UAE free zone companies can sponsor employment visas for staff hired in the UAE. Here is the 2026 guide to employment visas for free zone company employees.
In this guide:
UAE Free Zone Employment Visa Overview
- Free zone companies can sponsor employees from any country for UAE employment visas
- Each employee needs a visa quota allocation from the free zone
- Employment contract must be signed before visa application
- UAE Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) registers the employment relationship
Employment Visa Requirements for Free Zone Employers
- Valid free zone trade licence (not expired)
- Sufficient visa quota (based on office size with the free zone)
- Employee offer letter or signed employment contract
- Employee passport copy
- Employee academic certificate (for certain professional roles)
Process to Hire Employees on UAE Free Zone Visa
- Confirm your visa quota with the free zone
- Obtain additional quota if needed (pay free zone fee per additional slot)
- Submit employment visa application through the free zone portal
- Entry permit issued for the employee
- Employee travels to UAE (or status change if already in UAE)
- Employee completes medical test and Emirates ID biometrics
- Employment visa stamped; MOHRE contract registered
Minimum Salary for UAE Employment Visa
- No universal minimum salary requirement in UAE free zones (unlike some mainland visa categories)
- However: AED 4,000/month is typically the minimum for most visa and banking practical purposes
- Skilled professionals: Subject to skill verification; certain roles require qualification checks by MOHRE
Cost of UAE Employment Visa (for Employer) 2026
- Visa quota activation fee: AED 1,500-3,000 per additional employee quota
- Entry permit: AED 1,000-1,500
- Medical and Emirates ID: Employee typically pays (AED 500-700)
- Insurance: Employer must provide employee health insurance (AED 1,200-3,000/year minimum)