UAE Work Visa Processing Time

Ajay Choudhary
Jun 14
3 min read

🏢 UAE Work Visa Processing Time

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most popular destinations for skilled professionals, laborers, and entrepreneurs. With booming sectors like construction, hospitality, IT, and healthcare, thousands apply for UAE work visas every month. But how long does the UAE work visa process actually takes?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the UAE work visa processing time, including steps involved, key documents, and tips to avoid delays.

📝 What is a UAE Work Visa?

A UAE Work Visa (also called an employment visa) is a residency visa sponsored by an employer, allowing a foreign national to live and work in the UAE legally. The process is handled in coordination with the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

📆 UAE Work Visa Processing Time

Here’s a realistic breakdown of how long each step takes:

✅ 1. Job Offer & Work Permit Approval (2–7 working days)

Once a UAE-based company offers you a job, they apply for a work permit (approval) through MOHRE. This step includes:

Offer letter approval
Quota check
Initial labor approval

⏱ Timeframe: 2 to 7 business days

✅ 2. Entry Permit Issuance (3–5 working days)

Once the work permit is approved, an entry permit (pink visa) is issued to allow the worker to enter the UAE legally.

⏱ Timeframe: 3 to 5 business days

If you're already inside the UAE, a status change is filed instead of exiting and re-entering.

✅ 3. Medical Test & Emirates ID Biometrics (3–5 working days)

Once in the UAE, the worker must undergo:

Medical fitness test
Emirates ID fingerprinting
Visa stamping request initiation

⏱ Timeframe: 3 to 5 business days (varies by emirate)

✅ 4. Residence Visa Stamping (5–7 working days)

After passing the medical and biometrics, the final residence visa is stamped on the passport.

⏱ Timeframe: 5 to 7 business days

🔁 Total Estimated Processing Time: 15 to 20 working days

(Approx. 3 to 4 calendar weeks, depending on holidays and submission speed)

📌 Documents Required for UAE Work Visa

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
Passport-size photos (white background)
Offer letter or employment contract
Educational certificates (attested if required)
Previous visa or entry permit (if inside UAE)

❗ Common Reasons for Delay

Incomplete or incorrect documentation
Employer delay in MOHRE/GDRFA submission
Public holidays in UAE (like Eid, National Day)
Attestation delays for educational certificates
Medical test failure (retesting needed)

✅ Tips to Speed Up Your Visa Process

Submit all documents in one go to your employer
Ensure passport copies are clear and recent
Double-check name spellings (especially for Emirates ID)
Use TASHEEL or authorized typing centers for fast MOHRE submissions
Ask employer if fast-track or urgent processing is possible (some cases allow 48-hour processing)

🗺️ Final Thoughts

Getting a UAE work visa is fairly streamlined, but requires attention to each step. With the right documents and a proactive employer, you can complete the full process in under 3 weeks. Always stay in touch with your sponsor and follow up regularly to avoid unnecessary delays.

If you're planning to apply soon and need help with documentation, visa submission, or relocation, consider working with a trusted visa consultant.

Want personalized UAE job or visa guidance?📞 Contact Passport Visa Consultancy (Jammu) – your trusted partner for global work permits.