If you’ve secured a job offer in the United Arab Emirates, your next big question is probably:
“How long does UAE work visa take?”
The good news is that the UAE has significantly streamlined its visa processing system through digital transformation and integrated government platforms. While processing is faster than ever, the exact timeline depends on several factors:
- Mainland vs Free Zone employer
- Whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UAE
- Document readiness
- Employer compliance category
- Medical and biometric scheduling
This guide explains the complete UAE work visa processing time, stage by stage, so you know exactly what to expect.
UAE Work Visa Processing Time at a Glance
| Jurisdiction | Estimated Processing Time (Working Days) |
|---|---|
| Free Zone Visa | 5 – 10 working days |
| Mainland Visa | 7 – 15 working days |
| Integrated Government Platforms | As fast as 5 working days |
| Urgent Fast-Track | 36 – 48 working hours |
⚠️ Working days in the UAE are Sunday to Thursday, excluding public holidays.
Step-by-Step UAE Work Visa Processing Timeline
The UAE work visa process involves multiple government authorities and stages. Here’s how long each stage typically takes.
Stage 1: Work Permit Application (1–5 Working Days)
What happens:
Your employer applies for a work permit through the
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for mainland companies or through the relevant free zone authority.
This confirms the company can legally hire you.
Processing time:
- Standard: 1–5 working days
- Fast-track: 1–2 hours (in some cases)
What affects this stage?
- Employer compliance category (Category A companies process faster)
- Accuracy of submitted documents
- Available visa quota
- Clean compliance history
Stage 2: Entry Permit Issuance (1–3 Working Days)
Once the work permit is approved, your employer applies for an entry permit via:
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (for Dubai)
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (for other emirates)
Timeline:
- Standard: 1–3 working days
- Fast-track: Within 24 hours
The entry permit is valid for 60 days, during which you must complete all residency procedures.
If you are already inside the UAE, a status change process replaces exit/re-entry.
Stage 3: Medical Fitness Test (1–2 Working Days)
After entering the UAE, you must complete a mandatory medical fitness test at an approved government center.
The test includes:
- Blood test (HIV, hepatitis)
- Chest X-ray (tuberculosis)
Processing time:
- Standard: 48 hours
- VIP service: 4–6 hours
Medical clearance is required before residence visa stamping.
Stage 4: Emirates ID Biometrics (1–5 Working Days)
You must visit an Emirates ID center to submit:
- Fingerprints
- Retina scan
- Photograph
This step is mandatory for your official Emirates ID card.
⚠️ This stage is often a bottleneck. Appointment availability can affect timelines.
Stage 5: Residence Visa Stamping (2–5 Working Days)
Once medical and biometrics are cleared, your residence visa is issued and stamped.
This officially grants you the right to live in the UAE.
Stage 6: Labour Card Issuance (Concurrent)
Your employer finalizes the labour card (work permit authorization) through MoHRE.
You can only legally start working once this step is completed.
Stage 7: Emirates ID Delivery (5–10 Working Days)
Your physical Emirates ID card is delivered after approval.
This allows you to:
- Open bank accounts
- Sign rental contracts
- Access utilities
- Register for government services
Total End-to-End Timeline
| Scenario | Total Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Mainland (Standard) | 10 – 20 working days |
| Free Zone (Standard) | 7 – 12 working days |
| Integrated Platform Submission | Around 5 working days |
| Express Processing | 7 – 10 working days |
| Urgent Fast-Track | 36 – 48 working hours |
Note: Calendar time may extend by 2–4 days due to weekends.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Why Processing Time Differs
| Factor | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Authorities | MoHRE + Immigration | Free Zone Authority |
| Processing Speed | 7–15 days | 5–10 days |
| System Structure | Multi-agency coordination | Centralized system |
Free zones often process faster due to a single-window system.
Dubai vs Other Emirates
In:
- Dubai → Process routed through GDRFA
- Abu Dhabi and other emirates → Process routed via ICP
While timelines are similar, appointment systems and digital routing may vary slightly.
What Can Delay UAE Work Visa Processing?
Even with streamlined systems, delays can happen.
