Good Conduct Certificate (police clearance) is now required for new employment visa applications from Pakistani nationals (effective 20 July 2026). MOHRE Work Bundle continues to deliver work-permit approval in approximately 5 working days. Health insurance must be linked for permit issuance/renewal. Always verify status on official portals.
Quick Summary Box
- Sponsor: UAE-registered employer only
- Main steps: Job offer → MOHRE work permit → Entry permit (60 days) → Travel → Medical + Emirates ID → Residence visa stamping
- Validity: Usually 2 years
- Who pays: Employer (by law)
- Typical total time: 2–8 weeks
- Key Pakistani requirements: CNIC, HEC-attested degrees, Good Conduct Certificate, GAMCA medical in many cases
Important Notice Never pay any UAE employer or agent for a “guaranteed visa.” Under UAE law, the employer must bear all recruitment and visa costs. Report violations to MOHRE.
What is a UAE Employment Visa?
The UAE employment visa (also called work visa or residence visa for work) is an employer-sponsored permit that allows a foreign national to live and work legally in the UAE. It consists of two linked parts:
- MOHRE Work Permit – permission to work for a specific employer.
- Residence Visa / Entry Permit – immigration status issued by ICP or GDRFA.
For most private-sector jobs the residence visa is valid for 2 years and is renewable as long as the employment relationship continues. Free-zone companies follow similar but authority-specific procedures.
Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Applicants
- Valid job offer from a MOHRE-registered UAE establishment with available quota.
- Age usually 18+.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Educational qualifications matching the job (attested for skilled roles).
- Clean immigration and criminal record.
- Medical fitness.
- For Pakistanis specifically: clear copy of both sides of valid CNIC + Good Conduct Certificate for new applications.
Skill levels 1–3 (professional/managerial/technical) generally face higher approval rates than lower-skilled categories.
Also read : Online Jobs in UAE Working from Home
Step-by-Step UAE Employment Visa Process from Pakistan
| Step | Who Does It | Approximate Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Receive & verify written job offer + contract | You + Employer | 1–7 days | Check company on mohre.gov.ae or inquiry.mohre.gov.ae |
| 2. Document preparation & attestation in Pakistan | You | 2–6 weeks | HEC/IBCC → MOFA Pakistan → UAE Embassy |
| 3. Employer applies for MOHRE Work Permit (Work Bundle) | Employer | ~5 working days | Reduced steps & documents |
| 4. Entry Permit issued | Employer / ICP or GDRFA | 2–10 days | Valid 60 days to enter UAE |
| 5. Travel to UAE | You | — | Print e-permit if required by airline |
| 6. Medical fitness test in UAE | You | 1–3 days | Approved clinics |
| 7. Emirates ID biometrics & application | You + Employer | Within 15 days of arrival | |
| 8. Residence visa stamping / e-visa | Employer / ICP or GDRFA | 5–10 working days | Final step |
| 9. Labour card (digital) | Automatic via Emirates ID / UAE Pass | — | You can now legally work |
Total realistic timeline: 3–8 weeks once the offer is signed and documents are ready. Delays usually occur in Pakistani attestation.
Required Documents Checklist (Pakistan Side)
- Valid Pakistani passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Recent passport-size photos (white background)
- Signed employment contract / job offer (MOHRE format)
- CNIC (both sides, clear copy) – mandatory for Pakistanis
- Educational certificates attested by HEC (degrees) or IBCC (school certificates) → MOFA Pakistan → UAE Embassy in Islamabad or consulate
- Good Conduct Certificate / Police Clearance (now required for new applications)
- Experience certificates (if applicable)
- GAMCA medical fitness certificate (often required before travel)
- CV / additional professional licences (doctors, engineers, etc.)
Employer submits the work-permit package in the UAE.
Fees and Costs 2026
Employer pays (by law):
- MOHRE work permit: AED 250 (Category A) to AED 3,450 (Category C)
- Entry permit + residence stamping + medical + Emirates ID package: typically AED 3,000–7,000 all-in
Employee usually pays in Pakistan:
- Document attestation chain: PKR 15,000–40,000
- GAMCA medical: PKR 8,000–12,000
- Police clearance: PKR 2,000–5,000
- Travel ticket
Any demand that you pay visa fees to the employer is illegal.
Processing Time
- MOHRE Work Permit (Work Bundle): ~5 working days
- Entry Permit: 2–10 days
- Full process from signed offer to stamped residence: 2–8 weeks (most complete cases 3–6 weeks)
Medical Test, Emirates ID & Final Stamping
After arrival on the entry permit you must complete a medical fitness test at an approved centre. Biometrics are taken for the Emirates ID (apply within 15 days). Once medical clearance and ID application are done, the employer requests residence visa stamping (or e-visa). You then receive your digital labour card.
In-Country Status Change (Visit/Tourist → Employment)
Possible if you are already in the UAE on a valid visit or tourist visa and receive a genuine job offer. The employer submits a MOHRE work permit + in-country change-of-status request through ICP or GDRFA. You do not need to exit the country.
Common Rejection Reasons
- Incomplete or non-attested documents
- Company has no quota or labour violations
- Criminal record or previous UAE overstay/deportation
- Mismatched job title vs qualifications
- Missing CNIC or Good Conduct Certificate
- Fake or unverified job offer
Always verify the company and job offer on the official MOHRE inquiry portal before spending money on attestation.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Verify every company on mohre.gov.ae
- Keep copies of all contracts and permits
- Use only official portals for status checks (smartservices.icp.gov.ae, gdrfa.gov.ae, inquiry.mohre.gov.ae)
- Start attestation immediately after receiving the offer
Don’ts
- Never pay an employer or agent for the visa itself
- Do not travel on a visit visa expecting to convert without a real offer
- Avoid unregistered recruitment agents
Salary Expectations & Job Market Notes
Salaries vary widely by skill level, industry (construction, hospitality, IT, healthcare, logistics) and emirate. Skilled professionals (Skill Levels 1–3) generally receive higher packages and better approval rates. Always confirm the salary is written in the MOHRE contract and paid via the Wages Protection System.
After Arrival – Your Rights
You are entitled to the salary, leave, end-of-service benefits and working conditions stated in your MOHRE contract. Keep your passport; the employer cannot hold it. Report unpaid wages or illegal deductions to MOHRE.
Official Links
- MOHRE Work Permit services: https://www.mohre.gov.ae
- MOHRE Inquiry: https://inquiry.mohre.gov.ae
- ICP Smart Services: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae
- GDRFA Dubai: https://www.gdrfa.gov.ae or Dubai Now app
- UAE Government portal: https://u.ae
- UAE Embassy Islamabad (attestation)
How long does the UAE employment visa take from Pakistan?
Typically 2–8 weeks end-to-end once the job offer is signed and documents are ready.
Who pays for the UAE work visa?
The employer, by law. You should only pay your own document attestation, medical (if done in Pakistan) and travel.
Is a Good Conduct Certificate required for Pakistanis in 2026?
Yes, for new employment visa applications effective 20 July 2026.
Can I convert a visit visa to a work visa inside the UAE?
Yes, with a verified job offer and employer application for in-country status change.
What is the validity of the employment visa?
Usually 2 years, renewable while employed by the same sponsor.