Already in UAE on a visit visa? Here's how you can start working legally in 2025
TL;DR
Yes, you can convert a UAE visit visa into an employment visa, without leaving the country.
You need a job offer and must meet legal and medical requirements before switching status.
The process takes 7-14 days, but delays can happen due to quotas, holidays, or paperwork issues.
Moving to the UAE for work is a dream for many, and not without reason. With tax-free salaries, strong worker protections, and a fast-growing economy, it's one of the most attractive destinations for skilled professionals, especially from South Asia, Africa, and other parts of the Middle East.
But what if you're already in the country on a visit visa or planning to arrive soon? Can you actually find a job and stay?
The short answer is yes, you can convert a visit visa to an employment visa in the UAE, without leaving. But there's a process, and it's important to understand what that looks like so you don't overstay your visit visa or fall into legal trouble. This guide walks you through how it works, what to expect, and what to watch out for.
What's the Difference Between a Visit Visa and an Employment Visa?
1. Visit Visa:
This visa is for short stays, usually 30, 60, or 90 days. It's issued for tourism, visiting family, or attending events. It does not allow you to work. Doing so is illegal and can lead to fines or deportation. Some nationalities can get a 14-day visa on arrival. Others need to apply beforehand.
2. Employment Visa:
This is tied to a job offer from a UAE company. It allows you to live and work legally in the UAE, usually for two years. It's processed through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
M.Sc. for Working Pros
BITS Pilani Digital
Apply Now
Undo
A newer option includes the Job Seeker Visa, which is valid for 60 to 120 days and lets you search for work without a sponsor.
Who Can Apply for an Employment Visa in the UAE?
Before starting the visa conversion process, you'll need to make sure you're actually eligible. The UAE has clear rules on who can legally work in the country.
Basic Eligibility Criteria:
You must be 18 years or older
You must fall under one of the UAE's three skill levels based on your education: Category 1: Bachelor's degree or higherCategory 2: Post-secondary diploma, Category 3: High school diploma
Other requirements include:
A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
A job offer from a UAE-licensed company
A signed employment contract
Passing a medical screening
Basic health insurance provided by your employer
Also, the job title must match your employer's business license activity, and you can only work for the company that sponsors your visa.
How to Convert a Visit Visa into an Employment Visa (Inside UAE)
You can stay in the country and switch your visa status, this is called an in-country status change. Here's how the process works if you already have a job offer:
Step-by-Step: Converting Visit Visa to Employment Visa
Secure a Job Offer:
You must have a confirmed job offer from a UAE-licensed employer.
Employer Applies for Quota Approval:
The employer needs permission from MOHRE to hire a foreign worker. This includes checking if they have space in their employee quota.
Sign and Submit Contract:
Both parties sign an official labor contract. This outlines your salary, benefits, and job title.
Apply for Employment Entry Permit:
Your employer applies for a temporary work visa, known as the entry permit. This is the document that allows you to stay legally while switching visas.
Undergo Medical Tests:
Once your entry permit is issued, you must undergo a health screening to check for infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis B.
Apply for Emirates ID and Residence Visa:
After medical clearance, you begin your residence visa process. You'll also apply for an Emirates ID, this acts as your official identity and links to your visa status.
Receive Your Employment Visa:
Once approved, your residence visa is issued, and your work visa becomes active. There's no longer a need for visa stamping on passports, your Emirates ID is enough.
How Long Does It Take?
Typically, it takes 7 to 14 working days to convert a visit visa to an employment visa. But this can stretch longer depending on:
Public holidays (Eid, National Day, etc.)
Ramadan (shorter working hours across government offices)
Company quota issues (some companies hit a cap on foreign hires)
Delays from typing centers or PRO services
What If You Don't Have a Job Yet?
In that case, you can apply for a Job Seeker Visa. This allows you to legally stay in the UAE while searching for a job, without needing a sponsor.
It's available for 60, 90, or 120 days.
To qualify, you must meet the education and skill level criteria (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) and prove financial stability or bank balance requirements.
The UAE has made it easier than ever to move from a visit visa to an employment visa, especially if you're already in the country and have a valid job offer. But timing and paperwork matter. The rules are clear, but enforcement is strict.
Make sure you or your employer handle the process properly to avoid fines or legal trouble.
FAQs
1. Can I convert my visit visa to a work visa without leaving the UAE?
Yes, you can change your visa status from inside the country. You don't need to exit and re-enter.
