How to Move to United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a top destination for Africans seeking tax-free salaries in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Most work is employer-sponsored: your company arranges your work permit and residence visa. The UAE also offers self-sponsored options — the Green visa for skilled workers and a Job Exploration entry permit to come and look for work legally. Official services are on u.ae and the ICP/GDRFA portals.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
United Arab Emirates embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Most UAE work/residence visas are arranged by your employer inside the UAE — you usually do not need an embassy visa beforehand. For entry permits or document attestation, the UAE has embassies across Africa. Use the locator.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
17 Kainji Crescent, off Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, Abuja
+234 809 900 9004 Open in Google Maps992 Arcadia Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0083
+27 12 342 7736 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? United Arab Emirates has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Often fast — days to a few weeks once the employer initiates.
Employer pays: work permit + residence + Emirates ID total roughly AED 3,000–7,000.
2 years (private sector), renewable while employed.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a UAE-based employer who will sponsor you.
- You pass the medical fitness test and meet role requirements.
- Valid passport with sufficient validity.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
Secure employment with a UAE company that will sponsor your visa.
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2
Employer gets a work permit & entry permit
The employer obtains your labour/work permit and an entry permit from the authorities.
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3
Enter the UAE & medical test
Travel on the entry permit and complete the mandatory medical fitness test.
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4
Emirates ID & residence stamping
Apply for your Emirates ID and complete residence visa processing.
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5
Start work
Once your residence visa is issued, you can live and work legally.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- A legitimate employer does NOT ask you to pay for your own work/residence visa — that is their cost.
- Get your degree attested early; many skilled roles require it.
- Salaries are tax-free, but confirm the full contract terms in writing.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
For employment visas, your UAE employer handles the sponsorship and paperwork — you don't apply yourself. For the Green Visa/Job Exploration entry permit (self-sponsored) and for managing your own Emirates ID and residence status once in the UAE, create a free ICP Smart Services account.
View official portalEntry permit: usually quick; Green visa: a few weeks.
Job-exploration entry permit ~AED 200–600; Green visa fees roughly AED 2,300+ (you pay).
Job-exploration entry permit: 60–120 days. Green visa: 5 years.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Job exploration: classified skill level and qualifications (or recent graduate of a top university).
- Green visa (skilled): a valid employment contract, a bachelor's degree, and a minimum salary.
- Valid passport.
What to do, step by step
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1
Choose the right permit
Use the Job Exploration entry permit to come and search, or the Green visa if you already meet the skilled criteria.
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2
Apply online
Apply via the ICP smart services or an authorised channel with your qualifications.
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3
Enter & search / activate
Enter the UAE to look for work, or activate your Green visa if self-sponsoring.
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4
Medical & Emirates ID
Complete the medical test and Emirates ID steps.
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5
Secure your status
Convert to an employment visa when hired, or maintain your Green visa.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- The Green visa lets skilled workers self-sponsor — no employer tie-in.
- These are legal ways to come and search for work; avoid "visit visa" job scams.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your ICP Smart Services account first
For employment visas, your UAE employer handles the sponsorship and paperwork — you don't apply yourself. For the Green Visa/Job Exploration entry permit (self-sponsored) and for managing your own Emirates ID and residence status once in the UAE, create a free ICP Smart Services account.
Create accountStart your Job Exploration entry permit / Green visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationUsually a few weeks; the university often sponsors it.
Student visa roughly AED 3,000–4,000 (including medical and Emirates ID).
1 year, renewable; outstanding students may get a 5-year visa.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to a UAE higher-education institution.
- The university (or a guardian) sponsors the student visa.
- Proof of funds and medical fitness.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Secure admission to a recognised UAE university.
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2
University initiates the visa
The institution sponsors and processes your student residence visa.
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3
Medical test & Emirates ID
Complete the medical fitness test and Emirates ID.
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4
Study & renew
Maintain enrolment and renew yearly; top students may qualify for a 5-year visa.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- High-achieving students and top fields (e.g. AI, engineering) can access long-term visas.
