Work permits, visas and government paperwork in Abu Dhabi run through different channels than Dubai. PROXPAT handles the applications and keeps your company file current.
Page last updated: . Requirements, government fees and processing times are set by the relevant UAE authority and can change.
PRO Services in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi runs its government transactions through TAMM, the emirate's services platform. Labour transactions on TAMM are provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), while entry permits, residence and identity services sit with the federal authority, ICP.
That split is the main practical difference from Dubai, where immigration runs through GDRFA and Amer centres (see PRO services in Dubai). The fees and timelines below are published by TAMM and in the ICP services guide.
PROXPAT prepares and files these transactions for companies in Abu Dhabi, from the first work permit to renewals and cancellations.
Which Authority Handles What in Abu Dhabi
| Transaction | Authority | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Economic licence and amendments | Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development | TAMM |
| Work permits and labour contracts | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation | TAMM platform or mobile application |
| Entry permits, residence and identity | Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) | ICP website and smart application |
For the licence itself, see Abu Dhabi company formation. For free zone options in the emirate, see Masdar City Free Zone and ADGM.
Work Permit Fees Published on TAMM
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Electronic quota, all categories | AED 50 |
| Work permit issuance for 1 year, all categories | AED 50 |
| Work permit issuance for 2 years, first category | AED 250 |
- Documents: a photo, academic qualifications, and a good conduct certificate, with the original required.
- Service duration: 1 working day.
- Steps: submit the application through the TAMM platform or mobile application, request the work permit, then receive it.
TAMM also shows the cost as varying as incurred, alongside the fixed fees above. For what the permit means in practice, see work permit and labour card.
ICP Entry Permit and Residence Fees
| Service | Fees |
|---|---|
| Entry permit for work | Request fees AED 100; issuance AED 100; electronic services AED 100; guarantee fees AED 1,000 |
| Residence permit for work | Request fees AED 100; residence issuance AED 100 per year; electronic services AED 100 |
| Refunds | Issuance fees only |
| Penalties | AED 50 per day after the cancellation or expiry of residence |
ICP gives 48 hours as the completion time for these services once the requirements are complete. Typing, medical and Emirates ID charges are separate. See medical and biometrics and Emirates ID.
How Abu Dhabi Differs From Dubai
| Topic | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration authority | ICP | GDRFA Dubai |
| Service channel | TAMM platform and service centres | Amer centres and GDRFA digital channels |
| Labour transactions | MOHRE, through TAMM | MOHRE, through Tas'heel |
| Tenancy registration | Abu Dhabi has its own system; confirm with the authority | Ejari, run by Dubai Land Department |
If your company has staff in both emirates, the paperwork runs on two different tracks. See Ejari registration for the Dubai side.
Timelines to Plan Around
| Service | Duration |
|---|---|
| New work permit through TAMM | 1 working day |
| ICP entry permit and residence services | 48 hours after the requirements are complete |
These are authority processing times. Document preparation, attestation, medical tests and appointments add to the total. See certificate attestation.
Checklist for Abu Dhabi Employers
- Confirm the establishment file and quota are ready before the first work permit.
- Collect the good conduct certificate early, since TAMM requires the original.
- Have academic qualifications attested where the role requires them.
- Budget the AED 1,000 guarantee on work entry permits alongside the permit fees.
- Track residence expiry dates, because penalties run at AED 50 per day after expiry.
How PROXPAT Helps
Establishment file and quota checks
Work permit applications on TAMM
Labour contract preparation
Entry permit and residence filing with ICP
Medical and Emirates ID coordination
Renewals and cancellations
Records and expiry tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep your Abu Dhabi paperwork moving.
Explore connected PROXPAT services that support the same client journey.
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- PRO in Sharjah
- PRO in Ajman
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- Work Permit & Labour Card
- Labour Law for Employers
- Compliance Calendar
- In-House vs Outsourced PRO
- How to Choose a PRO Company
- Absence From Work Report
- Labour Ban Rules
- Wage Protection System
- Trade Licence Services
- Customs Code
- Corporate Bank Account
- Company Liquidation
PRO Services for Your Abu Dhabi Company
PROXPAT files work permits on TAMM, handles ICP entry permits and residence, and keeps renewals, cancellations and records on track.