How to Add an Employee to Your UAE Free Zone Company 2026 — Hiring Guide
Hiring your first employee in a UAE free zone requires understanding the visa quota, costs, and legal obligations. Here is the complete 2026 guide.
In this guide:
Before You Can Hire — Visa Quota
- Visa quota: Each company has a maximum number of visas allowed based on office type
- Flexi-desk: Typically 1-3 visas
- Executive office: Typically 3-6 visas
- Physical office: More visas; based on floor area
- How to check: Log into your free zone portal; check your current visa quota
Employment Visa Types in Free Zones
- Employment visa: For employees; linked to your company as sponsor; you are responsible for all costs
- Investor visa: For shareholders and directors; different application process
Cost to Hire an Employee in UAE Free Zone
- Employment entry permit: AED 1,500-2,000
- Medical fitness test: AED 200-400
- Emirates ID: AED 300-400
- Visa stamping: AED 500-1,000
- Health insurance: Mandatory; AED 600-3,000/year (employer pays)
- Total visa cost: Approx AED 3,000-5,000 first year
UAE Labour Law — Key Obligations for Employers
- Labour contract: Mandatory; register with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources)
- WPS (Wages Protection System): Must pay salaries via WPS-enrolled bank account
- Gratuity: Employee entitled to end-of-service gratuity (21 days per year for first 5 years)
- Annual leave: 30 calendar days per year after 1 year employment
- Notice period: Minimum 30 days; up to 90 days per contract