Sponsor Your Team in the UAE
Arab First manages the complete UAE employment visa process — MOHRE work permits, GDRFA entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping for your entire team.
How Many Employees Can You Sponsor?
Mainland Companies
No fixed visa quota — allocations tied to office size (approx. 1 visa per 80 sq ft)
Freezone Companies
Fixed allocation based on office package (flexi: 1–2, shared: 3–5, private: 6+)
Offshore Companies
No UAE employment visas permitted for offshore entities
Employment Visa in 5 Steps
MOHRE Approval
Ministry of Human Resources approves the work permit application for the employee's role
Entry Permit
GDRFA issues the employment entry permit — employee can enter the UAE on this permit
Medical Test
Employee undergoes medical fitness test at a MOHRE-approved centre within 60 days of entry
Emirates ID
Biometrics taken at ICA; Emirates ID issued within 5–7 business days
Visa Stamping
Employment visa stamped in passport; labour card and MOHRE file updated
Employment Visa Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Type |
|---|---|---|
| MOHRE Work Permit | AED 300–600 | Per employee |
| Entry Permit | AED 700–1,200 | Per employee |
| Medical Fitness Test | AED 300–600 | Per employee |
| Emirates ID | AED 370 | Per employee |
| Visa Stamping | AED 600–1,000 | Per employee |
| Arab First Service Fee | AED 1,500–2,500 | Per employee |
What to Prepare
Employment Visa FAQs
How long does an employment visa take in the UAE?
The complete employment visa process (MOHRE approval, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping) typically takes 3–4 weeks. Arab First processes the application in parallel to minimise total time.
What is the difference between MOHRE and GDRFA?
MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources) handles work permits and labour relations. GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) handles the actual visa and entry permits. Both must be coordinated for employment visa processing — Arab First manages both simultaneously.
Can I process employment visas before the employee arrives in the UAE?
Yes. MOHRE work permit approval and GDRFA entry permit can be processed remotely before the employee travels. The employee then enters on the entry permit and completes the medical and Emirates ID in person.
What educational qualification levels affect the visa category?
UAE employment visas are categorised by skill level (1–3). Skill level 1 (degree holders) allows higher salary and benefits packages. Attested educational certificates are required for degrees. Arab First assists with certificate attestation as part of the visa process.
Can I transfer an employee from one company visa to another?
Yes — this is called a visa transfer (novation). The employee keeps their UAE residency while transferring to the new sponsoring company. No ban applies if done correctly. Arab First handles visa transfers with both MOHRE and GDRFA.
What happens when an employee leaves the company?
When an employee leaves, their visa must be cancelled within 30 days and their MOHRE file closed. Arab First handles the complete off-boarding process including visa cancellation, Emirates ID cancellation, and final salary WPS clearance.
Get Your Employment Visa Processed Fast
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