How to apply for a work visa in Abu Dhabi?

You’ve been offered a job in Abu Dhabi, but don’t know how to apply for a work visa? Here’s what you need to understand about the entire process, from entry permits to Emirates ID registration, without falling into unnecessary confusion or delays.

The employer initiates the process before you even land

In Abu Dhabi, the responsibility of starting the visa application belongs to your employer. The company offering the job applies for your initial entry permit, which allows you to legally enter the country for work. This is usually handled by the HR or PRO department and gets processed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or ICA. You don’t need to apply individually for this permit unless you’re switching jobs from within the country.

After arrival, the visa application continues inside the UAE

Once you enter Abu Dhabi with the entry permit, the rest of the steps must happen while you’re already in the city. Your passport gets submitted for residency stamping, and during this period, you can’t leave the UAE. It usually takes several days, but this timing değişebiliyor depending on your sponsor’s speed. During this time, you’ll also begin health checks and biometric scans.

Medical fitness tests are mandatory for all applicants

No matter your job title or nationality, a medical screening is part of the work visa process. You’ll be directed to an authorized clinic in Abu Dhabi for blood tests and chest X-rays. These tests check for infectious diseases like tuberculosis or hepatitis. Without clearance from the health authority, the visa process doesn’t move forward.

Biometric data collection is linked to Emirates ID issuance

As part of the process, your Emirates ID application begins alongside the visa procedure. The Emirates ID is the national identity card required for all residents. Biometric data—such as fingerprints and a digital photo—are collected at authorized service centers. The ID card usually arrives after the visa is stamped into your passport.

The residence visa is valid for up to two years

Once all steps are complete, the visa gets stamped in your passport, making your residency official. For private sector jobs, residence visas are commonly issued for two years, while government jobs can offer longer terms. Your Emirates ID card and visa expiry will typically match. It’s essential to monitor the dates closely to avoid overstaying penalties.

You need to stay in the country during final approvals

It’s important to stay in Abu Dhabi until the entire visa process finishes. Leaving the country during the residency steps can cause your application to reset or be canceled. In most cases, employers ask new hires to refrain from international travel until their Emirates ID and residence visa are both completed and collected.

Sponsorship rules apply to most private sector employees

Your employer becomes your sponsor under the UAE’s immigration law. That means if you want to change jobs, a new sponsor needs to file a new visa. The visa is not transferable between unrelated companies unless the proper exit and reapplication process is followed. Sponsorship impacts your ability to open a bank account, sign a lease, and access health services.

Canceling a previous visa is essential when switching jobs

If you’re already in the UAE under another visa—student, visit, or previous job—you must cancel that visa before your new one is issued. Your new employer usually handles this step in coordination with the authorities. Not canceling can delay or even block your residency approval process.

Entry permits have limited validity periods

The initial permit that brings you into the UAE for employment doesn’t last indefinitely. It usually has a validity of 60 days, within which the full residency procedure must be completed. If this period expires, the application must start over, and you may face legal issues for overstaying your permitted time.

Some documents must be attested before submission

Depending on your nationality and job position, you may need to present attested education certificates. These documents must be verified by your home country’s foreign affairs office and then authenticated by the UAE Embassy. In some cases, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi may request final attestation locally. This step özellikle zaman alabiliyor, so it’s best to start early.

This guide was written by the www.few.ae based on the latest procedural insights in Abu Dhabi.