If you’re visiting the UAE in search of a job, you might be wondering: Can I work on visit visa in UAE legally? It’s a common question, especially in 2025 when jobseekers from Asia, Africa, and Europe arrive daily on visit visas hoping to land employment. The short answer is: No, you cannot legally work in the UAE while on a visit or tourist visa. However, there are clear legal options to transition into a work permit once you secure a job.
Let’s break down the current UAE labor law, risks of illegal work, and how to shift to legal employment status smoothly.
Can I Work on Visit Visa in UAE Legally 2025 Rules
What Is a Visit Visa in UAE?
Work on Visit Visa in UAE: A visit visa (or tourist visa) allows foreign nationals to enter the UAE for tourism, family visits, or business exploration — not for employment.
Visit visa types in 2025 include:
30-day single entry
60-day single or multiple entry
5-year multiple entry (for selected nationalities)
Holding a visit visa means you are not legally authorized to work or earn income in the UAE until your visa status changes.
Is It Illegal to Work on Visit Visa in UAE?
Work on Visit Visa in UAE: Yes. According to UAE Labor Law and Immigration Law, it is strictly illegal to work for any company while on a visit visa. This includes:
Part-time work
Temporary shifts
Trial employment or training
Freelance jobs
Cash-in-hand arrangements
If caught, both the employee and employer will face legal penalties.
Penalties for Working Illegally on Visit Visa
Working on a visit visa in UAE without proper authorization may result in:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Working without a permit | Fine up to AED 50,000 + deportation |
| Employer hiring illegally | Fine up to AED 100,000 + blacklist |
| Repeat offense | Permanent labor or entry ban |
| Legal employment with fake visa | Criminal case + jail or deportation |
But Why Do People Still Work on Visit Visas?
Work on Visit Visa in UAE: Some companies may illegally offer short-term work to visit visa holders to cut costs and skip government fees. However, such arrangements are unsafe:
- No legal protection
- No medical insurance
- No complaint rights under MOHRE
- No salary guarantee
- Risk of being reported and banned
If you’re on a visit visa, do not accept any job even for a day unless the employer starts the legal work visa process.
Legal Options: How to Start Working in UAE on a Visit Visa
You can’t work immediately, but you can transition legally into employment:
Step 1: Find a Job Offer
Search for legal jobs using:
MahadHRC.ae
Walk-in interviews
Verified job portals
Recruitment agencies
Step 2: Ask Employer to Apply for Work Permit
Once selected, your employer will:
Apply for MOHRE work permit or Freezone employment entry permit
Change your visa status from visit to employment
Submit all paperwork (passport, photo, education, etc.)
Pay official fees to MOHRE or Freezone Authority
Step 3: Status Change – No Need to Exit UAE
In 2025, you can change your visa inside UAE without flying out. This process includes:
Status change approval
Medical fitness test
Emirates ID application
Visa stamping in passport
After these steps, you’re legally employed and protected under UAE labor law.
Special Note for Domestic Workers & Part-Time Staff
Work on Visit Visa in UAE: If you’re applying as a maid, driver, or helper, your work permit will go through Tadbeer Centers — not MOHRE.
If you want to work part-time or freelance, you must get a:
Part-time work permit from MOHRE
Freelance license (if self-employed)
Can Visit Visa Holders Do Unpaid Internships?
Unpaid internships are only legal if:
Done under a recognized university visa program
Company is registered and authorized to host interns
Internship contract is submitted to MOHRE or Freezone
Otherwise, even unpaid work is considered illegal employment.
MahadHRC Tip: How to Avoid Visa Scams
- Don’t trust companies that ask you to start work immediately
- Never hand over your passport or documents to unlicensed recruiters
- Always check if the job offer includes official visa sponsorship
- Use verified platforms like MahadHRC.ae for genuine job listings
Conclusion
Work on Visit Visa in UAE: To summarize: No, you cannot work on visit visa in UAE legally in 2025. But if you find a genuine job, you can convert your visa status to employment and begin working with full legal protection.
Avoid shortcuts or risky part-time gigs they might cost you more in the long run. Instead, use legal recruitment support, apply through trusted channels, and always demand proper documentation from your employer.