UAE Visa Timeline

Clock starts. Confirm the visa sponsorship route, who covers visa fees, and your expected start date. Don't resign from the UK job until the UAE contract is signed and the entry permit is in motion.

• Confirm whether employer or freezone sponsor covers visa costs
• Ask HR for a provisional start date and visa timeline
• Start gathering UK documents — degree attestation alone takes 4-6 weeks

Employer issues a formal UAE employment contract. Review carefully — it forms the basis of your work permit and determines gratuity rules.

• Check the contract matches the verbal offer on salary, allowances, and benefits
• Probation is typically 6 months (max under UAE labour law)
• Non-compete clauses are common — check the scope and duration

UAE visa authorities require attested UK documents. The chain: original UK document → FCDO apostille → UAE Embassy in London → UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (on arrival).

• Degree attestation typically takes 4-6 weeks total — start immediately
• FCDO apostille: ~£30 + courier, allow 5-10 working days (fast track available)
• UAE Embassy in London: 3-5 working days
• Police Clearance Certificate (ACPO PCC): £65, 2-4 weeks

Employer submits to MOHRE for an Employment Entry Permit. This lets you enter the UAE legally to complete the rest of the visa process.

• Done by employer / PRO — you only need to provide passport copies
• If you're already in the UAE on a tourist visa, an in-country status change is sometimes possible
• Fast-track processing (3-5 days) is available for an extra fee

Once the entry permit is issued, fly into the UAE. Book accommodation in advance — the first month is typically a serviced apartment while you find a long-term rental.

• Book a serviced apartment for the first month — gives you time to choose a neighbourhood
• Open the bank account immediately — you'll need it for rent cheques
• Get a UAE SIM (du or Etisalat) at the airport

Mandatory blood work (HIV, Hepatitis B) and chest X-ray (TB) at approved DHA / DOH medical centres. Results come back same-day or next morning.

• Some centres require fasting — check ahead
• Bring your passport and entry permit reference
• Cost: AED 250-450

Fingerprints and photo at an ICA centre. Employer's PRO usually accompanies you. This kicks off the Emirates ID issuance.

• Bring passport and entry permit
• 1-2 hours including waiting time

The 2-year residence visa is stamped in the passport. This is your official authorisation to live and work in the UAE.

• Keep a scan of the visa stamp — you'll need it for everything (banking, school, Ejari)
• Don't leave the UAE for more than 6 months on a fresh visa without activating it

Your all-purpose UAE national identity card. Required for banking, driving licence exchange, school enrolment, Ejari registration, health insurance, and SIM activation.

• Collect from ICA centre or request home delivery (Dubai)
• Cost AED 270-470 (employer typically pays)
• You cannot function fully in the UAE without this — it's the critical-path item

Sign a long-term tenancy with Ejari registration, exchange your UK driving licence, and finalise health insurance and school enrolments if applicable.

• UK to UAE driving licence is a direct exchange at RTA / ADTA — no test required
• Tenancy registration via Ejari (Dubai) or Tawtheeq (Abu Dhabi)
• Top up health insurance if the employer-provided plan is basic