we handle the full visa journey—MoHRE work permit → medicals/Emirates ID → GDRFA residency. For employees, investors, and dependents, we keep you compliant while you focus on growth.
For companies licensed on the Dubai mainland, hiring employees begins with applying for a MoHRE work permit and an entry permit. Once the employee arrives in the UAE, their status must be converted to a residency visa within 30 days through medical tests, Emirates ID biometrics, and GDRFA residency stamping.
A typical mainland employment visa is valid for 2 years, with renewal available if the contract and documents remain in order. Some free zones issue visas for 2 or 3 years, depending on the authority, but mainland companies generally follow the 2-year cycle.
Employers are also responsible for handling employee onboarding, which may include travel arrangements and, in some cases, airline “OK-to-board” approvals. By working with an experienced PRO team, these steps can be managed smoothly so your new hires can start work without delays.
A mainland visa Dubai is a legal residency permit issued to employees, business owners, and dependents of companies licensed under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED). It allows you to live, work, and operate anywhere in the UAE, unlike free zone visas that limit your activities to specific jurisdictions.
When you hold a mainland visa:
This makes the mainland visa a preferred option for long-term residency and unrestricted work opportunities.
A Dubai work visa linked to a mainland company provides benefits that free zone visas often cannot match. Here’s why obtaining a mainland visa is crucial:
Without a valid visa, you cannot legally work, apply for an Emirates ID, or access essential services.
When applying for a mainland visa in Dubai, the type of visa you need depends on your role, business structure, and purpose of stay. Each category has its own requirements and benefits, and choosing the right one ensures smooth processing with MoHRE, ICP, and GDRFA Dubai.
The Dubai work visa is issued to employees sponsored by mainland companies registered under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED). The process starts with a MoHRE work permit Dubai, followed by medical tests, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping at GDRFA Dubai. Validity is usually 2 years, and employees can also sponsor dependents once their visa is active.
For entrepreneurs or shareholders in a DED-licensed business, the mainland investor visa in Dubai offers a longer validity of 3 years. It allows investors to live in the UAE, manage their company, open bank accounts, and sponsor dependents. The mainland investor visa in Dubai cost typically ranges between AED 5,000 and 9,000, plus medical and Emirates ID fees.
Holders of a valid mainland visa can apply for dependent visas to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents. The process requires proof of income, a valid Ejari tenancy contract, attested relationship certificates, and valid insurance. Dependents’ visas are tied to the sponsor’s visa validity, making timely renewal of mainland visas in Dubai crucial.
Many professionals and companies shift from free zones to the mainland for broader opportunities. The transfer visa from free zone to mainland involves cancelling the old visa and applying for a new one under mainland company sponsorship. This process requires coordination with MoHRE and GDRFA Dubai visa requirements to update records and avoid penalties.
All mainland visas require renewal to remain valid. Employment visas last for 2 years, while investor visas last for 3 years. Renewal involves updated medicals, Emirates ID, insurance, and Ejari contracts. Gulf Corporate Services ensures a smooth process so clients can renew mainland visa Dubai without delays or fines.
Applying for a mainland visa can feel overwhelming, but with expert support, the steps are clear and efficient. At Gulf Corporate Services, we manage the full cycle:
1. Work Permit Issuance (MoHRE)
The employer or business applies for a work permit with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This is the first step to legally employ staff under a mainland company.
2. Entry Permit or Status Change
3. Medical Fitness Test
Every applicant undergoes a medical test in Dubai to confirm eligibility for residency.
4. Biometrics for Emirates ID
The applicant provides fingerprints and a photo to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). The ICP residence visa UAE record is then generated.
5. Residence Visa Stamping (GDRFA Dubai)
Once all clearances are received, the visa is digitally stamped by GDRFA Dubai, finalizing legal residency.
6. Dependent Sponsorship
After obtaining a mainland visa, the holder can sponsor dependents such as spouse, children, or domestic workers.
This entire mainland employment visa processing time usually takes between 1 and 3 weeks, depending on approvals and documentation.
The documents required may vary depending on whether you’re applying as an employee, investor, or sponsor. Common requirements include:
We ensure all documents meet GDRFA Dubai visa requirements to avoid delays or rejections.
The mainland investor visa Dubai cost or employment visa cost depends on several factors, including activity type, office space, and number of visas. Typical costs include:
Additional charges may apply for:
We provide a transparent cost breakdown so clients know exactly what to expect.
Mainland visas come with fixed validity periods:
To renew mainland visa Dubai, you’ll need:
We manage your renewals proactively, ensuring there are no interruptions to your residency or business operations.
If you change jobs, close your business, or exit the UAE permanently, your visa must be cancelled before a new one can be issued. The cancellation process includes:
We assist clients with smooth cancellation procedures, avoiding penalties and ensuring compliance.
A common request we handle is the transfer visa from free zone to mainland. Many professionals and companies move from free zones to the mainland for greater flexibility and market reach. The transfer involves:
Our team ensures this transition is seamless, minimizing downtime for both employers and employees.
With extensive knowledge of UAE laws and Dubai mainland company formation, we provide unmatched value:
Secure your mainland visa in Dubai today with us. Contact us for a free consultation and let us handle the process while you focus on your goals.
A mainland visa in Dubai is a residency permit that allows employees and investors of DED-licensed companies to legally live and work anywhere in the UAE.
The cost of a mainland visa in Dubai ranges from AED 4,000 to AED 9,000, depending on whether it is an employment, investor, or dependent visa.
The average mainland employment visa processing time is 1 to 3 weeks, based on MoHRE approval, medical tests, and Emirates ID issuance.
Applicants must provide a valid passport, medical fitness test, Emirates ID application, insurance, and a company trade licence to meet GDRFA Dubai visa requirements.
Yes, it is possible to transfer a visa from free zone to mainland by cancelling the old visa and applying under a new mainland company sponsorship.
To renew a mainland visa in Dubai, you need an updated Ejari tenancy contract, valid insurance, and cleared government fees before applying through GDRFA Dubai.
You will need a passport copy, photographs, entry permit or visa copy, trade licence, employment contract, medical certificate, and Emirates ID application.
Yes, business owners can obtain a mainland investor visa Dubai, which is valid for 3 years and allows them to manage their business and sponsor family members.
A mainland visa Dubai allows unrestricted work across the UAE, while a free zone visa limits employment to the free zone unless a mainland sponsor is arranged.
Holders of a mainland visa can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents, provided they meet UAE’s salary and accommodation requirements.
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