with your employer issuing a written employment contract that clearly states your job title, salary, allowances, and benefits. Once signed by both parties, it becomes legally binding. This step usually takes one business day and is included in the overall visa package provided by the employer.
Issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Allows the applicant to enter the UAE within 60 days.
Processing Time: 2–3 business days
Fee: Included in the visa package
Once your eVisa is issued, you can enter the UAE through any airport, seaport, or land border. At the point of entry, immigration officers will stamp your visa. From this date, you have 60 days to complete the remaining steps of the residency process.
Every applicant must pass a medical fitness test conducted at government-approved health centres under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), or SEHA in Abu Dhabi.
The test includes:
Blood test: Screening for HIV and Hepatitis.
Chest X-ray: Screening for tuberculosis.
Processing time is usually 24–48 hours, with same-day fast-track services available for an additional fee. Costs typically range from AED 380–400.
If the result is “Unfit”, the process ends or must be redone.
With the medical fitness certificate in hand, the next step is registering for your Emirates ID at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre. Here, your biometric data (fingerprints, photo, and facial scan) will be captured.
This step is crucial because:
The Emirates ID application form is officially stamped during the biometric process, linking your ID application to your residency visa.
Without biometrics, your Emirates ID cannot be issued.
Processing takes 1–2 business days, and the fee is usually AED 380–400.
After completing medical and biometric requirements, your residence visa is issued electronically by immigration. This visa confirms your legal employment sponsorship and allows you to travel in and out of the UAE freely during its validity.
Important notes:
Visa validity is generally two years (sometimes three, depending on free zone rules).
You must enter the UAE at least once every six months to keep your visa active.
Processing time is 1–2 business days, with urgent same-day services available.
The final stage is the issuance of your Emirates ID card, which is the official proof of identity for all residents. The Emirates ID allows you to:
Standard processing takes 7–10 working days, although urgent (Fawri) services can provide same-day issuance at an additional cost.
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
Passport copy (valid for at least 7 months)
Passport-size photos with white background (no jewelry, spectacles, or teeth showing)
Copy of eVisa (entry permit)
Entry stamp upon arrival in the UAE
Medical fitness certificate
Emirates ID registration form
Attested degree certificate (for managerial, technical, or medical positions)
Police clearance certificate: May be required for applicants from Kenya, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh.
Special passport requirements: For citizens of Pakistan, India, Egypt, Syria.
National ID copies: Required for applicants from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran.
Gives foreign nationals the right to live and work legally in the UAE.
With an Emirates ID, residents can open bank accounts, sign tenancy contracts, get mobile connections, and access essential services.
Eligible employees can sponsor their spouse, children, and in some cases, parents.
Usually two years, depending on the employment contract and issuing authority.
The visa process will be terminated. In some cases, applicants may retake the test if the issue is temporary.
No, you must remain in the UAE until the visa is finalized.
Yes, it is required for almost all essential legal and financial transactions in the UAE.
You must enter within 60 days from the date of issue.
Yes, your sponsoring company has the right to cancel your visa if employment is terminated.
Obtaining an Employment Visa – Outside the Country is a structured but manageable process. By following the seven steps — from signing your job contract to finally receiving your Emirates ID — you can transition smoothly into your career in the UAE.
The key to success lies in preparing your documents early, understanding the fees and timelines, and working closely with your employer to avoid mistakes or delays. With the right guidance, your UAE employment journey will begin on a strong foundation.
Dreaming of building your career in the UAE? Don’t waste valuable time navigating confusing visa procedures alone. At Theta 7, we take care of the entire Employment Visa – Outside the Country process — from securing your job contract to finalizing your Emirates ID. With our expertise, you’ll save time, avoid costly mistakes, and step into your UAE career with confidence and peace of mind.
Take the first step now — your future in the UAE is just one click away.
