2-year UAE visa: All you need to know about the 2-year Employment Visa process

TL;DR:

• The UAE 2-year employment visa allows foreign workers to live and work in the UAE under a UAE-based employer’s sponsorship, with a process streamlined in 2025 for easier online application, expanded eligibility, and faster processing.
  
  
• Key steps: job offer and employer sponsorship, work permit approval by MoHRE, entry permit issuance, medical check, Emirates ID registration, and residence visa activation—all with official oversight and clear requirements.
  
  
• The typical cost ranges from AED 3,000 to 7,000 (excluding medical insurance and Emirates ID), with processing times between 10 and 15 working days.
  

Foreign professionals seeking to work in the UAE must secure a 2-year employment visa, which is one of the most common routes to legal residency and work rights in the Emirates. Revised and further digitized for 2025, the application process is designed for clarity, speed, and worker protection, reflecting UAE’s continued drive to attract global talent while maintaining strong regulatory standards.

What is a 2-year Employment Visa in the UAE?
A 2-year employment visa in the UAE is an official residence and work permit granted to foreign nationals hired by UAE-based companies. Secured through employer sponsorship, it allows the holder to legally live and work in the UAE for two years, with the option for renewal upon expiry. The process involves employer approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), issuance of an entry permit, medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and final residence visa activation. The system is designed for compliance, worker protection, and streamlined digital application, ensuring clear rights and duties for both the employee and employer.

Who is eligible?

• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Job & Employer: A valid offer of employment from a UAE-licensed company is mandatory.
• Skill/Education Classification: Candidates are classified as:
  
  • Category 1: Bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Category 2: Post-secondary diploma.
  • Category 3: High school diploma.

• Employer Compliance: The sponsoring company must not have violated UAE Labor Law and must possess a current business license.
• Relevant Job Role: The offered job must fit the company’s activities and UAE’s recognized professions.
• Health:Applicants must pass mandatory medical tests in the UAE.
  
• Security: Subject to background and security clearance by UAE authorities.
  

Required documents

• Valid passport (at least 6 months validity).
• Passport-size photographs (per UAE standards).
• Signed employment contract.
• Attested educational and professional certificates.
• Entry permit approval (to be obtained by employer).
• Medical fitness certificate from authorized UAE health centers.
• Proof of health insurance coverage (mandatory, provided by employer).
• Employer’s valid trade/commercial license.
• Emirates ID registration documents.
  

Step-by-step visa application process (2025)
1. Employer Applies for Quota and Initial Approval

• Employer requests quota approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
  
• Allocations depend on company size, office space, and labor ratios.

2. Employment Contract Signing & Submission

• Employer and employee sign a standardized labor contract.
  
• Submitted within 14 days for MoHRE review and compliance check.

3. Work Permit & Entry Permit Application

• Employer submits supporting documents (e.g., certificates, contract, passport copies) to MoHRE and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

4. Issuance of Employment Entry Permit

• Once approved, applicant receives a 60-day entry permit to enter the UAE for further formalities.

5. Arrival in UAE & Medical Testing

• Upon arrival, the applicant undergoes a medical exam (HIV, tuberculosis, etc.) at an approved health center

6. Emirates ID Registration & Biometrics

• Enrollment for Emirates ID (national residency card) including biometric verification (fingerprints, photo

7. Residence Visa Processing & Stamping

• The GDRFA processes the residence visa based on completed formalities and stamps the visa (now digitally linked to Emirates ID; passport stamping is not always required).

8. Final Document Collection

• Emirates ID is issued, and visa details are recorded. The employee is now legally permitted to live and work for the sponsoring company.
  

Fees and processing time

• Cost: Ranges from AED 3,000 to 7,000 for the 2-year visa (excluding health insurance, Emirates ID, and medical test fees)
• Medical insurance: Mandatory, employer-provided (additional cost).
• Processing Time: Standard 10–15 working days for the complete process, barring complications.
  
• Renewal:Employment visas are renewable before expiry with continued sponsorship.
  

Useful tips

• Always ensure the sponsoring employer is reputable and follows all legal requirements.
  
• Maintain valid health insurance and keep all documentation ready for renewal.
  
• Verify your entry permit and visa status via the official UAE government portals for up-to-date case tracking.
  

The UAE’s 2-year employment visa process for 2025 is a transparent, officially regulated system meant to facilitate legal, safe, and efficient employment for foreign talent. Through clear eligibility criteria, employer sponsorship, and rapid digital approvals, the UAE reiterates its status as a premier global employment destination. Always check the latest guidelines on the official UAE government portals or through authorized legal and PRO services for the most current updates.

FAQ

• 1. Who can apply for the UAE 2-year employment visa?

Any foreign national aged 18+ with a formal job offer from a UAE-licensed company and who passes required medical and security checks.

• 2. How long does the visa process take?

Typically 10–15 working days from the initial application to visa activation (subject to document completeness and approvals).

• 3. Is the visa tied to my employer?

Yes, the visa is employer-specific. Changing jobs requires visa cancellation and a new application with the next sponsor.

• 4. What are the key documents required?

Passport, signed employment contract, attested certificates, employer license, medical fitness certificate, passport photographs, and insurance proof.

• 5. Can the 2-year visa be renewed?
  

Yes, it can be renewed upon expiry provided the employment relationship and sponsorship continue.

• 6. Can employment visa holders sponsor their family?

Yes. Employment visa holders (with a standard UAE residence/work permit) can sponsor their spouse and children. The key requirement is a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation.