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Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) UAE

Guide to work residency requirements and permits for new employees

Prepared by: Technical Consulting Team Gulf Comment Last revised and updated: June 2026

Service details and information

A guide to procedures for bringing expatriate workers into the UAE, and the steps for submitting initial work permit applications, conducting a medical examination, federal ID fingerprinting, and issuing a residency sticker.

Documents and papers required to apply via the platforms

To complete the transaction successfully via the specified official electronic platforms, please prepare and prepare the following documents and supporting papers:

  • A copy of the employee’s passport valid for a period of no less than 6 months.
  • Certified and equivalent academic certificate from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • A recent personal photo with a white background of the employee.
  • A copy of the company’s trade license in the UAE.

Self-submission steps and procedures

We explain to you the application and review steps officially followed to implement the transaction through government platforms and systems:

1

Step No. 1

Submit the initial work permit application through the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) platform.

2

Step 2

Pay the prescribed fees for the entry application and obtain a permit to enter the country.

3

Step 3

Conducting a medical examination for the employee at one of the approved medical centers upon entry.

4

Step No. 4

Apply for the Emirates ID through the ICP portal and collect biometric fingerprints.

5

Step 5

Issuing and confirming work residency and updating the status of the official work permit with ID.

Expert Advice: Exemptions and Exceptions

Small enterprises or entrepreneurs are exempt from some fees according to the government decisions currently in effect.

Emergency alternatives (manual procedure)

In the event that the electronic portal malfunctions or there are technical issues, you must book an appointment and visit the Ministry’s branches to complete the procedure manually.

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