The Real-World Guide to UAE Mission Visas 2025

So, you’ve got a short-term project lined up in the UAE. Maybe you’re bringing in a consultant for a few months, or you’re the one hopping over for a brief assignment. Either way, you’re probably not looking to go full throttle with long-term residency just yet. That’s where the Mission Visa comes into play.

And here’s the interesting part, it’s not just for mainland business setup anymore. Since mid-2022, certain free zones began offering Mission Visas. By late 2024, major zones like Dubai Development Authority (DDA) and Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) rolled out formal processes. That’s a pretty big deal for companies in startup mode or businesses in transition who need skilled help, fast, and legally.

So, What Exactly Is a Mission Visa?

Think of it as your 90-day work visa with a side of flexibility. It’s a single-entry permit valid for 90 days from the date of entry. Most authorities allow a one-time extension for an additional 90 days, though some require exit and re-entry before renewal.

Here’s where it fits in perfectly:

• Short-term projects
• Contract-based consulting
• Temporary staffing gaps
• Probation period hires

But there’s a catch, it needs to be company-sponsored. This visa must be company-sponsored and …isn’t generally available for freelancers or self-applicants, unless permitted under specific free zone freelancer schemes. Companies use it when they need someone who can hit the ground running, minus the bureaucracy of full-time visa commitments.

Big Update: Mission Visas in Free Zones

Back in the day, if you weren’t a mainland company, Mission Visas were off-limits. That changed in mid-2022. Now, places like DDA and JAFZA officially offer Mission Visas. Other free zones are still finalizing internal procedures, but the direction is clear, more are gradually adopting Mission Visa options. However, not all free zones currently offer Mission Visas, and some may have industry-specific restrictions or approval requirements.

And this matters. A lot.

Business is booming in UAE free zones. Whether you’re offering accounting, VAT consultancy, or startup support, having access to a short-term visa solution gives you room to scale, test new hires, or onboard clients without going all in from day one.

Who Can Get One (and What You’ll Need)

Alright, let’s talk about paperwork. Whether you’re the employer or managing the setup yourself, these are the usual suspects you’ll need:

• A valid Trade License
• Signed employment contract or mission assignment letter
• Passport copy with at least 6 months validity
• A recent passport-size photo
• Relevant qualifications or proof of expertise, especially for regulated roles (e.g. engineering, healthcare, finance)
• Medical fitness certificate from a DHA- or MOHRE-approved facility
• Health insurance that checks all the boxes under UAE labor law
• Entry permit application (for applicants outside the UAE)

If the assignment exceeds 30 days, the employer must register the worker with the UAE’s Wages Protection System (WPS) if they are under MOHRE jurisdiction or in a free zone linked to WPS

Cost Breakdown: What You’re Looking At

Visas come with real costs, and Mission Visas are no exception. For a Mission Visa in 2025, you’re generally looking at somewhere between AED 3,000 and AED 5,000, depending on which authority issues it.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Entry Permit: AED 500–1,000
• MOHRE Fee: AED 100
• Medical Test: AED 250–500
• Emirates ID & Typing: AED 100+
• Health Insurance: Starts around AED 700
• Security Deposit: Usually AED 3,000 (refundable, though refund timelines vary by authority)
• Service Provider/PRO Fees: Can range from AED 500 to AED 2,000+

These costs can vary depending on the issuing authority, applicant’s role, and whether a PRO or service provider handles the process.

Every free zone has its own rules, timelines, and quirks. If you’re juggling multiple applicants or managing this on behalf of clients, especially for CFO Services or Business Evaluations, keep your tracking game sharp.

What Happens After 90 Days?

Let’s say your 90 days are up. Now what?

You’ve got two main options:

1. Renew the Mission Visa once (most authorities allow this), giving you another 90 days. Note: Some free zones still require exit and re-entry for renewals, so check with your respective zone early.
2. Exit and reapply, which some zones still require even for renewals.

After that, the visa expires. You’ll either need to leave the country or switch to a different visa.

If you’re sticking around, here are your conversion routes:

• Switch to a Standard Employment Visa (through your employer)
• Apply for a Freelance Visa (if you’re going solo)
• Go big with a Golden Visa (if you qualify as a specialist, investor, or exceptional talent)

Pro tip: Some free zones let you convert to another visa type without exit, subject to immigration approval, while others require you to leave and re-enter.