2. How long does it take to get a UAE employment visa?
The full process, from job offer to final visa, usually takes 7 to 14 working days, but delays are possible.
3. What happens if I overstay my visit visa while waiting for the employment visa?
You'll be fined AED 50 per day for overstaying. That's why it's important your employer begins the process early.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Mid-2025 Indian economy cautiously optimistic: Finance ministry
(AI image) New Delhi: The Indian economy in mid-2025 presents a picture of cautious optimism, a finance ministry report said on Monday, but it cautioned that in the medium term, given the ongoing momentous shifts in global supply chains in semiconductor chips, rare earths, and magnets, India has its task cut out. "Despite global headwinds marked by trade tensions, geopolitical volatility, and external uncertainties, India's macroeconomic fundamentals remained resilient," said the finance ministry's monthly economic outlook for June. "Aided by robust domestic demand, fiscal prudence, and monetary support, India appears poised to continue as one of the fastest-growing major economies," the report said, adding that various forecasts projected economic growth for FY26 in the 6.2-6.5% range. The report stated that despite monetary easing and a strong bank balance sheet, credit growth slowed, reflecting cautious borrower sentiment and possibly risk-averse lender behaviour. "A growing preference for bond markets, particularly commercial papers among corporates due to lower borrowing costs, may also explain the shift. Piggybacking on initiatives like the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme, it is time for corporates to set the ball in motion," said the report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo The report also cautioned that despite the broadly positive outlook, downside risks remain. "While geopolitical tensions have not elevated further, the global slowdown, particularly in the US (which shrank by 0.5% in Q1 2025), could dampen further demand for Indian exports," said the report. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Angry France slams US trade pact 'submission' as EU peers breathe sigh of relief
France denounced the trade agreement between the European Union and the U.S. as a "submission" on Monday though other EU states largely backed a deal they acknowledged was lopsided but which averts an economically damaging trade war with Washington. The framework deal, announced on Sunday between two economies accounting for almost a third of global trade, will see the U.S. impose a 15% import tariff on most EU goods from next month, but offers some protection for critical industries like cars and pharmaceuticals. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science Management others CXO Data Science Digital Marketing Project Management Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Product Management Design Thinking healthcare PGDM Public Policy Finance Leadership Data Analytics MCA Technology MBA Operations Management Others Degree Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis & Interpretation Programming Proficiency Problem-Solving Skills Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT MSc in Data Science Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Strategic Data-Analysis, including Data Mining & Preparation Predictive Modeling & Advanced Clustering Techniques Machine Learning Concepts & Regression Analysis Cutting-edge applications of AI, like NLP & Generative AI Duration: 8 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details That is half the rate Washington had threatened, though much more than Europeans hoped for. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Shooter Action MMO Crossout Play Now Undo U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sought to leverage tariff threats to reshape global trade since returning to the White House this year, feted the accord on Sunday during a trip to Scotland, calling it "the biggest deal ever made". But France, Europe's second largest economy, poured scorn on the agreement. Live Events "It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, brought together to affirm their common values and to defend their common interests, resigns itself to submission," Prime Minister Francois Bayrou wrote on X. French President Emmanuel Macron made no public comment. While the mood among other European governments was decidedly sombre, most agreed that the failure to strike a deal would have been disastrous. "This agreement has succeeded in averting a trade conflict that would have hit the export-orientated German economy hard," said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who heads the 27-nation EU bloc's largest economy. Speaking to journalists on Monday, the top trade official for the European Commission, which negotiates trade deals for the EU, said allowing the 30% tariffs to be imposed would have been "much, much worse". "This is clearly the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances," EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said. Several EU countries acknowledged that the deal establishes some certainty with Europe's biggest trading partner following months of turmoil, with Sweden, for example, calling it the "least bad alternative" and Spain backing it, albeit "without enthusiasm." Any final deal is likely to need approval from EU capitals. STILL WORK TO DO Since managing trade falls under the responsibilities of the European Commission, unhappiness with the outcome of the months-long negotiations from countries like France will not scupper the framework agreement. But there is still work to be done. Many of the specifics of the agreement were not immediately known, but EU officials said they would be clarified in a joint statement that should be finalised by August 1. Further negotiations over the coming weeks will be held to reach a full-fledged deal. Even Germany said more work was necessary, including