Your step-by-step journey from job offer to UAE residence visa — guided by the AISA Government Relations (PRO) team.
Getting your UAE work authorization is a sequence of seven steps, handled mostly by the AISA Government Relations (PRO) team. This module walks you through each one so you know what's happening, what's needed from you, and roughly how long each step takes.
The day-counts shown are typical processing times for each step under normal conditions — not a promise. Government systems and queues vary. Your PRO will keep you updated as each step clears.
You'll review and sign the official MOL job offer. Read it carefully — it sets out:
The Ministry reviews and approves the signed offer. No action needed from you — your PRO submits and tracks this.
The Ministry of Interior issues your immigration / entry visa approval — the permit that lets your residency process continue inside the UAE.
A mandatory subscription you must complete before the next step.
Unemployment Insurance is a UAE government scheme that provides temporary financial support to employees who lose their jobs for reasons beyond their control. It pays 60% of your basic salary for up to three months.
Policy fee
AED 126
covered by the employee
Status
Mandatory
required to proceed
Timing
Same day
quick to complete
This is a mandatory subscription — your visa cannot move to the next stage until it's done. The AED 126 fee is paid by you, the employee.
Which statement about the Unemployment Insurance (ILOE) step is correct?
A mobile clinic visits for the standard UAE residency medical screening, which tests for:
Your Emirates ID is the single most important document in the UAE. You'll give fingerprints, and the card is issued about five working days later. You'll use it for almost everything:
The last step — your residency is now complete.
The visa sticker is the final step of the process. A few important things to know about it:
Your visa and Emirates ID are valid for 2 years and expire on the same day.
The visa is not placed in your passport — it's digital.
Install the ICP UAE app on your smartphone to access and download your visa sticker copy.
This step typically takes about 1 working day.
Once the sticker is issued, you're a fully documented UAE resident. Keep your Emirates ID and the ICP app handy — and note both renewal dates two years out.
A new colleague asks where to find a copy of their visa sticker and how long their documents last. What do you tell them?
The Government Relations Officer (PRO) handles AISA's dealings with government entities — and is your go-to person for visa and residency matters. Beyond your own visa, the PRO can help with:
You may contact the PRO for assistance with any government-related transaction. If you're unsure who your PRO is or how to reach them, ask the HR Office — they'll point you to the right person.
Open the original Government Relations briefing (PDF) to revisit the seven steps any time.