Work-authorisation route
Mainland employers generally use the MOHRE process. A free-zone employee follows the procedure of the relevant free-zone authority.
MIDDLE EAST WORKFORCE GUIDE
Hiring and employment in United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
First distinguish mainland and free-zone employment, then confirm the employer licence, work permit, residence, contract and wage-protection route.
Middle Eastregion
Project-specificroute confirmation
Officialsource links
✓ No approval claims✓ Responsibilities confirmed in writing✓ Official sources checked at project start
EMPLOYER DECISION
Four questions to answer for United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Employer conditions
The employer needs an active business licence, a genuine role and the approvals or quota required for the proposed worker.
Employment conditions
Working time, leave, pay, termination and insurance are assessed under federal rules and any applicable free-zone procedure.
Main risk
Working on a visit visa, using a permit for another employer or failing to follow the applicable wage-payment route creates significant risk.
PROJECT INPUTS
What to provide for an initial assessment
Employer and destination
Employer registration, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) work city and evidence of the project or business activity.
Role and headcount
Duties, skills, language, nationality preference, approximate headcount and target arrival date.
Pay and welfare
Pay, working pattern, accommodation, transport, insurance and site-safety arrangements.
Route check
We compare the inputs with the current authority route before recruitment is launched.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Sources and review boundary
Last content check：2026-08-15。Rules must be rechecked for the actual employer, role, nationality and filing date.
EMPLOYER FAQ
Questions employers ask
Can Equal Overseas confirm approval for a United Arab Emirates (Dubai) project in advance?
No. The route must be checked against the actual employer, work city, role, nationality and filing date, and the competent authority makes the decision.
What should the employer prepare first?
The employer needs an active business licence, a genuine role and the approvals or quota required for the proposed worker.
Which work-authorisation route may apply?
Mainland employers generally use the MOHRE process. A free-zone employee follows the procedure of the relevant free-zone authority.
What employment conditions need attention?
Working time, leave, pay, termination and insurance are assessed under federal rules and any applicable free-zone procedure.
What commonly prevents the project from proceeding?
Working on a visit visa, using a permit for another employer or failing to follow the applicable wage-payment route creates significant risk.
START WITH A SHORT ENQUIRY