A Mission Visa is the UAE’s legal solution for short-term employment. Designed for professionals on temporary assignments or employers seeking flexible hiring, it offers a compliant alternative to informal or illegal work arrangements. As of 2024, this visa is available to mainland companies and certain approved free zones with MOHRE access.
Whether you are a business owner hiring project-based talent or a skilled worker entering on probation, we explain everything you need to know—eligibility, costs, processes, legal limits, and why this visa matters now more than ever.
What Is a Mission Visa in the UAE?
A Legal Work Visa, Not Just a Visit Permit
A Mission Visa is an employer-sponsored entry permit that authorises a foreign professional to work in the UAE for a fixed short-term period. It is typically valid for 90 days and can be extended once, making it suitable for contracts lasting up to six months. Unlike tourist or business visit visas, the Mission Visa comes with a registered employment contract and full labour law protection.
Who It’s For and When to Use It
Mission Visas are ideal for companies hiring external experts for short-term projects, onboarding new staff on probation, or managing seasonal demand without committing to long-term contracts. For workers, it is a legitimate way to take on a UAE-based job without violating visa rules.
Who Can Apply for a Mission Visa?
Requirements for Employers
To sponsor a Mission Visa, the employer must:
- Hold a valid UAE trade licence
- Be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- Maintain a clean compliance record with no unresolved labour violations.
- Have MOHRE quota approval for mission permits
At present, only certain free zones with direct MOHRE integration offer access to mission visa sponsorship. Most free zone companies must use alternative short-term employment options, such as temporary work permits or freelance visas.
Requirements for Workers
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a passport with at least six months’ validity
- Provide relevant qualifications or professional licences (depending on the role)
- Be free of any UAE work bans or current employment ties
- Undergo a medical fitness test once in the UAE
For regulated professions, certified and attested academic credentials or UAE authority licensing may also be required.
How to Apply for a Mission Visa in the UAE
Application Process
The process involves two government bodies: MOHRE, which issues the mission work permit, and either ICP (federal immigration) or GDRFA (Dubai) for the entry visa.
- Quota Approval: The employer obtains approval for a mission visa quota in the MOHRE system.
- Permit Application: The employer submits the worker’s details and job offer through MOHRE, along with required documentation.
- Visa Issuance: After MOHRE approval, the employer applies for the 90-day mission entry visa through ICP or GDRFA.
- Worker Entry: The employee enters the UAE using the visa and undergoes a medical fitness test.
- Labour Card Activation: The employer registers the labour contract and work permit with MOHRE. The employee is now legally authorised to begin work.
Documents You’ll Need
From the employer:
- Valid trade licence and establishment card
- MOHRE company registration
- Job offer or employment contract
- Quota approval documentation
From the worker:
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- Educational or professional certificates (if applicable)
- Police clearance (for specific sectors or nationalities)
- Signed contract
Some employers may also require a refundable deposit or additional clearances depending on the worker’s nationality or profession.
Processing Time and Typical Timelines
The full application process typically takes 5 to 10 working days. Employers using PRO services or smart government portals may complete it even faster, especially for mainland companies with pre-approved quotas.
What It Costs to Get a Mission Visa
Government Fees and Security Deposits
Typical costs include:
- MOHRE mission permit fee: 50–100
- Entry permit via ICP or GDRFA: around 630
- Medical fitness test: 250–500
- Bank guarantee: 3,000 or alternate insurance scheme (~250)
- PRO or typing fees: additional based on the service provider
Who Pays What?
The employer typically pays all fees. The worker should not be asked to bear any of the visa processing costs under the UAE labour law.
How Long Does a Mission Visa Last—and Can You Extend It?
Validity and Renewal Rules
A Mission Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of entry. Employers may request one extension of 90 days, bringing the total to 180 days. However, in most cases, the worker must exit and re-enter on a new visa if additional time is required.
