Looking to work and live in the UAE with a tax-free salary and a multicultural workplace? The UAE 2-Year Employment Visa 2025 (residence visa based on a labour contract) is your pathway. Below is a clear, expert-style guide to eligibility, MOHRE and GDRFA steps, required documents, costs, and FAQs—so you apply with confidence.
What is the UAE 2-Year Employment Visa?
A residence visa issued to foreign professionals who hold a valid job offer and labour contract with a UAE-registered company. Your employer sponsors the process through:
- MOHRE — Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (work permit & labour contract)
- GDRFA — General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (residence stamping)
- ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (Emirates ID)
Result: you can work and reside in the UAE for 24 months, with the option to renew.
Key Features
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 24 months (renewable) |
| Sponsor | UAE-based employer/company |
| Status | UAE residence permit + Emirates ID |
| Typical Timeline | ~2–4 weeks (end-to-end) |
| Basis | MOHRE work permit + labour contract |
| Re-entry | Travel allowed; avoid being outside UAE > 6 consecutive months |
Entities/Keywords: MOHRE, GDRFA, ICP, Emirates ID, UAE Labour Law, residence visa, work permit, labour contract.
Eligibility Criteria
- Job offer from a UAE-licensed employer
- Age: 18+ (upper age limits may apply by role/sector)
- Qualifications/skills match the job role
- Medical fitness at an approved UAE clinic
- Clean criminal record
- Passport valid 6+ months
Step-by-Step Application Process
1) Job Offer & Labour Contract
Your employer issues an offer letter and registers the labour contract with MOHRE.
2) Work Permit (Approval) & Entry Permit
Employer applies for the MOHRE work permit. Once approved, you receive an employment entry permit to enter the UAE for work.
3) Arrive & Complete Medicals
Enter the UAE on your entry permit and complete:
- Medical fitness test (blood test & chest X-ray) at an approved centre
- Biometrics (photo, fingerprints, eye scan) as required
4) Emirates ID Registration (ICP)
Apply for your Emirates ID. This card is essential for banking, healthcare, housing, utilities, and mobile services.
5) Residence Visa Stamping (GDRFA)
Employer submits your passport to GDRFA for residence visa stamping (or e-visa issuance). After stamping, you’re fully legal to live and work for two years.
Required Documents (Typical)
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photos (white background)
- Signed labour contract / offer letter
- Attested academic/professional qualifications (where applicable)
- Medical fitness certificate (UAE-issued)
- Emirates ID application receipt (ICP)
- Entry permit & work permit records
- Proof of accommodation (tenancy/ejari or employer housing)
- Police clearance certificate (if requested for certain roles)
Tip: Employers often submit/track most items, but your timely coordination is crucial.
Medical Test & Emirates ID: Why They Matter
- Medical fitness screens for infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B) and checks TB via chest X-ray.
- Result: medically unfit cases are not approved.
- Emirates ID validity mirrors your visa. You’ll use it daily for banking, government portals, housing, utility registrations, and mobile contracts.
Fees & Who Pays
Costs vary by company category, profession, and emirate, but usually include:
- Work permit fees (MOHRE)
- Medical test fees
- Emirates ID fees
- Residence stamping fees (GDRFA)
- Government processing fees
In practice, employers typically cover visa and work-permit related expenses. Always confirm in your offer letter.
Processing Timeline (Typical)
- Work permit & entry permit: ~5–7 working days
- Medical + Emirates ID + visa stamping: ~10–14 working days
- Total: about 2–4 weeks, depending on document readiness and approvals.
Rights You Gain with the Visa
- Legal residence for two years
- Work rights under UAE Labour Law
- Access to healthcare, banking, housing, and government services
- Multiple re-entry (keep residence valid by not staying abroad > 6 consecutive months)
- Option to sponsor immediate family (subject to salary and housing criteria)
Your Obligations
- Follow UAE Labour Law and your employment contract
- Avoid criminal/civil violations
- Respect local customs and regulations
- If you change jobs, ensure proper visa transfer or cancellation
- Keep your documents (passport, Emirates ID) valid
Cancellation, Grace Period & Job Changes
If employment ends, your employer cancels your work visa. A grace period usually applies to find a new job, change status, or exit.
- Medically unfit cases or violations may lead to refusal/cancellation.
- Job change: secure a new offer, process a transfer/new work permit, and cancel the previous residence as instructed.
Family Sponsorship (Spouse & Children)
Many professions/salary levels allow you to sponsor your family. Typical requirements:
- Valid residence visa & minimum salary threshold
- Tenancy contract (Ejari/registered lease)
- Attested marriage and birth certificates
- Health insurance (as per emirate rules)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting unclear scans or incomplete documents
- Delays in medicals or Emirates ID appointments
- Overstaying outside the UAE for more than 6 months
- Starting work before the work permit/residence is fully issued
- Not confirming who pays fees in the offer letter
FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for the UAE 2-Year Employment Visa without a job offer?
No. You must have a valid job offer and employer sponsorship registered in the UAE.
Q2. Who pays the visa and work-permit fees?
In most cases, the employer pays government and processing fees. Confirm in your contract/offer.
Q3. Can I change jobs on a 2-year visa?
Yes, but you need a new offer and must follow proper transfer/cancellation steps via MOHRE/GDRFA.
Q4. What if I overstay after visa expiry?
Overstaying can lead to fines and potential legal issues. Renew or change status within allowed timelines.
Q5. Can I sponsor my family on this visa?
Yes, if you meet salary, housing, and documentation requirements.
Q6. How long can I stay outside the UAE?
Avoid being outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months, or your residence may become invalid.
Q7. What medical tests are required?
A blood test (infectious diseases) and chest X-ray (TB screening) at an approved UAE medical centre.
Conclusion
The UAE 2-Year Employment Visa 2025 offers a clear path to live and work in a thriving economy—backed by MOHRE, GDRFA, and ICP procedures. With the right job offer, medical fitness, and complete documents, you can finish the process in about 2–4 weeks, secure your Emirates ID, and even sponsor your family. Follow the steps above, avoid common mistakes, and keep everything compliant with UAE Labour Law for a smooth start to your UAE career.
