Foreign nationals willing to work and live in the UAE must have a work permit and residency visa issued from the companies they are employed by. The employee must be a minimum of 18 years of age. A labour contract is signed between the employer and the employee which states the terms of employment, salary details, employee benefits etc. As per Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratisation, employees are not allowed to work on a tourist visa in any company.
An employment visa is valid for two years in a mainland company and three years in a free zone company. Employment visas can be renewed for an additional term should the employee and employer mutually agree to continue.