The Mission Visa: Your Ticket To The UAE

The Mission Visa is a short-term work permit allowing skilled professionals to enter the UAE for up to three months (potentially extendable to six) to complete a specific job or assignment. This streamlined solution meets a critical need: it lets businesses bring in experts on a temporary basis, ensuring compliance with local labour laws without committing to the longer process required for standard employment visas.

We’ll cover the purpose, eligibility, application steps, costs, renewal, transition to other visa types, and frequently asked questions. You’ll also find a new list showing how to move from a Mission Visa to alternative visas—so you can plan your next steps with ease.

Why the Mission Visa Exists

• Project-Specific Expertise: An event, a seasonal rush, or a short consultancy project might require temporary staff. A Mission Visa fills these roles quickly.
• Probationary Hiring: Some companies use a Mission Visa to evaluate a candidate’s skills for 2–3 months before deciding on a longer-term contract.
• Legal Clarity: Unlike tourist or visit visas, Mission Visas fully comply with UAE labour regulations, protecting both employer and employee.

Eligibility and Requirements

Employer Criteria

1. Valid Business Licence: The UAE employer must hold a valid trade licence (or free zone equivalent).
2. Establishment Card: Must be active and in good standing with authorities (MOHRE in mainland, free zone authority otherwise).
3. Mission Visa Quota: Employers need an approved quota for Mission Visas from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or their free zone authority.
4. Good Compliance Record: No outstanding labour fines or blacklisting.

Employee Criteria

1. Minimum Age: 18 years or above.
2. Passport Validity: At least six months.
3. Relevant Qualifications: For skilled roles, you may need attested academic or professional certificates.
4. Medical Fitness: A post-arrival health test is mandatory.
5. Clean Background: Applicants should have no serious criminal record.

How to Apply for a Mission Visa

Step 1: MOHRE Work Permit Approval

Your company or its PRO (Public Relations Officer) first applies to MOHRE for a mission work permit. Required documents typically include:

• Trade licence
• Establishment card
• Signed mission job offer
• Relevant candidate credentials

Step 2: Mission Entry Permit

Once MOHRE approves the work permit, the employer applies to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the free zone’s immigration portal to secure a mission entry permit. After receiving it, the employee can enter the UAE for work.

Step 3: Post-Arrival Procedures

1. Medical Exam: Blood test and chest X-ray to ensure fitness.
2. Emirates ID: Biometric enrolment for a short-term ID card.
3. Visa Stamping: The Mission Visa is then endorsed in the passport or issued as an e-visa.
4. Official Labour Contract: MOHRE (or the free zone) records the contract, finalising the person’s legal work status.

Duration, Renewal, and Exit

• Initial Validity: 90 days from the date of entry.
• Possible Extension: Up to another 90 days (total 180). Some authorities require you to exit the UAE and reapply rather than renewing in-country.
• Post-Assignment Options: On completion of the short-term project, the employee must either leave the UAE, extend (where allowed), or switch to a different visa category if they secure a new role or a longer contract.

Costs and Fees

While fees vary depending on the company’s classification, typical expenses include:

1. MOHRE Work Permit Fee: Approx. USD 27 (AED 100) (plus additional classification charges if applicable).
2. Immigration Entry Permit: USD 135-270 (AED 500–1,000).
3. Medical Exam: USD 67-135 (AED 250–500- depending on processing speed).
4. Emirates ID: USD 27 (AED 100) or more, depending on duration and typing fees.
5. Health Insurance: Compulsory for all employees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; basic plans start from around USD 190 (AED 700) annually.
6. PRO and Service Fees: If the employer outsources to a visa processing service.

In total, USD 820- 1,360 (AED 3,000–5,000) per Mission Visa is a reasonable estimate for most businesses.

Rights and Responsibilities

Employee Protections

• Wages: Payment must follow UAE labour laws, typically via the Wages Protection System (WPS).
• Safe Workplace: Employers must provide safe working conditions and insurance cover.
• Legal Contract: Mission-visa holders sign a valid labour contract, enforceable through MOHRE.

