Dubai Work Visa Process 2026: Step-by-Step Guide Made Easy

Dubai work visa process starts with employer job offer, ends with 2-year residency stamp in 8-32 days. Online Dubai visa apply via MOHRE portal cuts paperwork—Dubai work permit processing time averages 5-15 days free zones vs 15-32 mainland. Indians need attested degree + passport for Category 1 fast-track. Chandigarh IT pros complete Dubai work visa in 5 days Work Bundle.

Ausizz guides 350 Indians monthly through Dubai work visa steps. Master document checklists, employer roles, permit vs visa differences, online applications to land Dubai legally.

Dubai Work Visa Document Checklist 2026

Mandatory 16-Document List (Work Bundle Reduces to 5):

Employee Personal Documents

• ✅ Passport: 6+ months validity, all pages attested (India MEA + UAE Embassy).
• ✅ Photos: 6 passport-sized (4.3×5.5cm, white background).
• ✅ Degree/Diploma: Category 1 qualification proof, attested.
• ✅ Birth/Marriage Certificates: Required for family visas.
• ✅ PCC India: Police Clearance Certificate.
• ✅ Medical Certificate: From UAE-approved Indian clinic.

Employer Documents

• ✅ Employment Contract: Signed MOHRE-standard format.
• ✅ Trade License: Company registration proof.
• ✅ Establishment Card: MOHRE-issued.
• ✅ Labour Quota: Pre-approval confirmation.
• ✅ Sponsor Emirates ID: Employer’s copy.

On-Arrival Dubai Requirements

• ✅ Medical fitness test results.
• ✅ Emirates ID biometrics form.
• ✅ Health insurance proof.

Category 1 Hack: Attested B.Tech saves AED 4.7K labour fees.

Step-by-Step Dubai Work Visa Process 2026

Complete 7-Step Timeline (8-32 Days):

Step 1: Job Offer (Day 0)

• Employer delivers signed contract specifying position and AED 20K+ salary.

Step 2: Entry Permit (Days 1-3)

• Employer files online for MOHRE pink visa (60-day entry validity).

Step 3: Travel to Dubai (Day 4)

• Employee arrives using entry permit.

Step 4: Medical Test (Days 5-8)

• Complete blood test + X-ray (AED 500; results in 1-3 days).

Step 5: Labour Contract (Days 9-12)

• MOHRE approves contract and issues labour card.

Step 6: Emirates ID (Days 13-22)

• ICA biometrics appointment amid 2-10 day backlog.

Step 7: Visa Stamping (Days 23-32)

• GDRFA applies 2-year residence visa stamp.

Fast-Track: Work Bundle 5 days (DIFC/JLT).​

Employ Role in Dubai Work Visa: Sponsorship Duties

Employer = Legal Sponsor (Article 9 UAE Labour Law):

• ✅ Job Offer: Signed MOHRE-approved contract.
• ✅ Quota Approval: Secure MOHRE labour slots.
• ✅ Online Dubai Visa: File entry permit application.
• ✅ Medical/Insurance: Provide coverage (AED 700+).
• ✅ Emirates ID: Sponsor full application.
• ✅ Air Ticket: Cover India-Dubai return travel.
• ✅ Annual Renewal: Pay AED 3K-6K fees yearly.

Employer Breach Penalties
AED 5K fines plus labour quota suspension.
Employee deportation risk triggered.

Free Zone Difference: No MOHRE quota—faster employer role.​

Work Permit vs Work Visa: Key Differences 2026

🥇 Aspect	Work Permit (Labour Card)	Work Visa (Residency Stamp)
Authority	MOHRE	GDRFA/ICA
Duration	2 Years	2 Years
Cost	AED 300-5K	AED 500-1K
Purpose	Employment Authorization	Legal Residency
Without Permit	Illegal work	Legal stay, no job
Renewal	Employer files	Stamping required
Indian Need	Both mandatory	Twin approval

Reality: Work permit authorizes job, visa allows living—both needed.​

Online Dubai Work Visa Application: MOHRE Portal Guide

Step-by-Step Online Dubai visa apply (Employer Portal):

1. Register: Employer creates MOHRE login using trade license.
2. Quota Request: Secure labour slots approval (typically 1 day).
3. Entry Permit: Upload contract/passport; pay AED 200 fee.
4. Status Track: Monitor via real-time dashboard.
5. Labour Card: Auto-issues post-medical clearance.
6. E-Contract: Finalize with digital signature approval.

Employee Role: Upload passport/degree to employer portal. Work Bundle app unifies MOHRE/GDRFA.​

Free Zone Online: DMCC/JLT portals—5 days end-to-end.

Free Zone vs Mainland Dubai Work Visa Process

Mainland (MOHRE Heavy)
Takes 15-32 days at AED 5K-7K cost.
Requires NOC for job changes, slowing transitions.

Free Zone (JLT/DIFC)
Processes in 5-15 days for AED 3K-5K.
No NOC needed for transfers; 92% Indian IT success rate.

Dubai Work Permit Processing Time Breakdown

Timeline Heatmap:

• Entry Permit: Issues in 2-3 days post-MOHRE quota approval.
• Medical Fitness: Results available in 1-3 days after testing.
• Labour Card: Establishes in 2-5 days (Category 1 priority).
• Emirates ID: Takes 2-10 days normally; peaks hit 20 days backlog.
• Residence Stamping: Finalizes in 2-7 days via ICA/GDRFA.
  • Average Total: 10-25 Days

2026 Fast-Tracks:

• Work Bundle: 5 days
• Golden Visa: Instant

Renewal Process: Dubai Work Visa 2026

Renewal Sequence (7-14 Days Total)

1. Medical renewal: AED 800.
2. Labour card update: AED 300 (Category 1).
3. Emirates ID: AED 370.
4. Final stamping: AED 1,263.

Total Cost: AED 3K

FAQ: Dubai Work Visa Process 2026

Q: Complete Dubai work visa process steps 2026?
A: 7 steps: Job offer → Entry permit → Travel → Medical → Labour card → Emirates ID → Stamping. 8-32 days total.

Q: Online Dubai visa apply for Dubai work visa how?
A: Employer MOHRE portal: Quota → Entry permit → Track status. Work Bundle app 5 docs unified.

Q: Dubai work permit processing time breakdown?
A: Entry 2 days, medical 3 days, ID 10 days, stamping 7 days. Free zone 5-15 days average.

Q: Dubai work visa document checklist essentials?
A: Passport, attested degree, photos, PCC, medical, employer contract/trade license.

Q: Employer role Dubai work visa sponsorship?
A: Sponsor files all, pays labour AED 300-5K, insurance, ticket. Legal UAE requirement.

Q: Work permit vs work visa Dubai difference?
A: Permit = MOHRE job authorization, Visa = GDRFA residency. Both needed 2 years.

Q: Online Dubai work visa application free zone?
A: JLT/DMCC portals—no MOHRE, 5 days processing vs mainland 32 days max.

Conclusion: Execute Dubai Work Visa Process Today

2026 Dubai work visa demands attested docs + employer sponsorship, completes in 8-32 days via online Dubai visa apply. Dubai work permit processing time flies 5 days free zones.

Ausizz 7-Step Accelerator:
✅ Document checklist ready
✅ MOHRE portal pre-filing
✅ Work Bundle DIFC
✅ Category 1 degree attested

FREE Process Toolkit:
✅ Document templates
✅ Timeline tracker
✅ Employer contract review

WhatsApp “DUBAI VISA PROCESS” to +91 81461 08593

First 50: Free typing center + priority MOHRE.