Your airline sponsor secures a work entry permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation; you must hold a passport valid for six months and provide passport photos. Upon arrival, complete a medical fitness and biometrics check, obtain a GCAA cabin crew licence, register for an Emirates ID, and finalize residency stamping
Stepping into the role of cabin crew in the UAE combines the allure of international travel with the prestige of working for world-class airlines. Prospective crew members embark on a structured journey: once recruited, the airline sponsor initiates a work entry permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, requiring a passport valid for at least six months and professional passport photographs. After arrival, candidates undergo a mandatory medical fitness test and biometric screening, ensuring they meet the UAE’s health standards. Simultaneously, they complete cabin-specific training comprising Safety & Emergency Procedures and type rating courses culminating in a GCAA cabin crew licence. With this licence in hand, new crew members register for their Emirates ID, the national identity card essential for residency visa stamping. The standard work visa allows up to two years of employment and is renewable, enabling long-term career growth and the opportunity to sponsor eligible family members. Throughout this process, strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to safety underpin success. By navigating these requirements with the guidance of their airline sponsor, cabin crew professionals can smoothly transition from recruitment to flight duty, ready to deliver exceptional in-flight experiences across the globe.
What visa types do cabin crew require?
Cabin crew are typically issued a standard employment (work) visa, comprising an entry permit (valid 60 days) and a residency visa (valid two years)
Who sponsors the visa?
Your airline employer sponsors both the MOHRE work entry permit and residency visa
What documents are needed for the work permit?
Key documents include a valid passport (minimum six months), passport-size photos, signed employment contract, and proof of GCAA training for cabin crew roles
Is a medical fitness test mandatory?
Yes, applicants must pass a medical fitness examination and biometrics at a UAE-approved health centre before visa stamping
How long is the visa valid?
The entry permit allows 60 days to complete residency formalities; the residency visa is valid for up to two years and is renewable
Can I sponsor family members?
After residency visa stamping, cabin crew can sponsor eligible dependents subject to minimum salary requirements
How can I renew my visa?
Visas are typically renewed through your airline sponsor by repeating medical tests, updating Emirates ID, and extending the work permit via MOHRE