Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE: The UAE government now allows people on visit or tourist visas to apply for employment visas without leaving the country. This is known as “in-country visa change”, and it’s a common route for job seekers who get hired while visiting the UAE.
This guide explains how to convert visit visa to employment visa in UAE, the steps involved, required documents, costs, and key tips for both employers and job seekers.
Convert Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE 2025 Guide
Who Can Convert a Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE?
Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE: You can apply for a conversion if:
You’re currently on a valid visit or tourist visa in the UAE
You’ve secured a job offer from a licensed UAE company
The employer is ready to apply for your work permit through MOHRE or a Free Zone Authority
You haven’t overstayed or committed any visa violations
Step-by-Step: How to Convert Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE (2025)
Step 1: Receive a Job Offer from a Registered UAE Employer
Must be on official company letterhead
Includes job title, salary, and start date
Signed by both employer and employee
Some employers use the MOHRE Smart App or eChannels to submit it digitally
Step 2: Apply for a Work Permit via MOHRE or Free Zone
Mainland Companies: Use the MOHRE portal
Free Zone Companies: Use their own internal systems (e.g., DAFZA, JAFZA, SAIF Zone)
Once approved, you’ll get a labour approval number or a pre-approval work permit.
Step 3: Submit In-Country Visa Change Application
Your employer’s PRO or typing center will:
Apply through the ICP portal (or GDRFA Dubai if visa is in Dubai)
Submit the work permit approval and your visit visa details
Request visa change without exit
Processing time: 2–5 business days
Result: You’ll receive a new Entry Permit for Employment
Step 4: Complete Medical Test & Emirates ID Registration
You will be sent for:
Medical fitness test (blood test + x-ray)
Biometric scanning for Emirates ID
Health insurance activation (mandatory)
Must be done within 7–10 days of entry permit approval
Step 5: Receive Your UAE Residence Visa (Stamped)
Once all steps are complete:
Visa is stamped on your passport (digital copy issued)
Emirates ID is printed and mailed
You are now officially a UAE employee with full legal rights
Documents Required for Visa Conversion
Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE:
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport (6+ months) | ✅ |
| Visit/Tourist Visa copy | ✅ |
| Passport-size photo (white background) | ✅ |
| Job Offer Letter / Labour Contract | ✅ |
| Attested degree or license (for skilled roles) | ✅ |
| Sponsor company trade license & quota | ✅ |
| MOHRE/Free Zone visa approval form | ✅ |
Cost to Convert Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE (2025)
| Fee Category | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Work Permit Fee | AED 250–500 |
| Entry Permit (in-country change) | AED 600–900 |
| Medical Test & Emirates ID | AED 800–1,000 |
| Visa Stamping | AED 500–1,000 |
| Typing/Service Charges | AED 300–500 |
Total Cost: AED 2,500–4,000 (paid by employer in most cases)
Processing Timeline
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Work Permit Approval | 2–4 days |
| Entry Permit + Visa Change | 2–5 days |
| Medical & Emirates ID | 5–7 days |
| Final Visa Stamping | 3–5 days |
Full Process: 10–15 working days (average)
Don’t Do This
- Start working before the employment visa is approved
- Overstay your visit visa during the process
- Pay cash to unknown agents for fake offers
- Skip medical or ID registration
- Hold multiple jobs on one visa without part-time permit
Mahad Manpower: Fast, Legal Visa Conversions in UAE
Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE We help:
Employers initiate legal work permits and hire visit visa holders
Job seekers complete in-country visa change without exit
Handle MOHRE, Free Zone, and ICP documentation
Track medical, Emirates ID, and final visa stamping
Summary: Convert Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE (2025)
Visit Visa to Employment Visa in UAE:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Get job offer from licensed employer |
| 2 | Employer applies for MOHRE work permit |
| 3 | Submit in-country visa change via ICP |
| 4 | Undergo medical test and ID biometrics |
| 5 | Receive residence visa + Emirates ID |
| 6 | Start work legally in UAE |