UAE Free Zone Employee Onboarding Checklist 2026
Onboarding an employee in a UAE free zone company involves several steps. Here is the complete 2026 checklist.
In this guide:
Before Onboarding: Employment Offer
- Offer letter: Issue signed offer letter with salary, benefits, start date
- UAE labour contract: Prepare UAE-compliant employment contract (limited or unlimited term)
- MOHRE registration: Most free zone employees must be registered with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources)
Visa Sponsorship Process
- Confirm visa quota: Ensure company has available visa quota (check free zone allocation)
- Request entry permit: Apply for employee entry permit via free zone portal
- Entry permit processing: 3-7 working days (express: 1-3 days)
- Employee enters UAE on entry permit
- Medical fitness test: Employee completes medical test within 30 days of entry
- Emirates ID biometrics: Book biometrics appointment at ICP centre
- Residence visa stamp: Applied to passport after biometrics
- Emirates ID card: Issued within 5-10 working days of biometrics
Employee Bank Account
- Employee opens personal bank account after Emirates ID is issued
- Salary must be paid via WPS (Wage Protection System) for most UAE employees
- Employer WPS registration: Register company in WPS system to process salaries
Health Insurance
- Dubai: Health insurance is MANDATORY for all employees (Dubai Health Authority requirement)
- Other emirates: Mandatory for work visa sponsors (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah following)
- Minimum cover: Basic plan at AED 600-1,200/year per employee covers essential health