Complete UAE Residence Visa Stamping & Employment Visa Process 2026 – Medical Test, Biometrics & Emirates ID Guide

If you are planning to live and work in the UAE in 2026, you must complete the residence visa process, which includes the medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics, and passport stamping. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step explanation of how UAE residence visas work today, the required documents, timelines, and important legal updates under MOHRE and ICP UAE.

This professionally updated guide ensures you follow the correct procedures and avoid delays or visa rejection.

Understanding the UAE Residence Visa in 2026

A UAE residence visa allows foreign nationals to legally live, work, study, or depend on a sponsor in the country. It is linked with:

• A valid Emirates ID

• Work authorization (if employed)

• Access to banking, housing, healthcare, and government services

As of 2026, all new and renewal residence visas follow the updated ICP & MOHRE regulations.

Step-by-Step UAE Residence Visa Stamping Process 2026

Step 1: UAE Medical Fitness Examination

Your residence visa process begins with a mandatory medical fitness test at an approved government center. You must undergo:

• Blood test

• Chest X-ray

• Screening for communicable diseases

Processing time: Usually 24–48 hours for results.

Step 2: Emirates ID Biometrics Enrollment

Once your medical test is completed and approved, you must visit an ICP-registered biometric center for:

• Fingerprints

• Iris scan

• Facial biometrics

Processing time: Typically 1–2 days.

Step 3: Submission of Passport for Visa Stamping

After biometrics are completed:

• Your passport is collected by a courier or PRO

• Sent to immigration for residence visa stamping

• Returned to you in 3–5 working days

In 2026, many visas are now digital, but physical passport stamping remains common for employment visas.

UAE Medical Fitness Test Requirements 2026

Documents Required for the Medical Test

You must carry:

• Original passport

• Copy of passport & visa page

• Entry permit

• Two recent passport photos

• Offer letter or employment contract (if applicable)

• Previous visa (if renewing)

What Happens During the Medical Screening

The test includes:

• Registration

• Blood test for infections

• Chest X-ray

• Medical clearance issuance

Note:
There is no DNA testing, drug testing, or alcohol screening during official UAE medical fitness procedures in 2026.

Emirates ID Application & Biometrics Process

Required Documents for Emirates ID Biometrics

• Emirates ID application form

• Passport and visa copy

• Entry permit copy

• Appointment confirmation

How Long Biometrics Takes in 2026

• Enrollment: 10–15 minutes

• Verification: 1 business day

• Emirates ID printing: After visa stamping is completed

UAE Work Permit & Labour Contract Process 2026

All employment visas in 2026 are coordinated through MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation).

Signing the Employment Contract

After acceptance of the offer:

• An official labour contract is generated

• Must be signed within 14 days

• Registered under MOHRE before visa activation

MOHRE Work Permit for Employees Inside and Outside UAE

For employees outside UAE:

• MOHRE issues a 2-month entry permit

• Employee enters UAE

• Medical + biometrics + stamping must be completed within 60 days

For employees inside UAE:

• Visa status is changed internally

• Medical and biometrics follow immediately

Visa Renewal Process for Employees in 2026

Grace Period & Important Rules

• Residence visas are valid for 2 years (private sector)

• Renewal must be initiated before expiry

• A 30-day grace period applies

Failure to renew leads to daily overstay fines.

UAE Employment Visa Cancellation in 2026

You cannot cancel your own work visa.

Only the sponsor/company can:

• Cancel the labour contract

• Terminate the work permit

• Cancel the residence visa

After cancellation, you must:

• Exit the UAE
  or

• Apply for a new visa within the allowed timeframe

UAE Mission Visa Explained – Requirements & Eligibility

A UAE Mission Visa allows individuals to work on short-term assignments for up to 90 days, extendable once.

Requirements:

• Company must have no MOHRE violations

• Valid job offer

• Passport copy

• Photo

• Application through employer's PRO

Used for urgent or project-based roles.

Risks of Applying Without Professional Guidance

Applying independently may lead to:

• Mistakes in documents

• Delayed medical approval

• Biometrics rejection

• Visa stamping delays

• Incorrect contract terms

• Fines due to missed deadlines

Such issues can cost time, money, and employment opportunities.

Why Apply Through a Professional Visa Service

A trusted visa service ensures:

• Accurate documentation

• Fast & error-free application

• VIP processing for medical & biometrics

• No delays in stamping

• Real-time tracking

• Guaranteed compliance with UAE law

This protects you from fines, rejection, or processing delays.

Call to Action – Apply for Your Emirates Visa With Experts

Whether you need a residence visa, employment visa, or Emirates ID processing, our expert team helps you complete the UAE visa process quickly and professionally.

👉 Apply for your Emirates Visa today and enjoy fast, reliable processing.