Follow these steps to successfully change your employment visa without leaving the UAE:
How to Switch Employment and Dependent Visas Within the UAE
Navigating visa changes in the UAE can seem complicated, especially when updating your employment status or your dependents’ residency. Whether you’re starting a new job, transferring sponsorship, or adjusting family visa details, the UAE offers streamlined procedures to make these transitions smooth and efficient.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process for changing employment and dependent visas within the UAE, helping you stay compliant and stress-free.
Understanding the Employment Visa in the UAE
An employment visa is an official document that permits foreign nationals to live and work legally in the UAE. It is usually sponsored by an employer, who manages the application and issuance process. When changing jobs or transferring sponsorship, the employment visa must be updated. Recent regulations now allow employees to switch their employment visa without the need to leave the country, making the process more convenient and efficient.
Understanding Dependent Visas in the UAE
Dependent visas allow immediate family members—such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents—to legally reside in the UAE under the sponsorship of an expatriate. When the primary visa holder changes their employment or visa status, their dependents’ visas may also need updating. The UAE now allows these updates to be completed within the country, simplifying the process and avoiding the need for family members to travel abroad.
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your UAE Employment Visa
1 . Terminate Your Existing Employment Visa
Before applying for a new employment visa, your current visa must be officially terminated. This process is usually coordinated by your current employer:
Notice Period: Complete any notice period required by your employment contract to ensure a smooth transition.
Visa Cancellation Request: Your employer submits a cancellation request to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), often through an online system.
Final Settlement: After cancellation, receive your end-of-service benefits, including pending salary, gratuity, and other entitlements. Ensure all financial matters are cleared before moving forward.
2 . Obtain Your New Employment Visa
After your previous visa is canceled, your new employer initiates the process to secure your employment visa. Key steps include:
Job Offer and Contract: Accept the position and sign the employment contract with your new employer.
Visa Application: Your employer submits your work permit and residency visa application through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and coordinates the required medical test and Emirates ID registration.
In-Country Visa Update: The in-country visa change service allows your employment visa to be updated without leaving the UAE, ensuring a smooth transition to your new role.
3 . Complete Medical Examination and Emirates ID Registration
During the employment visa change process, you must undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the UAE’s health requirements. After passing the medical test, your employer will submit an application for your Emirates ID, which serves as your official identification and is required for residency and other official procedures in the UAE.
4 . Finalize Your Employment Visa with Passport Stamping
Once your medical test is cleared, your passport is submitted to the relevant immigration authorities for visa stamping. This step officially activates your new employment visa, granting you legal residency and work authorization in the UAE under your new employer.
Updating Dependent Visas After Sponsorship Change
When the main visa holder updates their employment visa, the visas of sponsored family members must also be renewed or transferred. The process ensures that dependents maintain valid residency status in the UAE. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
1 . Apply for New Dependent Visas
Once your new employment visa is approved, you can sponsor your family members under the updated visa. The steps include:
Submit Visa Applications: Apply for each dependent through the relevant immigration authority, usually via the GDRFA or online portals.
Required Documents: Provide copies of passports, passport-size photos, marriage and birth certificates (attested if required), and your new employment visa details.
Processing Fees: Pay the applicable fees for each dependent visa, which vary based on age and visa duration.
2 . Complete Medical Tests and Emirates ID for Dependents
As part of the dependent visa update process, certain formalities must be completed:
Medical Examination: All dependents aged 18 and above are required to undergo a medical test at an authorized health center to ensure they meet UAE health requirements.
Emirates ID Application: Submit applications for new Emirates ID cards for each dependent, which serve as their official identification in the UAE.
Document Verification: Ensure all submitted documents, such as passports, birth/marriage certificates, and sponsor’s new visa, are correct and attested if needed.
This step ensures that all dependents are fully compliant with UAE residency regulations.
3 . Visa Stamping for Dependents
Once all documents, medical tests, and Emirates ID applications are complete, the final step is to stamp the new dependent visas in their passports. This officially updates their residency status under your new employment visa, allowing them to legally reside, study, and access services in the UAE without leaving the country.
Important Tips for a Smooth Visa Change
Observe the Grace Period: After canceling your previous visa, you and your dependents usually have a 30-day grace period to remain in the UAE. Complete all visa procedures within this time to avoid fines or complications.
In-Country Visa Change Advantage: Both employment and dependent visas can now be updated without leaving the UAE, saving time, travel costs, and preventing disruptions to work or family life.
Prepare Required Documents: Ensure all essential documents are ready, including passports, Emirates IDs, tenancy contracts, salary certificates, and attested marriage or birth certificates. Having these organized will streamline the entire process.
