TL;DR
- Yes, you can convert a UAE visit visa into an employment visa, without leaving the country.
- You need a job offer and must meet legal and medical requirements before switching status.
- The process takes 7-14 days, but delays can happen due to quotas, holidays, or paperwork issues.
Moving to the UAE for work is a dream for many, and not without reason. With tax-free salaries, strong worker protections, and a fast-growing economy, it’s one of the most attractive destinations for skilled professionals, especially from South Asia, Africa, and other parts of the Middle East. But what if you’re already in the country on a visit visa or planning to arrive soon? Can you actually find a job and stay?The short answer is yes, you can convert a visit visa to an employment visa in the UAE, without leaving. But there’s a process, and it’s important to understand what that looks like so you don’t overstay your visit visa or fall into legal trouble. This guide walks you through how it works, what to expect, and what to watch out for.
What’s the Difference Between a Visit Visa and an Employment Visa?
1. Visit Visa:
This visa is for short stays, usually 30, 60, or 90 days. It’s issued for tourism, visiting family, or attending events. It does not allow you to work. Doing so is illegal and can lead to fines or deportation. Some nationalities can get a 14-day visa on arrival. Others need to apply beforehand.
2. Employment Visa:
This is tied to a job offer from a UAE company. It allows you to live and work legally in the UAE, usually for two years. It’s processed through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). A newer option includes the Job Seeker Visa, which is valid for 60 to 120 days and lets you search for work without a sponsor.
Who Can Apply for an Employment Visa in the UAE?
Before starting the visa conversion process, you’ll need to make sure you’re actually eligible. The UAE has clear rules on who can legally work in the country.Basic Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be 18 years or older
- You must fall under one of the UAE’s three skill levels based on your education: Category 1: Bachelor’s degree or higherCategory 2: Post-secondary diploma, Category 3: High school diploma
Other requirements include:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- A job offer from a UAE-licensed company
- A signed employment contract
- Passing a medical screening
- Basic health insurance provided by your employer
Also, the job title must match your employer’s business license activity, and you can only work for the company that sponsors your visa.
How to Convert a Visit Visa into an Employment Visa (Inside UAE)
You can stay in the country and switch your visa status, this is called an in-country status change. Here’s how the process works if you already have a job offer:Step-by-Step: Converting Visit Visa to Employment Visa
- Secure a Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UAE-licensed employer.
- Employer Applies for Quota Approval: The employer needs permission from MOHRE to hire a foreign worker. This includes checking if they have space in their employee quota.
- Sign and Submit Contract: Both parties sign an official labor contract. This outlines your salary, benefits, and job title.
- Apply for Employment Entry Permit: Your employer applies for a temporary work visa, known as the entry permit. This is the document that allows you to stay legally while switching visas.
- Undergo Medical Tests: Once your entry permit is issued, you must undergo a health screening to check for infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis B.
- Apply for Emirates ID and Residence Visa: After medical clearance, you begin your residence visa process. You’ll also apply for an Emirates ID, this acts as your official identity and links to your visa status.
- Receive Your Employment Visa: Once approved, your residence visa is issued, and your work visa becomes active. There’s no longer a need for visa stamping on passports, your Emirates ID is enough.
How Long Does It Take?
Typically, it takes 7 to 14 working days to convert a visit visa to an employment visa. But this can stretch longer depending on:
- Public holidays (Eid, National Day, etc.)
- Ramadan (shorter working hours across government offices)
- Company quota issues (some companies hit a cap on foreign hires)
- Delays from typing centers or PRO services
What If You Don’t Have a Job Yet?
In that case, you can apply for a Job Seeker Visa. This allows you to legally stay in the UAE while searching for a job, without needing a sponsor. It’s available for 60, 90, or 120 days.To qualify, you must meet the education and skill level criteria (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and prove financial stability or bank balance requirements.The UAE has made it easier than ever to move from a visit visa to an employment visa, especially if you’re already in the country and have a valid job offer. But timing and paperwork matter. The rules are clear, but enforcement is strict. Make sure you or your employer handle the process properly to avoid fines or legal trouble.FAQs1. Can I convert my visit visa to a work visa without leaving the UAE?Yes, you can change your visa status from inside the country. You don’t need to exit and re-enter.2. How long does it take to get a UAE employment visa?The full process, from job offer to final visa, usually takes 7 to 14 working days, but delays are possible.3. What happens if I overstay my visit visa while waiting for the employment visa?You’ll be fined AED 50 per day for overstaying. That’s why it’s important your employer begins the process early.
