Latest news with #UAE-licensed
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
2-year UAE visa: All you need to know about the 2-year Employment Visa process
UAE 2-year employment visa allows foreign workers to live and work in the UAE/Representative Image TL;DR: The UAE 2-year employment visa allows foreign workers to live and work in the UAE under a UAE-based employer's sponsorship, with a process streamlined in 2025 for easier online application, expanded eligibility, and faster processing. Key steps: job offer and employer sponsorship, work permit approval by MoHRE, entry permit issuance, medical check, Emirates ID registration, and residence visa activation—all with official oversight and clear requirements. The typical cost ranges from AED 3,000 to 7,000 (excluding medical insurance and Emirates ID), with processing times between 10 and 15 working days. Foreign professionals seeking to work in the UAE must secure a 2-year employment visa, which is one of the most common routes to legal residency and work rights in the Emirates. Revised and further digitized for 2025, the application process is designed for clarity, speed, and worker protection, reflecting UAE's continued drive to attract global talent while maintaining strong regulatory standards. What is a 2-year Employment Visa in the UAE? A 2-year employment visa in the UAE is an official residence and work permit granted to foreign nationals hired by UAE-based companies. Secured through employer sponsorship, it allows the holder to legally live and work in the UAE for two years, with the option for renewal upon expiry. The process involves employer approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), issuance of an entry permit, medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and final residence visa activation. The system is designed for compliance, worker protection, and streamlined digital application, ensuring clear rights and duties for both the employee and employer. Who is eligible? Minimum Age: 18 years Job & Employer: A valid offer of employment from a UAE-licensed company is mandatory. Skill/Education Classification: Candidates are classified as: Category 1: Bachelor's degree or higher. Category 2: Post-secondary diploma. Category 3: High school diploma. Employer Compliance: The sponsoring company must not have violated UAE Labor Law and must possess a current business license. Relevant Job Role: The offered job must fit the company's activities and UAE's recognized professions. Health: Applicants must pass mandatory medical tests in the UAE. Security: Subject to background and security clearance by UAE authorities. Required documents Valid passport (at least 6 months validity). Passport-size photographs (per UAE standards). Signed employment contract. Attested educational and professional certificates. Entry permit approval (to be obtained by employer). Medical fitness certificate from authorized UAE health centers. Proof of health insurance coverage (mandatory, provided by employer). Employer's valid trade/commercial license. Emirates ID registration documents. Step-by-step visa application process (2025) 1. Employer Applies for Quota and Initial Approval Employer requests quota approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Allocations depend on company size, office space, and labor ratios. 2. Employment Contract Signing & Submission Employer and employee sign a standardized labor contract. Submitted within 14 days for MoHRE review and compliance check. 3. Work Permit & Entry Permit Application Employer submits supporting documents (e.g., certificates, contract, passport copies) to MoHRE and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). 4. Issuance of Employment Entry Permit Once approved, applicant receives a 60-day entry permit to enter the UAE for further formalities. 5. Arrival in UAE & Medical Testing Upon arrival, the applicant undergoes a medical exam (HIV, tuberculosis, etc.) at an approved health center 6. Emirates ID Registration & Biometrics Enrollment for Emirates ID (national residency card) including biometric verification (fingerprints, photo 7. Residence Visa Processing & Stamping The GDRFA processes the residence visa based on completed formalities and stamps the visa (now digitally linked to Emirates ID; passport stamping is not always required). 8. Final Document Collection Emirates ID is issued, and visa details are recorded. The employee is now legally permitted to live and work for the sponsoring company. Fees and processing time Cost: Ranges from AED 3,000 to 7,000 for the 2-year visa (excluding health insurance, Emirates ID, and medical test fees) Medical insurance: Mandatory, employer-provided (additional cost). Processing Time: Standard 10–15 working days for the complete process, barring complications. Renewal: Employment visas are renewable before expiry with continued sponsorship. Useful tips Always ensure the sponsoring employer is reputable and follows all legal requirements. Maintain valid health insurance and keep all documentation ready for renewal. Verify your entry permit and visa status via the official UAE government portals for up-to-date case tracking. The UAE's 2-year employment visa process for 2025 is a transparent, officially regulated system meant to facilitate legal, safe, and efficient employment for foreign talent. