Meet us at Web Summit Lisbon, 9–12 November 2026.

Questions, answered · CEOs and founders

How do work permits work in the United Arab Emirates?

Reviewed by the Settio team · Updated

In the UAE the employer sponsors the work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, then the residence visa and Emirates ID follow through Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). After arrival come the medical test, biometrics and health insurance.

In detail

  • Employer sponsorship and the MoHRE work permit.
  • Medical fitness test and biometrics.
  • Residence visa and Emirates ID.
  • Health insurance in force.

How Settio helps

Settio covers the UAE with a full plan, next to Europe in the same workspace.

Start free trial
Settio's dashboard (settio.io): every case, deadline and client in one place.
Settio's dashboard (settio.io): every case, deadline and client in one place.

Read more

Informational only. This guide is not legal advice. Always verify requirements with official government sources before acting. Facts checked 24 October 2026. About this information

Write to us.

We read every message and reply within a working day, with a few ideas for it.

Not sure what to write? Start with one:

We use your details only to answer you. Privacy

Prefer your own email?[email protected]Open my email app