UAE Mission Visa 2025: Short-Term Work Opportunities for Expat Professionals

The UAE Mission Visa offers exciting short-term work opportunities for expatriates engaged in specific projects. This visa allows legal employment for up to 90 days, with options for extension. In this guide, we will discuss the visa types, eligibility requirements, application process, associated costs, and benefits for both employers and professionals involved in temporary roles.

Understanding the UAE Mission Visa

The UAE Mission Visa, also known as the Mission Work Permit, is a temporary employment authorization. It is specifically designed for expatriates working on short-term projects. This visa helps companies quickly meet urgent staffing needs without long-term commitments. It is particularly useful in sectors such as construction, IT, design, and consultancy, where project-based employment is common.

Types of UAE Mission Visa

There are two main types of mission visas in the UAE, each serving different short-term employment needs:

1. Special Mission Entry Permit

• Validity: 16 days
• Renewability: Non-renewable and non-extendable
• Issuing Authority: Department of Naturalization and Foreign Affairs
• Entry: Single-entry only
• Purpose: Ideal for very short assignments or brief business tasks.

2. Mission Work Permit

• Issuing Authority: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
• Validity: Initially 60 days
• Renewability: Can be extended, typically up to 90 days
• Purpose: Suitable for urgent, short-term, or trial projects
• Labour Compliance: Allows for a labour contract and issuance of a UAE labour card.

Eligibility Criteria for UAE Mission Visa

Only UAE-based employers can apply for the mission visa; foreign nationals cannot apply independently. To qualify, the following conditions must be met:

• The employer must be registered with MOHRE.
• There must be MOHRE approval for the hiring quota.
• The company’s activity must justify the need for short-term employment.
• The employee must be outside the UAE during the application.

UAE Mission Visa Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’s how the application process works:

• The employer initiates the application for a 60-day Mission Work Permit via MOHRE.
• The company’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) oversees the process.
• MOHRE verifies the company’s registration and hiring quota.
• The employee signs the mission visa application form.
• Upon approval, a Mission Entry Permit is issued.
• The employee enters the UAE, and the permit stamped in their passport.
• The employer submits visa details to MOHRE.
• The employee undergoes a mandatory medical test.
• Both the employer and employee sign the labour contract.
• A labour card and UAE labour contract are issued.

If reapplying for the same employee, cancel the previous labour card must, and the employee must exit the UAE before a new mission visa issuance.

Mission Visa Validity, Fees & Processing Timeline

Validity:

• Special Mission Entry Permit: 16 days (no extensions)
• Mission Work Permit: 60 days (renewable), extendable up to 90 days.

Cost:

• AED 500 – AED 1,000, depending on the company type and MOHRE classification.
• This cost excludes medical tests, Emirates ID, and insurance.
• Typically, the employer bears the costs.

Processing Time:

Usually takes 5–7 working days, depending on document completeness and MOHRE approvals.

Conclusion

The UAE Mission Visa is a valuable option for expatriates seeking short-term work opportunities in the UAE. With its flexible duration and straightforward application process, it provides an excellent pathway for professionals engaged in project-based roles. This visa not only benefits employers by allowing them to hire skilled workers quickly but also offers expatriates a chance to gain valuable experience.

If you’re considering a temporary role in the UAE, the Mission Visa could be your ticket to new opportunities!