UAE Work Visa 2026: Everything Changed - Here’s What You Must Know
The UAE just overhauled its work visa process. Miss one step and you could be stuck at the airport. Here’s your survival guide.
Every year, thousands of Indian workers arrive in the UAE only to discover their paperwork is wrong, their visa is for a different visa category than their role requires, or their understanding of the process is based on information that's two years out of date.
The UAE has updated its visa and residency system significantly. The old framework - tied rigidly to a single sponsor and a linear approval process - has evolved into a more flexible but more detailed system. If you're following advice from someone who worked in UAE in 2022 or earlier, you may be preparing for a process that no longer works the way they describe.
This guide covers the actual 2026 process, step by step.
The New UAE Visa Framework: What Changed
The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) completed a joint overhaul of the work visa system in 2024-2025.
Key changes:
1. Labour Card Reform
The old "Labour Card" has been replaced by a digital MOHRE work permit that is issued and tracked entirely online. Employers apply through MOHRE's online portal - there is no longer a paper process for most visa categories.
2. Visa Categories Expanded
The UAE now has over 10 distinct visa categories for workers. For Indian workers, the most relevant are: Standard Employment Visa (most common), Green Visa (for skilled workers who meet income thresholds, allows self-sponsorship), and Freelance Visa (for qualifying professionals). Most Indian trades and technical workers still use the standard Employment Visa.
3. Entry Permit Timeline Change
The entry permit (the document that allows you to enter UAE to take up employment) is now valid for 60 days from issue date. Previously it was 30 days. Missing this window means the permit expires - no extension is possible, and your employer must reapply.
4. Emirates ID Processing Accelerated
The Emirates ID biometrics and card processing has been centralised and now typically completes within 5-7 working days of biometric submission, down from 2-3 weeks previously.
The 5 Stages of the UAE Work Visa Process
Stage 1: Labour Card / MOHRE Work Permit
Your employer applies for a MOHRE work permit (labour card) through the MOHRE Tasheel online portal. This is entirely the employer's responsibility.
What this involves
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Employer submits your passport copy, qualification details, and role information
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MOHRE reviews and approves (typically 7-14 days)
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You receive notification from your employer that the work permit is approved
You cannot enter the UAE for employment without this permit being approved first.
Stage 2: Entry Permit (e-Visa)
Once the work permit is approved, your employer (or their PRO - public relations officer) applies for an entry permit through the ICP portal.
What you receive: A PDF document (the e-Visa / entry permit) sent to your email. This document contains a visa number you can verify on the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae).
Critical timeline: You must enter the UAE within 60 days of the entry permit issue date. If you miss this window, the permit expires automatically. Your employer would need to reapply - which delays your start date and sometimes incurs costs.
Never travel before the entry permit is issued. Arriving in the UAE with only a work permit but no entry permit is a documented problem - you will be detained at the airport.
Stage 3: Medical Fitness Test (in UAE)
Within the first 2 weeks of arriving in the UAE, you must complete a medical fitness test at an approved DHA/MOHAP facility.
Tests included: Blood tests (communicable diseases), chest X-ray (TB), and a general health assessment.
Why this matters: A failed medical in UAE results in visa cancellation and deportation. If you have a condition that may affect UAE medical clearance, it's better to know before you travel. GAMCA clearance in India is not a substitute - UAE conducts its own medical independently.
Stage 4: Emirates ID Registration
Simultaneously with the medical process, you register for your Emirates ID at an ICP registration centre or through your employer's PRO.
Biometrics collected: Fingerprints (all 10) and facial scan.
Emirates ID uses: This is not just an ID card. Without it, you cannot open a UAE bank account, sign a tenancy contract, obtain a SIM card, access government services, or enroll children in school. It is functionally essential.
Timeline: Card typically ready for collection 5-7 working days after biometric submission.
Stage 5: Residency Visa Stamping
Once your medical clears and your Emirates ID is in processing, your employer's PRO submits for residence visa stamping in your passport.
Visa validity: Typically 2 years for standard employment visas, 3 years for some categories.
After stamping: You are now a legal UAE resident. You can open a bank account, sign tenancy contracts, and access all UAE services.
Three Non-Negotiable Rules
Rule 1: Never pay for your visa.
Your employer bears all UAE visa costs - work permit, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, and residence stamping. The total cost is AED 3,000-5,000 depending on category. If any agent, employer, or third party asks you to pay any part of this, that is either illegal (for ECR roles) or should be negotiated out of your contract.
Rule 2: Keep digital copies of everything.
Before you travel: your passport, entry permit, employment contract, work permit, GAMCA medical report. During residency: your Emirates ID, residence visa page, and employment contract. Store copies in email and cloud. Losing physical documents in UAE is significantly less problematic if you have verified digital copies.
Rule 3: Verify your employer's MOHRE registration before you leave India.
Search for your employer at MOHRE Employer Portal to confirm they are registered and in good standing. Employers with suspended licences or outstanding MOHRE violations can have visa applications frozen without warning.
Checklist Before You Travel
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MOHRE work permit approved (confirmed with employer)
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Entry permit received (PDF e-Visa with valid visa number)
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Entry permit date checked - travel must be within 60 days of issue
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Employer UAE address and HR contact saved in phone
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Indian Embassy Abu Dhabi (+971-2-4492700) and Consulate Dubai (+971-4-3977100) numbers saved
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All documents in secure folder - originals + digital copies
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GAMCA-cleared (for awareness - UAE will conduct its own medical)
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Zero fees paid for visa (employer bears all costs)
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Contract terms re-read: job title, salary, accommodation terms
The UAE process is clear when you know it. The mistakes happen when you don't.
Browse verified UAE employer listings on skilledupIndia - MOHRE-registered, zero fees.