DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has outlined the process for obtaining a two-year employment visa, one of the most common residence permits issued to foreign workers in the country.
The visa allows expatriates to live and work legally in the UAE for a period of two years under the sponsorship of a registered employer.
According to official guidelines, the visa is sponsored by companies licensed in the UAE that hire foreign employees. The employer is responsible for completing all visa procedures, including the application, documentation, and residence stamping.
To qualify for the two-year employment visa, applicants must hold a valid job offer or employment contract with a UAE-registered company.
The employer must have an active trade license, while the applicant must pass a medical fitness test and hold relevant qualifications for the position. A clean criminal record and proof of health insurance are also required.
Documents needed for the visa process include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, a signed employment contract, attested educational or professional certificates, the company’s trade license, an entry permit form, a medical report, an Emirates ID application form, and proof of accommodation.
Authorities have advised employers to initiate the visa renewal process at least 30 days before expiry. Renewal requires a fresh medical test, updated Emirates ID, and new residence visa stamping.
In cases where an employee changes jobs, the existing visa must be canceled before the new company can issue a fresh sponsorship. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation oversees this process to ensure compliance with labor regulations.
Visa applications may be rejected for several reasons, including incomplete documents, unlicensed employers, medical test failure, or inconsistencies between qualifications and job titles.
