VISA PROCESSING IN THE UAE:
Published: August 2025
Last Updated: November 2025
Category: Compliance & Payroll
Author: Thukhur Compliance Team
Read Time: 7 min read
Key Takeaways
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The UAE visa process is strict and sequence-driven — even one incorrect document or missed deadline can freeze the entire file.
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Most delays come from mismatched data (passport details, job titles, contract values) and incomplete documentation.
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Visa delays create real operational and financial damage — project slowdowns, candidate dropouts, fines, and blocked payroll/WPS setups.
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A structured, proactive process prevents issues — proper document checks, aligned contracts, coordinated scheduling, and continuous follow-up ensure smooth onboarding.
Hiring in the UAE doesn’t end with selecting the right candidate, the real work begins with the visa process. A smooth visa process means fast onboarding and full compliance, whereas
a messy process leads to delays, rejected files, blocked visas, and frustrated employees.
This guide breaks down the steps, timelines, documents, and the most common mistakes UAE companies make.
Mainland (MOHRE + GDRFA/ICA)
• Labour contract issued through MOHRE
• Separate government touchpoints
• Stronger WPS–contract link
The Complete UAE Visa Process (Step-by-Step)
Every UAE employment visa follows these stages:
1. Work Permit Approval
• Applied through MOHRE or the free zone
• 2–5 working days
• Delays if documents or contract values don’t match
2. Entry Permit (if candidate is outside UAE)
• 2–5 working days
• Valid for 60 days
• Must enter or process status change before expiry
3. Status Change (if candidate is inside UAE)
• 1–3 working days
• Delays may cause the employee to fall out of status
4. Medical Test
• 1–3 working days
• Mandatory blood test + X-ray
5. Emirates ID Biometrics
• Appointment window: 2–7 days
• Delays if employees miss their scheduled slot
6. Health Insurance Activation
• 1–2 days
• Required before visa stamping in most Emirates
7. Visa Issuance / Stamping
• 3–7 working days
• Residence visa issued electronically
Ideal timeline: 10–15 working days
Delayed timeline (with issues): 20–45 days
Mainland vs Free Zone: What Changes?
The employee experience is similar, the backend processing is what differs:
Required Documents
Visa problems almost always come from missing, incorrect, or inconsistent documents:
• Passport copy (6-month validity)
• Photo with correct dimensions
• Attested educational certificates (if required)
• Previous visa cancellation
• Signed offer letter
• Signed contract
• Entry permit/EID status
• Additional approvals (teachers, doctors, engineers, etc.)
Real Causes of Visa Delays
1. Incorrect documentation
Wrong passport numbers, misspelled names, inconsistent contract values = instant rejection.
2. Job titles that don’t match MOHRE
Unqualified or restricted titles trigger manual review or rejection.
3. Missing biometrics
Employee skips appointment → file freezes.
4. Insurance not activated
Blocks visa stamping until completed.
5. Incorrect quota / profession limits
Companies submit a job title they don’t have quota for.
6. Entry permit expiry
Employee does not enter or change status within 60 days.
7. Missed deadlines
Status-change and medical deadlines cause employees to fall out of status, leading to fines.
Financial Costs of Visa Mistakes
Companies lose AED 1,000 – AED 8,000 per mistake through:
• Overstay fines (AED 50–100/day)
• Expired entry permits
• Wrong job titles → amendments + reprocessing
• Last-minute travel changes
• Government fees paid twice after rejection
How Visa Delays Turn Into Legal Problems
Delays become legal issues when:
• Employee works without being fully on visa
• Overstay fines accumulate
• Insurance is not activated
• Contract not updated in time
• Employee files a complaint for delayed joining
These fall under employee rights and are taken seriously.
How Thukhur Prevents These Costs:
We eliminate delays by applying structure:
1. Document Verification
No file moves until all documents are complete and consistent.
2. Coordinated Scheduling
Medicals → Biometrics → Insurance → Visa stamping
We control the flow to avoid gaps.
3. Accurate Contract Alignment
No mismatches between HR files, MOHRE, and WPS.
4. Daily PRO Follow-Up
We track every file until completion.
5. Clear Candidate Communication
Employees receive instructions, reminders, and expectations.
6. Deadline Monitoring
Entry permits, medical deadlines, status windows — all tracked.
7. Full Transparency
Clients always know the exact stage of processing.
Result:
Fast onboarding, zero surprises, and full compliance.
Final Thoughts:
The UAE visa process is strict and timeline-driven. Companies that treat it seriously avoid fines, delays, and frustrated employees.
A structured visa process is not paperwork, it’s the first impression your company gives a new hire.
Thukhur ensures that impression is organized, compliant, and professional.
Have a question about the Visa process?
Our team helps UAE companies build clean, accurate, and fully compliant HR systems.
Free Zones
• All steps processed through the free zone authority
• Faster amendments
• Fewer external checks
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info@thukhur-solutions.com