Labour Visa UAE: If you’re planning to work in the UAE as a blue-collar worker, cleaner, driver, or helper, understanding the labour visa UAE process in 2025 is essential. The UAE government has streamlined visa processing to protect workers’ rights and make employment faster, safer, and more transparent.
This guide explains what a labour visa UAE is, who can apply, the step-by-step process, total cost, validity period, and why working with licensed agencies like Mahad HRC UAE ensures legal and smooth onboarding.
Labour Visa UAE 2025 Process Cost and Rules Explained
What Is a Labour Visa in UAE?
A labour visa UAE is an employment residence permit that allows foreign workers to legally live and work in the country. It is issued by:
✅ MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) – for private sector jobs
✅ Free Zone Authorities – for jobs in free zone companies
✅ Domestic Worker Section (TADBEER) – for household staff
Once the visa is issued, the worker receives:
Work permit
Emirates ID
Residency visa stamped in passport
Medical insurance coverage
Who Needs a Labour Visa?
✅ Workers joining construction, hospitality, logistics, cleaning, maintenance, delivery, and facility management jobs
✅ Candidates with job offers from UAE-based companies
✅ Expats coming from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, and more
✅ Candidates switching from visit visa to employment visa
Eligibility Criteria for Labour Visa UAE
Age: 18 to 60 years
Passport validity: Minimum 6 months
Medical fitness: Must pass UAE health check
No criminal record
Work contract: Must be signed with a licensed employer
Position: Must align with approved job categories from MOHRE
Documents Required for Labour Visa UAE (2025)
| Worker Documents (provided by you) | Employer Documents (handled by company) |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Trade license copy |
| Passport-size photos | Labour establishment card |
| Educational certificate (if needed) | Job offer & contract approved by MOHRE |
| Police clearance (optional but useful) | Company immigration file number |
| Medical fitness test result | Payment proof of work permit fee |
| Emirates ID application form | Labour insurance and bank guarantee (if needed) |
Labour Visa UAE Process Step-by-Step
✅ Step 1: Job Offer
The UAE employer issues a job offer letter with salary, benefits, and job title. You sign and return it.
✅ Step 2: Work Permit Application
The employer applies to MOHRE for initial work permit approval. Approval typically takes 2–5 business days.
✅ Step 3: Entry Permit Issued
The UAE immigration system generates an Entry Permit (Pink Visa) allowing you to enter the country.
✅ Step 4: Medical Test + Emirates ID
Upon arrival in UAE:
Visit a government clinic for medical fitness test
Submit biometric data for Emirates ID
✅ Step 5: Labour Contract Signing
You sign your formal labour contract with the employer and submit to MOHRE.
✅ Step 6: Visa Stamping
Your passport is submitted for residency visa stamping, completing the labour visa UAE process.
Labour Visa Validity in UAE
Initial visa: 2 years (for private sector jobs)
Free zones: May issue 1, 2, or 3-year visas
Renewable if employment continues
Grace Period: 30 days after visa cancellation to find new job or exit
Cost of Labour Visa UAE (2025)
Employers are required to pay most of the visa costs. Here’s the approximate breakdown:
| Component | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| MOHRE Work Permit Fee | 250 – 500 |
| Entry Permit | 350 – 1,000 |
| Medical Test | 300 – 400 |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 370 – 600 |
| Visa Stamping + Admin Fees | 500 – 1,000 |
✅ Total: AED 1,500 – AED 2,500
❌ Workers should never pay more than government-approved service charges.
Common Jobs Requiring Labour Visa UAE
✅ Packing Helper
✅ Housekeeper / Cleaner
✅ Warehouse Assistant
✅ Construction Labourer
✅ Security Guard
✅ Waiter / Kitchen Helper
✅ Delivery Rider
✅ Office Boy / Facility Staff
These roles are hired year-round by UAE companies, often via agencies like Mahad HRC UAE.
Labour Rights Under UAE Law (2025)
As a labour visa holder, you’re entitled to:
Timely payment of salary
Paid leave and holidays
Free accommodation and transportation (in many roles)
End-of-service benefits
Medical insurance coverage
Complaint support via MOHRE
Right to change jobs after contract expiry (no NOC required)
Visit Visa to Labour Visa Conversion
If you’re already inside the UAE:
✅ You can convert your visit visa to labour visa UAE without exiting
✅ This is done via “status change” process
✅ Saves time and cost of re-entry
✅ Mahad HRC UAE handles full conversion support
How Mahad HRC UAE Helps You
We are a licensed recruitment agency offering:
✅ Legal labour visa sponsorship for verified jobs
✅ Contract transparency — no hidden deductions
✅ Coordination with top UAE employers
✅ Fast document processing and onboarding
✅ Support in native languages (English, Hindi, Tagalog, Swahili)
Whether you’re applying from your home country or already inside UAE, we ensure safe, fast, and legal hiring.
Conclusion
Getting a labour visa UAE is the legal and proper way to begin your work journey in 2025. From visa processing to document submission and medical tests everything must be done through authorized channels.
Avoid illegal jobs and unlicensed agents. Always apply through trusted recruiters like Mahad HRC UAE, who ensure compliance with UAE laws and provide full employment support.