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Signs That A Heart Attack Is Imminent Learn It Wise Undo by Taboola by Taboola Through clear eligibility criteria, employer sponsorship, and rapid digital approvals, the UAE reiterates its status as a premier global employment destination. Always check the latest guidelines on the official UAE government portals or through authorized legal and PRO services for the most current updates. FAQ 1. Who can apply for the UAE 2-year employment visa? Any foreign national aged 18+ with a formal job offer from a UAE-licensed company and who passes required medical and security checks. 2. How long does the visa process take? Typically 10–15 working days from the initial application to visa activation (subject to document completeness and approvals). 3. Is the visa tied to my employer? Yes, the visa is employer-specific. Changing jobs requires visa cancellation and a new application with the next sponsor. 4. What are the key documents required? Passport, signed employment contract, attested certificates, employer license, medical fitness certificate, passport photographs, and insurance proof. 5. Can the 2-year visa be renewed? Yes, it can be renewed upon expiry provided the employment relationship and sponsorship continue. 6. Can employment visa holders sponsor their family? Yes. Employment visa holders (with a standard UAE residence/work permit) can sponsor their spouse and children. The key requirement is a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Already in UAE on a visit visa? Here's how you can start working legally in 2025
How to legally switch from a visit visa to a work visa in the UAE in 2025/ Image: File TL;DR Yes, you can convert a UAE visit visa into an employment visa, without leaving the country. You need a job offer and must meet legal and medical requirements before switching status. The process takes 7-14 days, but delays can happen due to quotas, holidays, or paperwork issues. Moving to the UAE for work is a dream for many, and not without reason. With tax-free salaries, strong worker protections, and a fast-growing economy, it's one of the most attractive destinations for skilled professionals, especially from South Asia, Africa, and other parts of the Middle East. But what if you're already in the country on a visit visa or planning to arrive soon? Can you actually find a job and stay? The short answer is yes, you can convert a visit visa to an employment visa in the UAE, without leaving. But there's a process, and it's important to understand what that looks like so you don't overstay your visit visa or fall into legal trouble. This guide walks you through how it works, what to expect, and what to watch out for. What's the Difference Between a Visit Visa and an Employment Visa? 1. Visit Visa: This visa is for short stays, usually 30, 60, or 90 days. It's issued for tourism, visiting family, or attending events. It does not allow you to work. Doing so is illegal and can lead to fines or deportation. Some nationalities can get a 14-day visa on arrival. Others need to apply beforehand. 2. Employment Visa: This is tied to a job offer from a UAE company. It allows you to live and work legally in the UAE, usually for two years. It's processed through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like for Working Pros BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now Undo A newer option includes the Job Seeker Visa, which is valid for 60 to 120 days and lets you search for work without a sponsor. Who Can Apply for an Employment Visa in the UAE? Before starting the visa conversion process, you'll need to make sure you're actually eligible. The UAE has clear rules on who can legally work in the country. Basic Eligibility Criteria: You must be 18 years or older You must fall under one of the UAE's three skill levels based on your education: Category 1: Bachelor's degree or higherCategory 2: Post-secondary diploma, Category 3: High school diploma Other requirements include: A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) A job offer from a UAE-licensed company A signed employment contract Passing a medical screening Basic health insurance provided by your employer Also, the job title must match your employer's business license activity, and you can only work for the company that sponsors your visa. How to Convert a Visit Visa into an Employment Visa (Inside UAE) You can stay in the country and switch your visa status, this is called an in-country status change. Here's how the process works if you already have a job offer: Step-by-Step: Converting Visit Visa to Employment Visa Secure a Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UAE-licensed employer. Employer Applies for Quota Approval: The employer needs permission from MOHRE to hire a foreign worker. This includes checking if they have space in their employee quota. Sign and Submit Contract: Both parties sign an official labor contract. This outlines your salary, benefits, and job title. Apply for Employment Entry Permit: Your employer applies for a temporary work visa, known as the entry permit. This is the document that allows you to stay legally while switching visas. Undergo Medical Tests: Once your entry permit is issued, you must undergo a health screening to check for infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis B. Apply for Emirates ID and Residence Visa: After medical clearance, you begin your residence visa process. You'll also apply for an Emirates ID, this acts as your official identity and links to your visa status. Receive Your Employment Visa: Once approved, your residence visa is issued, and your work visa becomes active. There's no longer a need for visa stamping on passports, your Emirates ID is enough. How Long Does It Take? Typically, it takes 7 to 14 working days to convert a visit visa to an employment visa. But this can stretch longer depending on: Public holidays (Eid, National Day, etc.) Ramadan (shorter working hours across government offices) Company quota issues (some companies hit a cap on foreign hires) Delays from typing centers or PRO services What If You Don't Have a Job Yet? In that case, you can apply for a Job Seeker Visa. This allows you to legally stay in the UAE while searching for a job, without needing a sponsor. It's available for 60, 90, or 120 days. To qualify, you must meet the education and skill level criteria (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) and prove financial stability or bank balance requirements. The UAE has made it easier than ever to move from a visit visa to an employment visa, especially if you're already in the country and have a valid job offer. But timing and paperwork matter. The rules are clear, but enforcement is strict. Make sure you or your employer handle the process properly to avoid fines or legal trouble. FAQs 1. Can I convert my visit visa to a work visa without leaving the UAE? Yes, you can change your visa status from inside the country. You don't need to exit and re-enter. 2. How long does it take to get a UAE employment visa? The full process, from job offer to final visa, usually takes 7 to 14 working days, but delays are possible. 3. What happens if I overstay my visit visa while waiting for the employment visa? You'll be fined AED 50 per day for overstaying. That's why it's important your employer begins the process early.
ARN News Center
20-05-2025
- Business
- ARN News Center
Exchange house fined AED 200 million for compliance failures
The Central Bank of the UAE has imposed a financial penalty of AED 200 million on an exchange house for serious violations of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. The sanction follows extensive examinations by the Central Bank, which uncovered major compliance failures within the exchange house's operations. In addition, a branch manager has been fined AED 500,000 and banned from holding any role in UAE-licensed financial institutions. The Central Bank says these actions are part of its ongoing efforts to uphold transparency, enforce financial regulations and protect the integrity of the UAE's financial system. The #CentralBankUAE imposed a financial sanction of amount AED200 million on an exchange house, pursuant to Article (137) of the Decretal Federal Law No. (14) of 2018 Regarding the Central Bank and Organization of Financial Institutions and Activities, and amendments thereto.… — Central Bank of the UAE (@centralbankuae) May 20, 2025
Dubai Eye
20-05-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Exchange house fined AED 200 million for compliance failures
The Central Bank of the UAE has imposed a financial penalty of AED 200 million on an exchange house for serious violations of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. The sanction follows extensive examinations by the Central Bank, which uncovered major compliance failures within the exchange house's operations. In addition, a branch manager has been fined AED 500,000 and banned from holding any role in UAE-licensed financial institutions. The Central Bank says these actions are part of its ongoing efforts to uphold transparency, enforce financial regulations and protect the integrity of the UAE's financial system. The #CentralBankUAE imposed a financial sanction of amount AED200 million on an exchange house, pursuant to Article (137) of the Decretal Federal Law No. (14) of 2018 Regarding the Central Bank and Organization of Financial Institutions and Activities, and amendments thereto.… — Central Bank of the UAE (@centralbankuae) May 20, 2025
TAG 91.1
20-05-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
Exchange house fined AED 200 million for compliance failures
The Central Bank of the UAE has imposed a financial penalty of AED 200 million on an exchange house for serious violations of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. The sanction follows extensive examinations by the Central Bank, which uncovered major compliance failures within the exchange house's operations. In addition, a branch manager has been fined AED 500,000 and banned from holding any role in UAE-licensed financial institutions. The Central Bank says these actions are part of its ongoing efforts to uphold transparency, enforce financial regulations and protect the integrity of the UAE's financial system. The #CentralBankUAE imposed a financial sanction of amount AED200 million on an exchange house, pursuant to Article (137) of the Decretal Federal Law No. (14) of 2018 Regarding the Central Bank and Organization of Financial Institutions and Activities, and amendments thereto.… — Central Bank of the UAE (@centralbankuae) May 20, 2025
