If you’re in the UAE on a visit visa and receive a job offer, you must wait until your work visa is issued before starting employment. According to UAE labour law (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021), employers must first obtain a valid work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Starting a job without completing the visit visa to employment visa process is against UAE law. Always ensure proper documentation to avoid penalties and delays in UAE work visa processing time.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change a Visit Visa to a Residence Visa in the UAE
- Get Your New Entry Permit
- Your new sponsor—whether it’s an employer, family member, or investment company—will apply for your UAE entry permit.
- Complete Your Medical Examination
- Undergo a medical fitness test at an approved health facility in the UAE.
- Apply for Emirates ID
- Fill out the Emirates ID application either online or through a registered typing center.
- Submit the Change of Status Request
- Submit your visa status change request through the GDRFA (for Dubai) or ICP (for other emirates). Make sure to do this before your visit visa expires.
- Pay the Required Fees
When to Apply for a Visa Status Change in the UAE
It’s best to apply at least 5–7 days before your visit visa expires to avoid overstay penalties. Delaying your application can lead to AED 50 per day in fines.
Many applicants opt for an in-country visa status change immediately after receiving a job offer—especially those moving from a visit visa to an employment visa.
Change Status Visa UAE Fees (2025)
UAE Visa Status Change: The typical fees for changing visa status within the UAE range from AED 750 to AED 1,200, depending on the emirate, visa type, and processing speed.
No Need to Exit UAE for Visa Status Change in 2025
As of 2025, the UAE allows applicants to change their visa status without leaving the country. This in-country process has been in place since 2020 and remains a preferred option for many, including tourists who land jobs, freelancers applying for residency, and dependents moving to employment visas.
This simplified visa status change in UAE process has made transitions—like shifting from a visit visa to employment visa—much faster and more efficient.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying your application until the visit visa expires
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect paperwork
- Ignoring specific guidelines by emirate (GDRFA in Dubai vs. ICP in other emirates)
- Not getting mandatory medical insurance
- Failing to update Emirates ID information
To ensure a smooth UAE work visa processing time, applicants should follow all legal steps carefully and consider help from authorized typing centers.
In 2025, UAE authorities simplified the visa process, allowing applicants to change their visit visa to a residence visa without exiting the country. Expats, freelancers, and sponsored family members can now complete the visa status change within the UAE.
Officials also reduced UAE work visa processing time, making the transition from a visit visa to an employment visa faster and more efficient.
