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🇦🇪 How to Apply for a Dubai (UAE) Work Visa by Yourself in 2025

Securing a job in Dubai is only half the battle—the next step is turning that offer into a valid UAE work visa. Although your employer must sponsor the permit, you can manage most of the paperwork yourself with the UAE’s online portals and UAE Pass. This guide walks you through every stage so you avoid agents, save money, and stay compliant with current 2025 rules.

Table of Contents

Choose the Right Work-Visa Route

  1. Standard employer-sponsored visa – two- or three-year residence tied to an approved employment contract
  2. Green Visa – five-year self-sponsored residency for skilled freelancers or investors.
  3. Jobseeker Visit Visa – 60-, 90- or 120-day permit that lets you hunt for work without a sponsor u.ae
  4. Virtual Work (Remote-Work) Visa – one-year permit for overseas professionals with proof of USD 3,500+ monthly income.

Pick the route that matches your status; the steps below assume you already have a signed job offer for a standard visa.

Documents to Prepare Before You Apply

  • Passport valid ≥ 6 months
  • Digital passport photo on white background
  • Signed job offer/contract (three languages if required)
  • Attested degree or diploma (if job is Skill Level 1–3)
  • UAE-accredited medical insurance (can be employer-provided)
  • UAE Pass account (set up at uaepass.ae)

Recommended: Dubai Business Setup 2025: Foreign Entrepreneur’s Fast-Track Guide to Launch & Grow

Step-by-Step Application Timeline

StageWhat You (or Your Employer) DoPortal
1. Work-permit requestEmployer logs into MOHRE and submits “Issuance of a New Work Permit” form.mohre.gov.ae
2. Receive electronic entry permitDownload the PDF once MOHRE approves and pay any listed insurance fee.MOHRE
3. Register your UAE Pass & create ICP accountEnables you to track status and upload docs yourself.smartservices.icp.gov.ae
4. Fly to Dubai on the entry permitYou have 60 days to complete formalities.—
5. Medical exam & biometricsBook government-approved clinic; results auto-upload.ICP
6. Emirates ID issuanceCapture fingerprints at an ICP centre or Smart Hub.ICP
7. Residence visa (eVisa) activatesICP now issues a digital sticker; no passport drop-off needed.ICP

Official MOHRE procedure: log in with UAE Pass, submit application, pay fees, and await electronic approval u.ae.
The ICP “Work Package” lets you add employees, track progress, and finish residence steps entirely online FAICCP Security.

Costs and Processing Times (2025)

ItemTypical Fee (AED)
Work-permit request (MOHRE)200 – 5,000*
Medical test300 – 400
Emirates ID (two-year)370
Residence visa stamping510 – 560
Total (mainland, 2 years)≈ 5,000 – 7,000

*Fee varies by company category and worker skill level globalbusinessetup.com.

Processing time: 5–7 working days for MOHRE approval, 48 hours for medical + ID, and 3–5 days for residence visa once docs are complete.

How to Submit Everything Yourself Online

  1. Create UAE Pass and verify with your passport.
  2. Visit ICP Smart Services → Work Package → Add New Employee and enter your entry-permit number.
  3. Upload medical certificate and Emirates ID biometrics; pay any outstanding fees by card.
  4. Download your residence eVisa once ICP status shows Approved.

The system eliminates most in-person visits and lets you track each step from your phone FAICCP Security.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using an un-attested degree: MOHRE rejects it for Skill Level 1–3 jobs.
  • Missing the 60-day deadline: overstaying the entry permit triggers fines (AED 50/day).
  • Applying through unofficial agents: all genuine payments occur inside MOHRE or ICP portals.

FAQs

Can I pay the visa fees myself?
Yes. The portal accepts international cards, though many employers reimburse after onboarding.

Do I need to surrender my passport?
No. Since 2023, residence visas are issued as an eSticker tied to your Emirates ID.

What if I don’t have a job yet?
Apply for the Jobseeker Visit Visa (60–120 days) via u.ae and interview on the ground.

Final Checklist

  • ✅ Signed offer + MOHRE entry permit
  • ✅ Passport & photos uploaded to ICP
  • ✅ Degree attested and scanned
  • ✅ Medical & biometrics booked on arrival
  • ✅ Residence eVisa + Emirates ID downloaded

Handle each stage online, keep digital copies of receipts, and you’ll convert your Dubai job offer into a legal work visa—without paying a middle-man.

Key sources: MOHRE work-permit procedure u.ae, ICP Work-Package user guide FAICCP Security, updated visa cost schedule 2025 globalbusinessetup.com, and UAE Government Jobseeker Visa page u.ae

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