The UAE offers only one type of work permit, also called a labor card, making the process of securing permission for employment somewhat easier than in other Middle Eastern countries. However, foreign nationals need to obtain an entry visa, a residence visa, and an Emirates ID card before they can receive a formal work permit. This is a three-stage process:

  1. The UAE employer applies for visa quota approval for the employee, which is obtained through the Ministry of Labor.

  2. The employer provides an employment contract to the ministry. The ministry approves the permit application and issues an entry visa. Upon entering the UAE, the employee has 60 days to arrange for a residence visa and formal work permit.

  3. The employee applies for an Emirates ID in person at an Emirates Identity Authority facility.

The UAE also offers a business visa for entrepreneurs, which allows them and their dependents to stay in the country for a long-term period.

Meltzer Hellrung’s services include:

  • Full assessment of the applicant under existing visa laws and regulations

  • Assistance at each step of the process: visa application, work authorization, residence permit, extensions, renewals, etc.

  • 24/7 access to our case management system to track real-time status of applications and monitor upcoming expiration dates or other requirements

  • Document procurement for legalization, attestation, police clearance certification, proof of birth/marriage/citizenship, etc.

  • Accompaniment and assistance upon arrival in the UAE

Contact is to learn more about how we can help streamline the visa and immigration process.