Passport and visas
To move to the UAE for work and residence, expatriates must be aware of certain requirements to ensure a legal and smooth settlement in the country.
Before arriving, expatriates must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months and obtain an entry permit in accordance with the procedures of the authority of residency and foreigners affairs in the relevant emirate.
Except for GCC nationals, a residency visa is mandatory for all expatriates who wish to live or work in the UAE. It is also essential for accessing vital services such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driver’s licence and more.
Entry permits are issued for sponsored individuals at the request of their sponsor—whether it is an an employer, employee, or investor—holding a valid UAE residence visa.
An entry permit remains valid for two months from the date of issue, and within one month of entering the UAE, the sponsored individual must complete the necessary procedures to obtain a residency visa, which is valid for two years.
The UAE law strictly prohibits working while holding a visit or tourist visa (whether for pay or without compensation). Violators, whether employees or employers, will face fines and legal accountability.
Health screening
Foreigners planning to work or live in the UAE will need to undergo medical tests to confirm they are in good health before proceeding with residency procedures.
As per Cabinet Resolution No. 5 of 2016, amending provisions of the Cabinet Decree No. 7 of 2008, expatriates entering the UAE for work or residence must undergo the following medical tests:
- HIV/AIDS test: mandatory for all residency applicants (new or renewal). Residency is denied or not renewed for positive cases.
- Hepatitis B test
- Pregnancy test for domestic workers (maids, nannies, drivers, and similar roles)
- Leprosy test: conducted for new applicants and upon renewal. Residency is denied or not renewed for positive cases.
- Syphilis test
- Tuberculosis (TB) test.
Attestation of academic certifications
Certain jobs require expatriates to present attested academic certificates to complete residency and employment procedures. Certificates must be authenticated in the country of origin by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the UAE embassy or consulate. In the UAE, some professions also require the attestation of university degrees by the Ministry of Education.
The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides certificate attestation services both inside the UAE (via digital channels) and abroad (through UAE embassies and consulates).
Attestation verifies the authenticity of a stamp and signature on a document, whether issued inside or outside the UAE.
Types of documents attested
MoFA attests various individual affairs’ documents including birth, death and marriage certificates; as well as, commercial documents such as contracts and agreements, minutes of meeting, trademark registrations and company closure documents.
Steps for getting documents attested
For documents issued in the UAE
For documents issued in the UAE, the original document needs to be attested by the relevant government entity. Applications for attestation are submitted via MoFA’s digital channels. The original must be placed in an envelope before handing it to the courier.
For electronically issued documents, a QR code or link must be attached for verification.
For documents issued outside the UAE
For documents issued outside the UAE, the original document should be attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the issuing country. Afterwards, the document can be attested by a UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country by applying through digital channels.
If there is no UAE mission present in that country, applicants may contact MoFA for assistance via its call centre or approved channels.
MoFA attestation services are available via the official website and its app UAEMOFA available on Android and iOS.
Read more on documents’ attestation services and find the steps to apply.
Additional tests
Some sensitive professions such as physicians, lab technicians and others require expatriates to pass local professional exams before being licensed to work..
Applicants must pass examinations conducted by Ministry of Health and Prevention, or other local health authorities such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).
Professions restricted to Emirati citizens
Some professions, such as that of a lawyer, who is licensed to appear before the judge and carry out the defence can be practised only by UAE nationals. Read about Emiratisation.
Your rights and duties
Read the UAE Labour Law and be aware of your rights and duties as an employee in the UAE. One of your important rights is entitlement to possession of your passport.
Related links:
- Work in Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi Residents Office
- What you need to know about work in Abu Dhabi - Find Wonder - Abu Dhabi
Updated On :
06 Oct 2025
