Dubai and UAE work visa from Pakistan
To work in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE you need a job offer and an employer who obtains a MOHRE work permit and an entry permit for you. Recruitment should go through a BE&OE-licensed OEP, the Overseas Employment Corporation, or direct employment you register yourself, and you register with the Protector of Emigrants before you travel.
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At a glance
- Main fee
- See the fees below
- Processing time
- Varies, see below
- Documents
- 10 on the list
- Your job offer and work visa should come through a BE&OE licensed Overseas Employment Promoter, or through direct employment registered with the BE&OE.
- You must register with the Protector of Emigrants before you travel.
- A medical examination at an approved centre is usually required.
- Never travel on a visit visa to work, and never pay without an official receipt.
Fees
| Fee | Official amount | About in PKR |
|---|---|---|
| Protector of Emigrants dues (OPF welfare fund, State Life insurance, emigration fee)Amounts are notified by BE&OE; verify current figures. | Amount not confirmed | |
| OEP service charges (capped by the government)Only when recruited through an OEP. Never pay more than the notified maximum and insist on a receipt; direct employment has no OEP charge. | Amount not confirmed | |
| Work visa and residence feesNormally paid by the employer under the destination's labour rules; verify. | Amount not confirmed |
Check the amount on the official source.
Official fee pages:Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (licensed OEPs, Protector of Emigrants)Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Processing time
Not confirmed
Depends on the employer's visa processing, medical and Protector registration; often several weeks.
Official source: Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (licensed OEPs, Protector of Emigrants)Documents you need
From our draft document list for this visa. Your own list depends on your situation, so check the official source.
Usually needed
Passport
Valid for at least 6 months.
Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC)
Job offer / employment contract
Signed employment contract (Foreign Service Agreement) registered with the Protector.
Work visa / entry permit issued for the employer
Work visa / entry permit obtained by the employer.
GCC medical fitness report (GAMCA / Wafid)
Pre-departure GCC medical (GAMCA), booked and paid only on the official Wafid portal; reported as required for UAE work visas from Pakistan (verify). The UAE residence visa also needs an in-country medical test.
Protector of Emigrants registration (BE&OE)
Protector of Emigrants registration (done by the OEP or OEC, or by you through e-Protector for direct employment).
Polio vaccination certificate (NIMS/NADRA)
NIMS/NADRA vaccination certificate including polio, checked when you leave Pakistan (the old paper card is no longer accepted; the dose is usually needed 4 weeks to 12 months before travel). Verify current rules.
Police character certificate
Police character certificate signed by the District Police Officer, attested by MOFA Pakistan and then the UAE Embassy; reported as required for UAE employment visas since 20 July 2026 (verify).
Passport-size photograph (destination specification)
Needed in some situations
Degree certificate
For skilled job titles: degree attested by HEC, MOFA Pakistan and the destination embassy (the destination is not a party to the Apostille Convention; the UAE also requires MOFAIC attestation after arrival).
How to apply, step by step
Use a lawful recruitment channel
Use a BE&OE-licensed Overseas Employment Promoter (check its licence number on the BE&OE list) or the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC). If you found the job yourself or through relatives or friends, it is direct employment: you register it with the Protector of Emigrants yourself (e-Protector on the BE&OE website). Never pay an unlicensed agent or sub-agent.
Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (licensed OEPs, Protector of Emigrants)Job offer and contract
The employer issues an offer and employment contract; with an OEP, the OEP arranges the demand and visa with the employer.
Jobs and working in the UAEWork permit and entry permit
The employer obtains a MOHRE work permit and an entry permit for you.
Ministry of Human Resources and EmiratisationAfter arrival
Medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics in the UAE; the Emirates ID serves as your residence permit (no passport sticker since April 2022).
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port SecurityProtector of Emigrants registration
Register with the Protector of Emigrants before departure: a licensed OEP or the OEC does this for you; for direct employment you apply yourself through e-Protector on the BE&OE website. Pay the government dues (welfare fund, insurance) and get the protector registration.
Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (licensed OEPs, Protector of Emigrants)Pre-departure briefing and travel
Attend the briefing, keep copies of your contract and receipts, and travel on the issued visa.
Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (licensed OEPs, Protector of Emigrants)
Questions people ask
How long does a UAE work visa take from Pakistan?
Depends on the employer's visa processing, medical and Protector registration; often several weeks.
Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (licensed OEPs, Protector of Emigrants) (opens in a new tab)What documents do I need for a UAE work visa from Pakistan?
The usual documents are: Passport, Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), Job offer / employment contract, Work visa / entry permit issued for the employer, GCC medical fitness report (GAMCA / Wafid), Protector of Emigrants registration (BE&OE), Polio vaccination certificate (NIMS/NADRA), Police character certificate, and Passport-size photograph (destination specification). Depending on your situation, you may also need: Degree certificate.
Is the UAE work visa open for Pakistanis?
Rules for particular jobs and quotas change, so check the current position with a licensed OEP and on official sources, not on social media posts. Never travel on a visit visa to work.
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (opens in a new tab)How much does a UAE work visa cost from Pakistan?
Work visa and residence fees are normally paid by the employer. You pay the Protector of Emigrants dues notified by the BE&OE and, if you are recruited through an OEP, its service charge, which the government caps. Never pay more than the notified maximum, and always get a receipt.
Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (licensed OEPs, Protector of Emigrants) (opens in a new tab)How do I check that an OEP is licensed?
Ask for the OEP’s licence number and check it on the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BE&OE) list of licensed promoters. If you found the job yourself, it is direct employment: you register it with the Protector of Emigrants through e-Protector. Never pay an unlicensed agent or sub-agent.
Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (licensed OEPs, Protector of Emigrants) (opens in a new tab)Can I go to Dubai on a visit visa and look for a job?
A visit visa does not allow you to work or take up a job. For employment you need a work permit arranged by the employer and Protector of Emigrants registration. Never travel on a visit visa to work.
Jobs and working in the UAE (opens in a new tab)