UAE Work Visa Types Explained for Employers

For most private-sector hires on the mainland, the employer sponsors the employee: MOHRE issues the work permit, immigration issues the entry permit and residence visa, and the employee completes a medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration before the visa is stamped.

Free zone entities sponsor their staff through the free zone authority rather than MOHRE. The steps look similar — permit, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping — but the issuing authority, quota rules and documentation differ by zone. Employees are normally expected to work at the licensed premises of that zone.

• Golden residence — long-term self-sponsored residence for eligible investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent, outstanding students and certain professionals.
• Green residence — self-sponsored residence for skilled employees meeting qualification and salary criteria, plus freelancers and investors.
• Both remove the dependency on a single employer sponsor, which changes how you contract with and retain that person.

• Temporary work permit — for short assignments with a defined end date.
• One-mission permit — to bring a worker in for a specific project or task.
• Part-time permit — allows an employee to work for more than one employer under regulated hours.
• Freelance permit — the individual holds the permit and invoices clients directly.
• Job exploration entry permit — allows qualified jobseekers to enter the UAE to look for work without a sponsor.

1. Is the role permanent or project-based? Project work often suits a temporary or one-mission permit.
2. Is the entity mainland or free zone? That decides the issuing authority.
3. Does the candidate already hold Golden or Green residence? If so, you may only need a work permit, not sponsorship.
4. Does the role require attested qualifications? Regulated and licensed professions almost always do.
5. Does your establishment have quota available? Confirm before making an offer.

Visa categories, fees and eligibility thresholds are updated regularly. Always confirm current rules with ICP, GDRFA or the relevant free zone authority before committing to a timeline with a candidate.

• Can an employee work for two employers in the UAE?
  Yes, under the part-time work permit model, where the arrangement is registered and hours are regulated. Working a second job without the correct permit is not permitted.
• Does a Golden visa holder still need a work permit?
• Can we hire someone already in the UAE on another employer's visa?