Open establishment and immigration files and obtain work permits in United Arab Emirates
Direct answer
Make the licensed entity capable of legally recruiting, employing and sponsoring personnel. Confirm whether MOHRE or the free-zone authority is the competent employer body. Model Emiratisation and profession-specific rules. Check licence validity, premises and establishment-card requirements. Valid economic licence and establishment or immigration card. Employer signatory records and approved employment offer or contract. Employee passport, photograph, qualifications and professional approvals where relevant.
- Editorial author
- Horizon Strategies
- Last verified in the editorial record
- Scope
- United Arab Emirates · Business setup
| Fact or procedure | Recorded evidence | Authority and source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Responsible authority | MOHRE and ICP, or the competent free-zone authority; GDRFA where applicable in Dubai | MOHRE and ICP, or the competent free-zone authority; GDRFA where applicable in DubaiOriginal source | 2026-10-28 |
| Requirements | Valid economic licence and establishment or immigration card. Employer signatory records and approved employment offer or contract. Employee passport, photograph, qualifications and professional approvals where relevant. Quota, insurance, medical, identity and residence evidence required by the selected permit type. | MOHRE and ICP, or the competent free-zone authority; GDRFA where applicable in DubaiOriginal source | 2026-10-28 |
| Procedure | Open the employer and immigration files. Apply for the correct work permit rather than treating a residence category as work authorisation. Complete entry status, medical examination, biometrics, Emirates ID and residence steps, then maintain renewals and cancellations. | MOHRE and ICP, or the competent free-zone authority; GDRFA where applicable in DubaiOriginal source | 2026-10-28 |
Limits and what this does not prove: Permit types, quotas, insurance and professional recognition differ by jurisdiction and role. Use the live MOHRE, ICP, GDRFA or free-zone service.
Before you start
Confirm whether MOHRE or the free-zone authority is the competent employer body.
Model Emiratisation and profession-specific rules.
Check licence validity, premises and establishment-card requirements.
Requirements
Valid economic licence and establishment or immigration card.
Employer signatory records and approved employment offer or contract.
Employee passport, photograph, qualifications and professional approvals where relevant.
Quota, insurance, medical, identity and residence evidence required by the selected permit type.
Procedure
Open the employer and immigration files.
Apply for the correct work permit rather than treating a residence category as work authorisation.
Complete entry status, medical examination, biometrics, Emirates ID and residence steps, then maintain renewals and cancellations.
Recorded output
An active employer file and a traceable work and residence record for each employee.