After setting up your business and acquiring your licence, you need to sponsor your employees. This section outlines the formalities for sponsoring staff, and the requirements which govern the process.
When giving work permit, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation considers if the worker:
The Department of Labour may not consent to the employment of non-nationals unless it examines its records and ensures that there are no nationals registered in the employment section, capable of performing the required job.
Key entities involved in sponsoring employees
At the federal level, the entities involved are:
At the local level, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the respective emirate is involved.
Read about job offers, work permits and contracts.
Related links from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
The process involves two phases:
First phase: Applying for work permits/ labour cards
The employer must first approach the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and request the issuance of eSignature card for his firm. The eSignature is a prerequisite for any application submitted by the employer. The ministry will issue the card only after inspecting the business premises and verifying lack of any violations. After the issuance of the card, the employer can apply for pre-approval work permit for its employees.
Documents required for pre-approval of work permit for employees:
Number of employees
The number of employees a company can hire depends on the quota approved by the ministry. The ministry will determine the quota according to the legal form of the company, the area of the premises, the projects involved and the demand of the work operation as evidenced by the employer. This quota can be changed on request from the employer and the approval of the Ministry.
Terms and conditions
In addition to a signed employment offer, there are other conditions which must be met:
Please note the following:
Second phase: Applying for the employee work permit from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
After getting the preapproval of the ministry, the employer will have to approach the respective General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The employer must request a firm card also from the respective General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Once the card is issued, the employer/company will have a file with the immigration authorities which will entitle it to apply and obtain work permits for new employees in future.
11 Jun 2025