Why This Matters (Especially for Business Consultants)

If you’re in the business of helping businesses, Mainland Setup, Corporate Tax, ICV Certification, Company Liquidation, you name it, the Mission Visa is something you’ll want in your back pocket.

Here’s how it fits into your world:

• Business Setup experts can guide clients through hiring without long-term commitment.
• Tax & Compliance teams ensure companies follow WPS rules and stay clean with MOHRE.
• CFO Services can plan short-term hiring costs more accurately.
• Supplier Onboarding teams can bring in specialists faster, especially for short-term projects tied to ICV compliance or audit prep work.
• Liquidation specialists can manage visa exits cleanly during wind-downs.

Bottom line? If you’re offering services across both mainland and free zone jurisdictions, knowing how to work the Mission Visa gives your clients more options and gives you more credibility.

Final Take

The Mission Visa isn’t some obscure workaround anymore. It’s a practical, legal, and increasingly mainstream solution for companies that need to move fast without making long-term visa commitments.

That said, it’s not exactly plug-and-play. You’ll need to manage timelines, keep your documentation straight, and stay on top of zone-specific rules (some still insist on exit before renewal or conversion).

But if you’re in HR, tax consultancy, or corporate advisory, getting fluent with the Mission Visa process can save your clients time, money, and stress.

Disclaimer: Visa regulations in the UAE are subject to change. Please consult MOHRE, GDRFA, ICA, or your specific free zone authority for the most current visa policies and processing requirements.The information provided in this blog is for general guidance and informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, visa regulations, tax laws, and investment rules in the UAE are subject to change. We strongly recommend consulting official government sources or a licensed business setup advisor before making any legal, financial, or immigration decisions. We do not accept any liability for actions taken based on this content. Visa policies and processing steps can differ significantly between mainland authorities and free zones, always confirm with the issuing authority before starting the process.

Sources:
https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/our-services/mission-work-permit-2022.aspx
https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/our-services/work-permit-quotas-for-establishments-2022.aspx
https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/our-services/recruiting-a-worker-from-overseas-2022.aspx
https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-arab-emirates-mission-visas-now-available-in-select-free-zones.html
https://www.fragomen.com/insights/unlocking-opportunities-uaes-mission-visa-in-free-zones.html
https://www.jafza.ae/resource-centre/guides/category/employment-and-visa
https://virtuzone.com/blog/mission-visa
https://www.nathanhr.com/blog/uae-mission-visa-application-guide-for-employers

FAQ

1. What is the process of Mission Visa in UAE?
The company kicks things off by applying through MOHRE or the relevant free zone portal. They’ll need to submit documents like a valid trade license, mission contract, and your passport. Once the initial approval comes through, you get an entry permit. After landing in the UAE, you’ll do a medical test, Emirates ID typing, and WPS registration (if the job is over 30 days). Once all that’s done, you’re officially good to go.

2. How many days are allowed for UAE Mission Visa issue entry?
Once the visa is approved, you usually get a 60-day window to enter the country. That’s your countdown. If you don’t arrive within those 60 days, the visa becomes invalid and the whole process needs to start again. So, don’t sit on it too long.

3. What are the benefits of holding a Mission Visa in the UAE?
Quick onboarding, legal work rights, and minimal paperwork, those are the big wins. For employers, it means bringing in talent fast without locking into long-term contracts. For professionals, it’s a clean and legit way to take up short-term gigs while keeping future options open, especially if you’re testing the waters before committing to a full-time move.

4. Can I work with a Mission Visa in the UAE?
Yes, absolutely but only for the company that sponsors your Mission Visa. It’s a legal work permit, but it’s tied to one employer and one job. You can’t freelance or hop between projects. Think of it as a single-entry, short-term, task-specific work permit.

5. How do I cancel a Mission Visa in the UAE?
The sponsoring company handles the cancellation. Once the job is wrapped up or before the visa expires, they’ll log in to the relevant government portal and request cancellation. After that, your status gets updated, and if you’re still in the country, you’ll usually have a short grace period to exit or switch to a new visa.

6. What is the difference between a Mission Visa and a Work Visa in the UAE?
A Mission Visa is short-term, meant for temporary projects and usually valid for 90 days (extendable once). It’s quicker to process and cheaper, but it’s single-entry and non-transferable. A Work Visa, on the other hand, is for long-term employment. It comes with a residence permit, multi-entry status, and typically ties you to a company for 2 years or more. If you’re staying in the UAE long term, a Work Visa is the route. If it’s just a short stint, the Mission Visa does the job.