How a Mainland Company Can Legally Hire Foreign Employees in Dubai
Date: 11-26-2025
Hiring foreign employees in Dubai offers mainland companies a major advantage, helping them fill skill gaps, expand operations, and build stronger teams. Although the process is straightforward, it requires following certain legal steps under MOHRE and GDRFA. This guide explains the complete hiring process in simple language, with clear steps, tables, and paragraphs for easy understanding.
Understanding Mainland Companies in Dubai
A mainland company operates under the UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE). This setup allows businesses to trade anywhere in the UAE and hire foreign employees without strict limits, provided they meet quota approvals. Because mainland firms have more flexibility and access to the local market, hiring international workers becomes an important part of their workforce strategy.
1. Steps to Legally Hire Foreign Employees in Dubai
The hiring journey begins with ensuring that the company is fully registered with the relevant government authorities. A company must first obtain its Establishment Card and Immigration Card, which confirm its identity with MOHRE and GDRFA. These documents allow the company to submit applications for work permits.
Once these fundamentals are in place, the company must apply for a work permit, also called quota approval. MOHRE reviews the companys activity, office space, existing workforce, and compliance status before approving additional foreign hires. When the quota is approved, the company can proceed to issue an entry permit for the employee. This permit allows a foreign worker to legally enter the UAE for employment or change their status if they are already inside the country.
After the employee arrives, the next step is the medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration. The employee undergoes medical screening, files biometrics, and applies for their Emirates ID. When the medical test is successful, the company can proceed with the residency visa stamping, which is either placed in the passport or digitally confirmed.
The hiring process is completed once both the employer and employee sign the official MOHRE labour contract. After this contract is approved, the employee becomes legally authorized to begin working for the mainland company.
2. Document Requirements for Hiring Foreign Staff
A mainland company must prepare all relevant business documents before applying for foreign employee hiring. These include the trade license, establishment card, immigration card, office tenancy (Ejari), shareholder passports, and previous compliance history. These documents verify the legitimacy of the company.
For the employee, clear identity and qualification documents are essential. These typically include a passport copy, photo, attested education certificates for skilled roles, previous UAE visa details if applicable, and other supporting identity records. Preparing these documents early ensures a smooth workflow in the MOHRE and immigration systems.
Company Documents
| Required Documents | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Trade License | Verifies legal business activity |
| Establishment Card | Needed to apply for work permits |
| Immigration Card | Required for residence visa processing |
| Ejari (Office Tenancy) | Confirms physical office space |
| Passport copies of shareholders | For verification |
| Previous labour & immigration compliance | Ensures no violations |
Employee Documents
| Required Documents | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport copy | Identity verification |
| Passport-size photo | Visa file creation |
| Education certificates | Sometimes required based on role |
| Previous visa/cancelation paper | If inside UAE |
| Attested certificates (for skilled roles) | Validation of qualifications |
3. Cost of Hiring a Foreign Employee in Dubai
Hiring foreign staff involves several government-related costs. These vary depending on the employees skill level, nationality group, and the companys MOHRE category.
Below is a clear breakdown of common charges:
| Cost Type | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Work Permit / Quota Approval | AED 200 – AED 600 |
| Entry Permit | AED 500 – AED 1,000 |
| Medical Test | AED 350 – AED 750 |
| Emirates ID | AED 370 – AED 1,000 |
| Visa Stamping | AED 500 – AED 900 |
| Insurance | AED 650 – AED 2,000 |
| MOHRE Labour Contract | AED 200 – AED 600 |
These amounts may vary depending on company size, applicant type, and the category assigned by MOHRE.
4. Hiring Skilled vs. Unskilled Foreign Employees
Mainland companies must understand the difference between hiring skilled and unskilled employees. Skilled workers require attested educational certificates and typically earn higher salaries. Their applications are processed faster due to their qualifications. Unskilled workers have fewer certification requirements but may face stricter quota controls and longer approval times.
| Category | Skilled Employees | Unskilled Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Requirement | Yes | No |
| Salary Threshold | Higher | Lower |
| MOHRE Approval | Faster | Slower |
| Quota Flexibility | Higher | Limited |
Compliance Rules Mainland Companies Must Follow
To legally employ foreign workers, mainland companies must follow important compliance rules. These include providing health insurance, paying salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS), issuing and signing a proper labour contract, and renewing visas before expiry. The company must also maintain accurate internal records and ensure safe working conditions.
Failure to meet these obligations can result in penalties, fines, labour bans, or restrictions on hiring additional foreign employees. Maintaining compliance ensures long-term business stability and avoids unnecessary delays.
6. Common Hiring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many companies face problems because they overlook key requirements. Issues such as hiring staff without quota approval, failing to renew visas on time, or submitting incomplete documents can lead to costly delays or legal consequences. Companies should maintain a renewal calendar, verify all documents before applying, ensure WPS salary compliance, and never employ anyone on a tourist visa. Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smooth hiring experience.
7. Why Mainland Companies Prefer Foreign Talent
Foreign employees offer global expertise, specialized skills, and professional experience that help mainland companies grow more efficiently. They often bring knowledge from international markets, support expanding industries, and contribute to a competitive business environment. This is why many UAE mainland companies rely heavily on international workers to build capable and diverse teams.
Final Summary
Hiring foreign employees in Dubai is a structured and legal process that requires proper approvals, documentation, and compliance with MOHRE and GDRFA. A mainland company must obtain quota approval, issue an entry permit, complete medical and Emirates ID procedures, finalize the visa stamping, and sign the labour contract. Following these steps ensures full legal compliance and a smooth onboarding process for the employee.
