Close-up of a pink UAE employment residency visa stamp in a passport for 2025

Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE: The 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

If you are currently in Dubai or Abu Dhabi on a tourist or visit visa, you are likely looking for a job. But what happens when you finally get that "You're Hired" email?

Converting your status from a Tourist to a Resident is a specific legal process. If you don't follow the steps correctly, you could face fines or overstay penalties.

At CareerArab, we break down exactly how the "Visit to Employment" process works in 2025, who pays for it, and how long it takes.

Phase 1: The Legal Basics

First, let’s clear up a common myth.

Can you work on a Visit Visa?

No. It is illegal to work, receive a salary, or even "volunteer" for a company while on a visit visa. You are only allowed to search for work and attend interviews.

Once you find a job, your employer must sponsor your Residence Visa. You cannot sponsor yourself for an employment visa (unless you are applying for a Freelance or Green Visa).

Phase 2: The Process (Step-by-Step)

Here is the timeline of what happens after you say "Yes" to the job offer.

Step 1: The Offer Letter (MOHRE)

Your employer will send you an official Offer Letter issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Action: You must sign this document.

Purpose: This freezes the terms of your employment (Salary, Designation, Hours). The company cannot change these later.

Step 2: Work Permit Approval

The company submits your signed offer letter and passport copy to MOHRE to apply for your Work Permit (often called the Labour Card application).

Time: 2–5 working days.

Note: Once this is approved, you are officially in the government system.

Step 3: Entry Permit & Status Change

This is the most critical step for people already inside the UAE.

The company applies for your Employment Entry Permit. Once issued, they must perform a "Status Change".

What is it? This switches your file from "Tourist" to "Resident" without you needing to leave the country.

Cost: There is a status change fee (usually around AED 550–650) paid by the employer.

Important: Once the status change is done, your Visit Visa is closed. You are now on a temporary employment visa and have 60 days to finish the medical and ID stamping.

Step 4: Medical Screening

Medical fitness certificate and Emirates ID application form on a clipboard with a stethoscope and blood sample

You must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved government center.

Tests: Blood test (for HIV/Hepatitis) and Chest X-ray (for Tuberculosis).

Result: usually ready within 24–48 hours.

Step 5: Emirates ID Biometrics

Once you pass the medical test, you will go to a Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) center.

Action: You will provide your fingerprints and eye scan.

Note: You won't get the physical card immediately; it arrives after the visa is stamped.

Step 6: Visa Stamping (Residency)

The final step. Your passport (or digital file) is sent to immigration to get the pink Residency Stamp.

Duration: Valid for 2 years (for mainland companies).

Who Pays for What? (2025 Rules)

We receive many questions about costs. Let’s be very clear:

Visa Costs: EMPLOYER PAYS. (100%)

Status Change Fee: EMPLOYER PAYS.

Medical Test: EMPLOYER PAYS.

Emirates ID: EMPLOYER PAYS.

Overstay Fines: YOU PAY. (If you stayed on your tourist visa longer than allowed before finding a job, you must pay the fines).

Warning: If a company asks you to pay for your own visa and says "We will refund you later," do not do it. This is a violation of UAE Labor Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to exit the country to change my visa?

A: In most cases, no. The "Status Change" can be done while you are inside the UAE. However, some specific visa types or free zones may occasionally require an "airport-to-airport" exit, but this is becoming less common.

Q: Can the company hold my passport?

A: No. It is illegal for employers to confiscate your passport. They only need it for the visa stamping process, after which it must be returned to you immediately.

Q: How long does the whole process take?

A: Typically 2 to 4 weeks from the day you sign the offer letter until you have your Emirates ID.

Conclusion

Moving from a Visit Visa to an Employment Visa is a straightforward process if your company follows the law. Ensure you have a valid offer letter, keep copies of all your documents, and never pay for recruitment fees.

Searching for a job to sponsor your visa? Check our latest Dubai Jobs and Abu Dhabi Jobs listings today.