UAE Work Visa Requirements for Indians: 2026 Checklist

This checklist is based on the UAE government portal u.ae (content source MOHRE) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), as published on the official sources, checked on 15 October 2026. VFS Global's UAE centres in India handle Dubai tourist and transit visas for Emirates passengers; they do not process work visas. For those visit options, see our UAE visa page for Indians.

Who applies for a UAE work visa: you or your employer?

Your employer. A UAE employer registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) obtains the work permit and the entry permit for you. Working without a MOHRE work permit is illegal under Article 6 of the UAE Labour Law.

u.ae lists these conditions for the standard work visa:

• You must be at least 18. Exceptions exist for juvenile work permits (ages 15 to 18) and student training permits. No upper age limit is published.
• Your occupation must match the employer's business activity.
• The employer's trade licence must be valid and free of violations.
• If your profession is regulated, you must meet that profession's licensing conditions.

The standard work visa is valid for two years and is renewable.

Which documents does the work entry permit need?

The work entry permit is the document that lets you travel. ICP lists the following, and your employer will usually ask you for scans before filing:

Employers subject to the Labour Law also need MOHRE approval before ICP issues the permit. ICP lists a service completion time of 2 days for the entry permit.

What happens after you land in the UAE?

Two 60-day clocks run. You must enter within 60 days of the entry permit being issued, and you must complete residence formalities within 60 days of entry.

For the work residence permit, ICP asks for:

• Your passport, a personal photo and a medical report.
• The MOHRE work permit (if your employer is subject to the Labour Law), or an employment contract or appointment decision for government employers.
• A medical fitness test (for applicants aged 18 or over), a security check and an Emirates ID application.

ICP lists 2 days for the residence permit once filed. Where the employer uses MOHRE's Work Bundle, the work permit and residence take about 5 working days in total, with 5 steps and 2 in-person visits.

Do you qualify for a Green visa instead?

A skilled worker on a high salary may qualify for the Green visa, a 5-year renewable residence that is self-sponsored and allows family sponsorship. ICP lists four requirements:

• A valid employment contract in the UAE.
• MOHRE professional classification level 1, 2 or 3.
• A bachelor's degree or higher.
• A minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 or equivalent.

For professionals at MOHRE level 1 or 2 earning at least AED 30,000 a month with a valid work permit and contract, ICP's Golden visa offers 10-year residence. Check the ICP Green Residency guide for the current application steps.

Can you go on a job seeker visa first?

Yes, if you meet the criteria. The job seeker visit visa lasts 60, 90 or 120 days (single entry per ICP) and needs no UAE host or sponsor. u.ae lists:

• MOHRE skill level 1, 2 or 3, or graduation from one of the world's top 500 universities within the last 2 years.
• A bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• A financial guarantee; GDRFA Dubai takes an AED 1,000 refundable security amount.
• A colour photo, a passport copy valid 6+ months and an attested qualification certificate.

A job seeker visa is for looking, not working. Once you get an offer, the employer still has to file the work permit and entry or residence steps above.

What should you check about your employer before you fly?

MOHRE can refuse, decline to renew or cancel permits if the employer gives incorrect documents, is fictitious or inactive, or does not comply with the Wages Protection System. Firms with listed violations are denied new permits. Before you resign from your job in India:

• Confirm the employer's trade licence is valid and that your job title fits its business activity.
• Ask for a copy of the MOHRE work permit or approval, not just an offer letter.
• Do not travel on a visit visa to start work. Working without a MOHRE permit is illegal.
• Get written confirmation of who pays for the medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance.

Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, travel itineraries and cover letters for visa files, with packages from INR 1,000 (flight reservation) to INR 3,000 (reservation, hotel, itinerary and cover letter). These suit visit or job seeker applications rather than employer-filed work permits. Reach us on WhatsApp at +91 95230 91018 or via our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age limit for a UAE work visa?

u.ae sets a minimum age of 18, with exceptions for juvenile work permits from 15 to 18 and student training permits. Official pages state no upper age limit.

Do Indians apply for a UAE work visa at VFS?

No. VFS Global's UAE centres in India handle Dubai visit and transit visas for Emirates passengers. Work, study and residence visas are applied for by the UAE employer, university or sponsor.

What if I am already in the UAE on another visa?

ICP lists an in-country change of status fee of AED 500. The employer must still obtain the MOHRE work permit before you start work.

How long is a UAE work visa valid?

The standard employer-sponsored work visa is valid for two years and is renewable, according to u.ae. A work permit to recruit from outside the UAE is also valid for two years.