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Updated October 9, 2026
Philippines to UAE: Relocation Checklist
The UAE is one of the top destinations for Overseas Filipino Workers. Work through this interactive checklist, see the real 2026 employment visa costs, handle the OEC, and know what to do in your first 30 days.
Typical employment visa costs (2026)
AED 250-3,450MOHRE work permit (by company category, 2026)
AED 200 + 200Entry permit + residence permit
AED 300-500Medical fitness test
AED 170-400Emirates ID (2 years)
AED 2,000-6,000Total employment visa (employer pays)
FreeOEC from DMW (required to fly)
Under UAE labour law the employer pays these costs and cannot charge them to the employee. Ranges reflect MOHRE company categories and emirate differences. Confirm current fees on u.ae or MOHRE before signing.
Typical timeline
Job offer to entry permit (1 to 3 weeks), entry and medical + Emirates ID + residence visa (2 to 4 weeks). The official Work Bundle targets 5 working days for a clean file, but 2 to 4 weeks offer-to-residence is typical. Start the OEC and attestation 2 to 3 months before travel.
The OFW route to the UAE
For Filipinos, UAE employment runs through two systems at once: the UAE side (MOHRE work permit + GDRFA residence visa + medical + Emirates ID) and the Philippine side (OEC from the Department of Migrant Workers plus PDOS). You cannot legally depart as an OFW without the OEC. Get the job offer first; the employer then processes the entry permit while you handle OEC and document attestation in Manila.
Money: who pays what
UAE labour law is explicit: the employer pays recruitment and visa costs and cannot pass them to you. The 2-year work permit costs AED 250, 1,200 or 3,450 depending on the company's MOHRE category (per the September 2026 service card), plus entry permit, residence permit, medical and Emirates ID. If an agency asks you to pay visa fees, that is a red flag: verify the agency is DMW-licensed.
Documents that cause delays
Degree attestation (CHED/DFA + UAE Embassy) takes weeks in Manila; start early. The OEC requires the verified employment contract. Passport validity under 6 months blocks everything. Keep digital and paper copies of every document: you will show them at the DMW, the airport, and UAE immigration.
Arrival essentials
Do the medical fitness test immediately: residence visa issuance depends on passing it. Read your MOHRE labour contract before signing and keep a copy; it overrides any verbal promises. Housing ranges from bedspaces (cheapest) to studios; always see the room and get a tenancy contract. Save the MOHRE worker hotline (80084) in your phone.
Planning estimate only. Results use the list prices shown and may differ from your actual bill. Terms
Frequently asked questions
What is the OEC and do I really need it?
The Overseas Employment Certificate is issued by the Department of Migrant Workers and proves you are a documented OFW. Yes, you need it: immigration officers will stop you from flying without it.
Who pays for the UAE employment visa?
The employer, by law. Total 2026 costs run AED 2,000 to 6,000 for a 2-year visa (work permit, entry permit, residence, medical, Emirates ID). An employer or agency asking you to pay is a red flag.
How long does the UAE work visa take?
The official Work Bundle targets 5 working days for a clean file, but offer letter to residence permit more typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on medical timing and attestation.
Can I bring my family to the UAE?
Employees meeting the minimum salary threshold (historically AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation) can sponsor spouse and children on family residence visas, paying per-dependent fees.
What is PDOS?
The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar, required for OFWs: it covers your destination country's culture, laws, and worker rights. Complete it before your flight.