Hiring in a UAE free zone: where to apply and what to prepare
Free zone companies apply through their own authority. Here is what DMCC requires from the employer and a candidate hired from overseas.
Where to apply
The UAE Government portal directs employers to the authority of the free zone where their company is registered. That is the route for the work permit and residence visa. Check that the company has a visa slot before making an offer. DIFC and ADGM have their own employment frameworks.
Example: a DMCC company hires from overseas
The company needs an active licence and establishment card. DMCC says any sanctions on the company account must be cleared before applying. For the entry permit stage, DMCC lists a passport valid for more than six months, a photo, a signed system-generated offer and, where the role requires it, an attested education certificate in English or Arabic. The residence stage requires medical test results, valid health insurance and a stamped Emirates ID registration form.
What to check before starting
Confirm whether the candidate is abroad or already in the UAE. DMCC has separate routes for in-country applications. Assign responsibility for the filing, medical exam and insurance, and agree a start date that allows time for processing. If the company is registered in a different free zone, use that zone’s checklist. This example describes the DMCC process.