Employer Obligations

• Timely Payments: Must pay salaries promptly and cover visa fees.
• Medical Cover: Health insurance is mandatory.
• Visa Management: Sponsor is responsible for cancelling the visa upon the job’s completion and covering the employee’s return flight.

Converting from a Mission Visa to Other UAE Visas

If a three-month project transforms into a longer opportunity, or if the individual wishes to explore a different work arrangement, below is how to switch from a Mission Visa to three other common UAE visas.

1. Standard Employment Visa

Conversion Process:

1. Cancel your existing Mission Visa and labour card. 
2. Apply for a new employment entry permit through MOHRE/GDRFA or your chosen free zone. 
3. Complete the standard residency visa stamping process. 

Key Requirements:

• A valid job offer from a UAE-licensed company. 
• Attested educational certificates for skilled roles. 
• Pass medical fitness tests and complete Emirates ID registration under your new employer. 

Typical Validity:

• Usually valid for 2 to 3 years and renewable thereafter. 

2. Freelance Visa

Conversion Process:

1. Cancel your existing Mission Visa. 
2. Obtain a freelance permit, either through a free zone or via the Green Visa route. 
3. Once approved, receive your freelance residency visa. 

Key Requirements:

• Proof of relevant skills or industry accreditation. 
• Certain free zones may require bank statements or a comprehensive business plan. 
• If applying via the Green Visa for freelancers, you must satisfy specific minimum income thresholds. 

Typical Validity:

• Generally valid for 2 to 5 years, depending on the issuing authority (free zone or Green Visa). 

3. Golden Visa (if eligible)

Conversion Process:

1. Cancel your existing Mission Visa. 
2. Submit an application for a Golden Visa, under categories such as investment, specialised talent, or outstanding professional. 
3. Once approved, your status converts to long-term residency. 

Key Requirements:

• Meet Golden Visa eligibility criteria such as: 

  1. Investing a minimum of USD 545,000 (AED 2 million). 

  2. Demonstrating specialised skills or talent in qualifying fields. 

  3. Achieving outstanding professional criteria. 

• No separate work permit is required as you will self-sponsor. 
• Comprehensive screening and possibly additional paperwork. 

Typical Validity:

• Typically valid for 5 to 10 years, renewable upon expiry.

Important: In many cases, you’ll need to exit the UAE first unless your new sponsor processes an in-country status change (if available). Always confirm current rules with MOHRE or your free zone authority.

Get Your Mission Visa

The UAE Mission Visa simplifies your ability to bring skilled workers into the country for short-term needs. It’s fast, cost-effective, and legally robust—ideal for project-based roles or trial employment. By understanding the application steps, fees, and transition options to other visas, you can make the most of this flexible pathway.

Ready to take your first step? Contact Virtuzone for end-to-end guidance on UAE visa services, company formation, and beyond. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the entire process smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Mission Visa for Dubai?

A Mission Visa is a short-term work permit (usually 90 days) that lets a foreign professional legally work in Dubai or other UAE emirates on a temporary assignment. It’s an excellent choice for project-based hires, seasonal staffing, or probationary roles.

2. How Much is the Mission Visa in Dubai?

Costs generally range between USD 820- 1,360 (AED 3,000 and AED 5,000), including government fees, medical tests, Emirates ID, health insurance, and any PRO charges.

3. How Long Does it Take to Get a Mission Visa in Dubai?

On average, you can complete the process in 1–2 weeks. This includes MOHRE approval, immigration entry permit issuance, and post-arrival formalities like medical tests and visa stamping.

4. How to Extend Mission Visa in UAE?

You can usually extend it once for an additional 90 days, reaching a total of six months. However, some authorities require you to exit the UAE and reapply if you need a second Mission Visa. Always verify the latest procedures with your free zone or MOHRE.