How to Transfer an Employment Visa from One Establishment to Another in Dubai

Transferring an employment visa in Dubai involves several steps, including approvals from both the current and new employers, as well as from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to transfer an employment visa from one establishment to another in Dubai.

Step 1: Obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Current Employer

The first step in transferring an employment visa is to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer.

1. Request NOC: Submit a formal request to your current employer for an NOC, stating your intention to transfer your visa to a new employer.
2. Approval: The current employer reviews the request and, if agreed, issues the NOC.

Step 2: Obtain Offer Letter from New Employer

Your new employer must provide you with an official offer letter.

1. Receive Offer Letter: Ensure that the offer letter details the job title, salary, and other employment terms.
2. Accept Offer: Sign the offer letter to indicate your acceptance.

Step 3: Apply for a New Work Permit

The new employer must apply for a new work permit for you through the MOHRE.

1. New Employer Submission: The new employer submits the application for a new work permit via the MOHRE online portal.
2. Required Documents:
   • Copy of the employee’s passport
   • Copy of the current visa
   • Copy of the NOC from the current employer
   • Offer letter from the new employer
   • Passport-sized photographs of the employee
   • Educational certificates, if applicable
3. Payment of Fees: The new employer pays the necessary fees for the work permit application.

Step 4: Approval from MOHRE

MOHRE reviews the application and, if all documents are in order, grants approval for the new work permit.

1. MOHRE Review: The MOHRE processes the application, which may take a few days.
2. Approval Notification: The new employer will receive notification of the approval.

Step 5: Cancel Current Employment Visa

Your current employer must cancel your existing employment visa through the GDRFA.

1. Submission of Cancellation Request: The current employer submits the visa cancellation request via the GDRFA portal.
2. Required Documents:
   • Employee’s passport copy
   • Employee’s current visa copy
   • NOC from the current employer
3. Cancellation Fees: The current employer pays the visa cancellation fees.

Step 6: Apply for New Employment Visa

Once your current visa is canceled, the new employer can apply for your new employment visa.

1. New Visa Application: The new employer submits the application for a new employment visa via the GDRFA portal.
2. Required Documents:
   • Employee’s passport copy
   • Approved work permit
   • NOC from the current employer
   • Offer letter from the new employer
   • Passport-sized photographs of the employee
   • Medical fitness certificate (if applicable)
3. Payment of Fees: The new employer pays the necessary fees for the new employment visa.

Step 7: Medical Examination and Emirates ID Application

After entering the UAE with the new employment visa, the employee must undergo a medical examination and apply for an Emirates ID.

1. Medical Examination: Visit an authorized medical center for a medical fitness test.
2. Emirates ID Application: Submit the Emirates ID application form and provide biometric data at an authorized center.

Step 8: Stamping of New Residence Visa

The final step is to get the new residence visa stamped in your passport.

1. Submission to GDRFA: The new employer submits your passport to the GDRFA for the residence visa stamping.
2. Completion: The GDRFA stamps the new residence visa in your passport.

Summary of Key Documents Required

• From Current Employer:
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC)
  • Current employment visa copy
  • Employee passport copy
• From New Employer:
  • Offer letter
  • Approved work permit
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Medical fitness certificate (if applicable)
  • Educational certificates (if applicable)
• From Employee:
  • Passport copy
  • Emirates ID application form and biometric data

By following these steps, you can successfully transfer your employment visa from one establishment to another in Dubai. Ensure that both your current and new employers cooperate and provide the necessary documents promptly to facilitate a smooth transition.