1. Document Issues
- Name mismatch between passport and application
- Passport validity less than 6 months
- Poor-quality scans
- Missing attestations
2. Educational Certificate Attestation
If not pre-attested, this can add 2–4 weeks.
3. Employer-Related Issues
- Visa quota reached
- MoHRE violations
- Non-compliance with Wage Protection System (WPS)
4. Medical & Biometrics Scheduling
Peak seasons (September–November) may slow appointment availability.
5. Security Clearance
Certain nationalities or job roles may require additional background checks.
Express & Urgent Processing Options
Some employers opt for faster processing tiers:
| Tier | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Standard | 10–15 working days |
| Express | 7–10 working days |
| Urgent | 36–48 hours |
Important: Fast-track services cannot bypass mandatory security checks.
Entry Permit Validity
Your entry permit is valid for 60 days.
If residency steps are not completed within this timeframe, your employer may need to apply for a new permit.
Visa Validity & Renewal Timeline
| Visa Type | Validity |
|---|---|
| Mainland Employment Visa | 2 years |
| Free Zone Employment Visa | 2–3 years |
| Renewal Processing | 5–7 working days (if initiated early) |
Practical Tips to Speed Up Your UAE Work Visa
For Employees
- Ensure passport validity (minimum 6 months)
- Attest educational certificates in advance
- Provide high-quality document scans
- Book medical and biometrics immediately
- Ensure name matches passport exactly
For Employers
- Maintain Category A compliance status
- Submit accurate applications
- Use integrated government platforms
- Pre-book medical appointments when possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start working before the visa is complete?
No. Working without a valid work permit is illegal.
How long is the entry permit valid?
60 days.
Can I check visa status online?
Yes. Through GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP portals using passport details.
Is IELTS required for UAE work visa?
No.
What is the age limit?
Generally 18–60 years, extendable to 65 in certain cases.
How long does renewal take?
5–7 working days if initiated before expiry.
Final Answer: How Long Does UAE Work Visa Take?
In most cases:
- Mainland: 7–15 working days
- Free Zone: 5–10 working days
- Fast-track: As little as 36–48 hours
However, your personal timeline depends heavily on document readiness and employer compliance.
With proper preparation, the UAE work visa process is efficient and predictable—allowing you to begin your professional journey without unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How Long Does UAE Work Visa Take?
1. How long does a UAE work visa take to process?
The UAE work visa typically takes:
- 7–15 working days for mainland companies
- 5–10 working days for free zone companies
In some cases, integrated government platforms can complete the process in as little as 5 working days, while urgent processing may take 36–48 hours.
2. What is the fastest way to get a UAE work visa?
The fastest option is urgent or fast-track processing, which can take 36–48 working hours. However, this depends on document accuracy, employer eligibility, and successful security clearance.
3. Does the UAE work visa processing time include weekends?
No. UAE working days are Sunday to Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays are weekends and are not counted as working days.
4. Can I start working before my work visa is fully approved?
No. You cannot legally begin working until your work permit and residence visa are fully approved. Working without proper authorization may result in fines or legal penalties.
5. How long is the UAE entry permit valid?
The entry permit is valid for 60 days from issuance. Within this period, you must complete the medical test, Emirates ID registration, and residence visa stamping.
6. What stage usually takes the longest?
The Emirates ID biometrics appointment can sometimes cause delays, especially during peak hiring seasons. Document attestation and security clearance may also extend timelines.
7. Does processing time differ between mainland and free zone visas?
Yes. Free zone visas are generally processed faster (5–10 working days) because they operate under a centralized system. Mainland visas require coordination between multiple authorities, which may take 7–15 working days.
8. Can I check my UAE work visa status online?
Yes. You can track your visa status using your passport number on:
- GDRFA portal (for Dubai visas)
- ICP Smart Services portal (for other emirates)
9. What can delay my UAE work visa processing?
Common reasons for delays include:
- Passport validity less than 6 months
- Name mismatches or document errors
- Missing educational certificate attestation
- Employer visa quota issues
- Security clearance requirements
10. How long does UAE work visa renewal take?
Visa renewal typically takes 5–7 working days, provided the application is submitted before the current visa expires.