- Confirm whether you can work part-time on your student visa.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your school or sponsor does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your school or sponsor files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine school or sponsor never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your school or sponsor uses
For employment visas, your UAE employer handles the sponsorship and paperwork — you don't apply yourself. For the Green Visa/Job Exploration entry permit (self-sponsored) and for managing your own Emirates ID and residence status once in the UAE, create a free ICP Smart Services account.
View official portalUsually a few weeks.
Around AED 1,000–1,500 per dependant (visa + Emirates ID), paid by the sponsor.
Tied to the sponsor's residence visa; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You hold a valid UAE residence visa and meet the minimum salary to sponsor family.
- Proof of relationship (attested marriage/birth certificates).
- Suitable accommodation (tenancy contract).
What to do, step by step
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1
Meet the salary threshold
Confirm your salary meets the minimum required to sponsor family.
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2
Attest your documents
Get marriage and birth certificates attested for use in the UAE.
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3
Apply for entry permits
Sponsor your family's entry permits via ICP/GDRFA channels.
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4
Medical & Emirates ID
Adults complete the medical test; apply for Emirates IDs.
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5
Residence stamping
Finalise their residence visas.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Attest civil documents in your home country before travelling — it saves big delays.
- Check the current minimum salary needed to sponsor a spouse vs. children.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your family sponsor does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your family sponsor files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine family sponsor never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your family sponsor uses
For employment visas, your UAE employer handles the sponsorship and paperwork — you don't apply yourself. For the Green Visa/Job Exploration entry permit (self-sponsored) and for managing your own Emirates ID and residence status once in the UAE, create a free ICP Smart Services account.
View official portalMost United Arab Emirates work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to United Arab Emirates — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about United Arab Emirates visas
How much does the United Arab Emirates Employment (work) residence visa cost?
The United Arab Emirates Employment (work) residence visa costs: Employer pays: work permit + residence + Emirates ID total roughly AED 3,000–7,000. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the United Arab Emirates Employment (work) residence visa take?
Processing for the United Arab Emirates Employment (work) residence visa takes often fast — days to a few weeks once the employer initiates. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the United Arab Emirates Employment (work) residence visa valid for?
The United Arab Emirates Employment (work) residence visa is valid for 2 years (private sector), renewable while employed. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the United Arab Emirates Job Exploration entry permit / Green visa cost?
The United Arab Emirates Job Exploration entry permit / Green visa costs: Job-exploration entry permit ~AED 200–600; Green visa fees roughly AED 2,300+ (you pay). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the United Arab Emirates Job Exploration entry permit / Green visa take?
Processing for the United Arab Emirates Job Exploration entry permit / Green visa takes entry permit: usually quick; Green visa: a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the United Arab Emirates Job Exploration entry permit / Green visa valid for?
The United Arab Emirates Job Exploration entry permit / Green visa is valid for job-exploration entry permit: 60–120 days. Green visa: 5 years. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the United Arab Emirates Student residence visa cost?
The United Arab Emirates Student residence visa costs: Student visa roughly AED 3,000–4,000 (including medical and Emirates ID). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the United Arab Emirates Student residence visa take?
Processing for the United Arab Emirates Student residence visa takes usually a few weeks; the university often sponsors it. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the United Arab Emirates Student residence visa valid for?
The United Arab Emirates Student residence visa is valid for 1 year, renewable; outstanding students may get a 5-year visa. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the United Arab Emirates Family sponsorship visa cost?
The United Arab Emirates Family sponsorship visa costs: Around AED 1,000–1,500 per dependant (visa + Emirates ID), paid by the sponsor. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the United Arab Emirates Family sponsorship visa take?
Processing for the United Arab Emirates Family sponsorship visa takes usually a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the United Arab Emirates Family sponsorship visa valid for?
The United Arab Emirates Family sponsorship visa is valid for tied to the sponsor's residence visa; renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.