How to Get a Work Visa for Abu Dhabi: Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

Securing a work visa (employment visa) for Abu Dhabi is a structured process driven by your employer. You cannot apply independently—you need a job offer and a sponsoring company. Here's the current roadmap.

Prerequisites

• Valid passport (min. 6 months validity)
• Confirmed job offer from a UAE-registered company
• Employer holds valid trade license & MoHRE registration

Step-by-Step Process

1. Employer Applies for Entry Permit (Pink Visa)

Your employer submits to MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) via the Tawteen or MOHRE app/portal. Required from you:

• Passport copy
• Passport-size photo (white background)
• Attested educational certificates (degree/diploma)
• Experience letters (if required for role)
• Medical fitness certificate (from approved UAE clinic — often done after arrival)
• Police clearance certificate (from home country & any country lived 5+ yrs — increasingly required)

Timeline: 3–10 working days. Valid for 60 days to enter UAE.

2. Enter UAE & Complete Medical & Biometrics

• Medical fitness test at approved center (blood, chest X-ray). Screens for TB, HIV, hepatitis, etc.
• Emirates ID biometrics (fingerprints, photo) at ICP (Identity & Citizenship) center.
• Employer submits medical/ID receipt to MoHRE.

3. Labour Contract Signing & Work Permit Issuance

• Sign standardized MoHRE Labour Contract (digital, via app/portal) — Arabic & English.
• Employer pays fees: Work permit (~AED 300–3,000+ depending on category/skill level), bank guarantee (AED 3,000).
• MoHRE issues Electronic Work Permit (valid 2 years, renewable).

4. Residence Visa Stamping (Entry Permit Conversion)

• Employer/ PRO submits passport to ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security).
• Residence visa stamped in passport (2 years, tied to employer).
• Emirates ID card printed & delivered.

5. Health Insurance (Mandatory)

Employer must provide compliant health insurance (Daman basic plan minimum) before visa stamping.

Costs (Borne by Employer — UAE Labour Law)

• Entry permit, work permit, residence visa fees
• Medical test, Emirates ID
• Health insurance
• Bank guarantee (refundable)
• You should not pay these. If asked, report to MoHRE.

Timeline Summary

Critical Tips

• Attest Documents Early: Degree/experience certs need home country MOFA + UAE Embassy attestation before travel. Takes weeks.
• Check Skill Level: MoHRE classifies roles (1–5). Level 1–3 (degreed professionals) smoother; Level 4–5 need extra scrutiny.
• No Job = No Visa: Visa cancelled if you quit/lose job. 30–180 day grace period to find new sponsor or leave.
• Use Official Channels: MoHRE app, ICP website, Tawteen. Avoid agents charging you.

With a solid offer and prepared documents, the process is administrative, not discretionary. Your employer's PRO (Public Relations Officer) or HR handles the mechanics—your job is providing attested paperwork promptly.