with regards to the steel sector. Trump said the deal, including an investment pledge topping the deal signed with Japan last week, would expand ties between the trans-Atlantic powers after years of what he called unfair treatment of U.S. exporters. Japan's package will consist of equity, loans and guarantees from state-run agencies of up to $550 billion to be invested at Trump's discretion, Tokyo says. EU officials, in contrast, said the EU's $600 billion investment pledge is based on the combined intended private-sector investments expressed by European companies. The deal will bring clarity for European makers of cars, planes and chemicals. But the EU had initially hoped for a zero-for-zero tariff deal. And the 15% baseline tariff, while an improvement on the threatened rate of 30%, compares to an average U.S. import tariff rate of around 2.5% last year before Trump's return to the White House. MORE CLARITY, BUT A CHALLENGE European stocks opened up on Monday, with the STOXX 600 touching a four-month high and all other major bourses also in the green. Tech and healthcare stocks led the way. "The 15% rate is better than the market was fearing," said Jefferies economist Mohit Kumar. Still, European companies were left wondering whether to cheer or lament the accord. "Those who expect a hurricane are grateful for a storm," said Wolfgang Große Entrup, head of the German Chemical Industry Association VCI. "Further escalation has been avoided. Nevertheless, the price is high for both sides. European exports are losing competitiveness. U.S. customers are paying the tariffs," he said. Among the many questions that remain to be answered, however, is how the EU's promise to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. and steeply increase energy purchases can be turned into reality. It was not immediately clear if specific pledges of increased investments were made or whether the details still must be hammered out. And while the EU pledged to make $750 billion in strategic purchases over the next three years, including oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear fuel, the U.S. will struggle to produce enough to meet that demand. While U.S. LNG production capacity is due to almost double over the next four years it will still not be enough to ramp up supplies to Europe, and oil production is expected to be lower than previously forecast this year. Despite the lingering unknowns, analysts stressed the deal still helped decrease uncertainty. Oil prices edged higher on Monday.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Trump credits his involvement for Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire, says "proud to be President of Peace"
US President Donald Trump touted his role in the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire, saying that he has instructed his team to restart trade negotiations with the two south-east Asian nations. Trump said that he spoke to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai, warning them that no trade deals would be made while the conflict persisted. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category PGDM Artificial Intelligence Technology Digital Marketing Management Degree MBA Leadership Data Science Cybersecurity others MCA Finance Data Analytics Product Management Healthcare Project Management Operations Management Public Policy CXO healthcare Data Science Design Thinking Others Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis & Decision Making Quantitative & Analytical Skills Organizational Management & Leadership Innovation & Entrepreneurship Duration: 24 Months IMI Delhi Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Online) Starts on Sep 1, 2024 Get Details "Just spoke to the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand and the Prime Minister of Cambodia. I am pleased to announce that, after the involvement of President Donald J. Trump, both Countries have reached a CEASEFIRE and PEACE. Congratulations to all! By ending this War, we have saved thousands of lives, Trump wrote on Truth Social from Scotland. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "I have instructed my Trade Team to restart negotiations on Trade. I have now ended many Wars in just six months -- I am proud to be the President of PEACE!," he added. "I have instructed my Trade Team to restart negotiations on Trade," he added. Over the weekend, Trump said he told the leaders he wouldn't make a trade deal with the countries "unless you settle the war." Live Events Speaking during a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier Monday, Trump took credit for the diplomatic breakthrough. "We solved that war, you probably saw it just, came out over the wire, so we solved it through trade. I said, 'I don't want to trade with anybody that's killing each other,' so we just got that one solved," he said. The ceasefire declaration between Cambodia and Thailand was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), who mediated talks between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai at his official residence near the capital, Kuala Lumpur, CNN reported. Both sides have accused the other of starting the latest border flare-up and traded blame for the ongoing fighting, which has killed at least 35 people and injured more than 200, according to figures from Thai and Cambodian officials, as per CNN. The dispute over their border goes back decades. Reports of fighting dragged on even after the ceasefire was announced. The head of an evacuation shelter on the Cambodian side, Moun Nara, said that hours after the announcement, "I still hear the sound of the shooting... It's not yet ended yet. Let's wait and see until midnight." US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the Southeast Asian nations had agreed to ceasefire talks, but localised fighting continued throughout the weekend. Trump said he warned the Thai and Cambodian leaders that he would not make trade deals with either country if the deadly border conflict continued.