Exit and Re-entry Requirements
Mission Visas are single-entry only. Once the holder leaves the UAE, the visa is cancelled automatically. There is no grace period upon expiry, and overstaying results in daily fines. If an employer wishes to retain the worker permanently, a new standard work visa must be applied for from outside the country.
What Are the Rights and Limits of Mission Visa Workers?
Protections Under UAE Labour Law
Workers on a Mission Visa receive many of the same rights as standard employees, including:
- A signed employment contract
- WPS-compliant salary payment
- Medical coverage for the duration of the visa
- Legal recourse in case of disputes or non-payment
- Occupational health and safety protections
These protections begin from the date of entry and contract activation.
Key Restrictions to Keep in Mind
However, mission visa holders:
- Cannot work for any employer other than the sponsor
- Cannot sponsor dependants or obtain long-term residency benefits
- Cannot convert the visa to a full employment visa without exiting the UAE
- Must leave before expiry to avoid fines or bans
Employers are responsible for cancelling the visa and arranging a timely departure.
How Does a Mission Visa Compare to Other UAE Visa Types?
Mission Visa vs. Standard Employment Visa
| Feature | Mission Visa | Employment Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 90 days (extendable once) | 1–3 years |
| Residency Status | Visitor with work rights | Full resident |
| Family Sponsorship | Not allowed | Allowed if eligible |
| Grace Period | None | 30–60 days |
| Purpose | Temporary project work | Long-term employment |
Mission Visa vs. Temporary Work Permit
Temporary permits are used for individuals already inside the UAE, such as dependants or students, who wish to work part-time or temporarily. Mission Visas, by contrast, apply to professionals entering the UAE for a specific role under a new employer.
Mission Visa vs. Freelancer and Job Seeker Visas
Freelancer visas are self-sponsored and allow multiple clients. Job seeker visas allow you to search for jobs but not to work. The Mission Visa is sponsored, limited to one employer, and legally authorises paid work from day one.
Recent Updates: Free Zones, Faster Processing, and 2025 Changes
Expanded Access for Free Zone Companies
As of 2024, certain free zones that coordinate directly with MOHRE can issue Mission Visas. However, most free zone companies continue to rely on other visa types, such as temporary work permits, freelancer visas, or project-specific residencies. Businesses should check with their zone authority to confirm whether Mission Visa sponsorship is permitted.
Key Labour Reforms Affecting Mission Visas
The UAE’s 2022 labour law reforms introduced a range of flexible work permits, including mission-based contracts. These align with fixed-term employment rules, maximum probation periods, and new labour protections such as unemployment insurance for short-term workers.
Why Employers Use Mission Visas
Strategic Advantages for Employers
Mission Visas offer clear benefits:
- Lower hiring cost compared to long-term visas
- Fast processing, often within days
- Flexibility to trial new hires without long-term commitment
- Compliance with UAE labour law, avoiding penalties
For companies running short-term contracts or seeking external consultants, this visa is the most efficient legal solution.
Common Questions About UAE Mission Visas
What is the difference between a mission visa and a work visa in the UAE?
A mission visa is valid for 90 days and is used for short-term work. A standard work visa offers long-term residency and allows family sponsorship.
Can you extend a mission visa without leaving the country?
Usually, no. While the visa can be extended once, further renewals typically require the worker to exit and reapply.
How much does a mission visa cost in the UAE?
Total costs range between 3,000 and 5,000, depending on the use of bank guarantees or insurance. Employers usually cover all fees.
Can a person on a mission visa work for another company?
No. The worker is tied to the sponsoring company and may not freelance or switch employers.
Can you convert a mission visa to a residence visa?
Only by exiting the UAE and applying for a new work visa. Internal conversions are not permitted.
Final Note
The Mission Visa is a practical solution for short-term employment in the UAE. It protects both the employer and employee under federal labour law while offering a fast and affordable alternative to standard visas. While not available in all jurisdictions, it remains an important tool for project-based hiring when used correctly through approved MOHRE-registered sponsors. Reach out to us at DUQE today for further information.