You have accepted a job offer in the UAE. Congratulations! Before you can settle in properly, open a bank account or sign a long-term rental, you need your residence visa and Emirates ID. Your employer handles most of the process, but knowing the steps helps you prepare documents, avoid delays and understand what is happening.
The process at a glance
- Job offer and work permit approval
- Entry permit (if you are outside the UAE) or status change (if you are inside)
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID application and biometrics
- Residence visa issued
- Labour contract signed and registered
Step 1: Offer letter and work permit
For mainland companies, you sign a MOHRE-approved offer letter, and your employer applies for your work permit. Free zone companies follow their free zone authority's process. Your employer is responsible for the costs of the work permit and visa; you should not be asked to pay recruitment fees.
Step 2: Entry permit or status change
- If you are outside the UAE: your employer gets an employment entry permit, which you use to enter the country.
- If you are already in the UAE on a visit or job seeker visa: your employer can usually apply for a change of status, so you don't need to leave and re-enter.
Step 3: Medical fitness test
You will need a medical fitness test at an approved health centre. It typically includes a blood test and a chest X-ray, and usually takes less than an hour. Bring your passport, entry permit and any documents your HR team requests. Results are sent electronically.
Step 4: Emirates ID and biometrics
Your Emirates ID application is submitted, often together with the visa application. You may need to visit a service centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken, unless your biometrics are already on file. The Emirates ID is your main identity document in the UAE and is used for almost everything: banking, phone contracts, healthcare, renting and government services.
Step 5: Residence visa issued
Once the medical test and security checks are complete, your residence visa is issued. In recent years, the UAE has moved away from passport visa stickers, and the Emirates ID now serves as proof of residency in most situations. Keep digital copies of your documents in the official UAE apps.
Step 6: Employment contract
For mainland jobs, you sign the official employment contract, which must match the terms of your offer letter. Read it carefully, check the salary, job title and allowances, and keep a copy.
Documents to keep ready
- Passport with at least six months' validity
- Passport photos with a white background
- Attested educational certificates (for many professional roles)
- Copy of your signed offer letter
- Entry permit or current visa page
How long does it take?
It varies, but the whole process often takes from a couple of weeks to around a month, depending on the emirate, the employer and how quickly documents are provided. Certificate attestation, if needed, can take longer, so start early.
Useful tips
- Ask HR for a timeline and a checklist at the start.
- Respond quickly to document requests to avoid delays.
- Don't start working until your work permit is approved.
- Check your visa and ID status through the official ICP or GDRFA channels.
- Once you have your Emirates ID, you can open a bank account, get a local SIM on contract and register a tenancy.
Disclaimer: Procedures differ slightly between emirates and free zones and can change. Always follow your employer's guidance and check official ICP, GDRFA or MOHRE channels.