Guide to Work Visas in Dubai

Introduction

Dubai’s booming job market and vibrant economy make it a top destination for professionals worldwide. But before you can join this dynamic city, you need to navigate its work visa process.

In this blog, we’ll simplify everything you need to know about getting a work visa in Dubai. From landing your job offer to receiving your residency visa and Emirates ID, we’ll break down each step for you.

 This guide will help you smoothly transition to working in one of the world’s most exciting business hubs.

Is Dubai a Good Place to Work?

Dubai is often seen as an attractive destination for professionals worldwide due to its various benefits. One of the most appealing aspects is the tax-free income, which allows employees to keep their entire salary without deductions.

Additionally, Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, with a large expatriate community contributing to a rich cultural experience and numerous networking opportunities.

The city is known for its safety and low crime rates, making it a suitable environment for families and single professionals alike.

Its strategic location also makes Dubai a convenient gateway for exploring other parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

However, securing a work visa is a crucial step for anyone planning to work in Dubai. This guide provides a detailed overview of the work visa process, requirements, and important considerations.

Understanding The Work Permit or Visa in Dubai

People who are not citizens of the UAE but wish to live and work in Dubai will need a visa or permit to stay and work in the city.

Entry Permit

Before entering the country, most travelers planning an extended stay will need an entry permit, sometimes referred to as a pink card. An entry permit allows the traveler to enter the country and stay for a specified period, usually three months.

 Sponsorship

To have an entry permit, the traveler needs to be sponsored by a person or an organization. This can include their employer or a resident family member. The sponsor is responsible for applying for the permit before the traveler arrives in Dubai.

Post-Arrival Procedures

Once the traveler is in the country with an entry permit, the sponsor can apply for the appropriate visas and permits that the traveler will need.

 Employment

If someone is coming to Dubai for employment, they will need a work visa rather than just an entry permit. To work in Dubai, the employee will require both a work permit and a work visa. The sponsor (typically the employer) handles the application process for these documents.

Conditions for Employment in Dubai

To work in the UAE, both the employee and the employer must meet specific conditions:

Conditions for Employment

1. Age Requirement: The employee must be at least 18 years old.
2. Employer’s License: The hiring company must have a valid license.
3. Compliance: The company must not have any legal violations.
4. Job Relevance: The employee’s work must correspond to the nature of the company’s business.

*There is no maximum age limit, companies hiring workers over 65 years old must pay a higher fee.

Eligibility for a UAE Work Visa

Foreign people who are 18 years or older can work in the UAE if they meet the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) standards.

Categories of Foreign Workers:

Meeting the following criteria is essential for obtaining a UAE work visa and legally working in the country.

Workers are classified into three categories based on their qualifications:

1. Category 1: Individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree.
2. Category 2: Individuals with a post-secondary diploma in any field.
3. Category 3: Individuals with a high school diploma.

Types of work visas in Dubai

Foreign people have three different types of UAE work visas to choose from:

Standard work visa

A standard work visa in the UAE is employer-sponsored, allowing expats to live and work in the country for two to three years. After this period, the employer must renew or cancel the visa.

It is one of the most common work visa options, requiring an employment contract and MoHRE approval.

 Before arrival, the foreign employees must accept a job offer in writing and obtain an entry permit, which allows them to enter the UAE and start the process of finalizing their work and residence visas.

Green visa

The Green visa, introduced in October 2022, aims to attract foreign freelancers and self-employed individuals to the UAE. It grants five-year residency without needing employer sponsorship.

Its benefits are sponsoring immediate relatives, a six-month grace period upon visa expiry or cancellation, and a simplified application process.

Required documents typically include a valid employment contract or self-employment permit from MoHRE, proof of education, and proof of sufficient income.

Golden visa

The UAE’s Golden visa offers a 10-year residence permit for professionals with exceptional qualifications, such as doctors, scientists, athletes, inventors, artists, and healthcare staff, without requiring a local sponsor.

 Benefits include access to exclusive health insurance packages, the ability to sponsor unlimited immediate family members and support staff, and the freedom to spend unlimited time outside the UAE without affecting visa validity.

The required supporting documents vary by applicant, and eligibility can be checked via a quiz on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) website.

Mission Visa

The Mission Visa in Dubai is a short-term visa designed for specific temporary work assignments, typically valid for 90 days.

 It is ideal for project-based work, temporary assignments, and short-term contracts. Sponsored by a UAE-based company, it requires a temporary employment contract, a medical examination, and approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).

 The process involves the sponsoring company submitting the application, obtaining an entry permit, undergoing a medical test upon arrival, and having the visa stamped in the worker’s passport.

Generally non-renewable, if an assignment needs extension, a new visa application may be required. This visa provides companies with flexibility for efficiently completing temporary work within a specified timeframe.

Part-Time Work Visa

The Part-Time Work Visa in Dubai allows individuals to work part-time for a company while maintaining a full-time job with another employer.

This visa is particularly beneficial for those seeking supplementary income or career development opportunities alongside their primary employment.

To obtain this visa, approval is required from both employers and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).

The process involves applying detailing the part-time work arrangement, ensuring compliance with labor regulations and contract terms.

It provides flexibility for individuals to engage in additional professional pursuits while adhering to legal requirements in Dubai’s employment landscape.

Student Work Visa

The Student Work Visa in Dubai let university students enrolled in accredited institutions work part-time while pursuing their studies.

This visa is designed to support students in gaining practical experience and supplementing their finances during their educational journey in the UAE.

To have this visa, students must secure approval from both their university and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).

 The application process typically involves submitting proof of enrollment, a no-objection certificate from the university, and a detailed plan of the part-time work arrangement.

This visa category enables students to balance academic pursuits with professional development opportunities, contributing to their overall learning experience and future career prospects in Dubai.

Key Requirements for getting work visa in Dubai

Here are the main requirements for getting a work visa in Dubai:

• Employer’s Sponsorship: Most visas require sponsorship by a UAE-based employer.
• Employment Contract: A valid employment contract detailing job role, salary, and benefits.
• Approval from MoHRE: Approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is necessary for most visa types.
• Medical Examination: A medical examination may be required to ensure fitness for work.
• Proof of Qualifications: Depending on the visa type, proof of relevant qualifications or experience may be necessary.
• Security Clearance: Some visas may require a security clearance from UAE authorities.
• Financial Requirements: Proof of sufficient funds or income to support oneself while in Dubai.
• No-Objection Certificate (NOC): Required for certain visa types, confirming the employer has no objections to the employee’s employment.
• Passport Validity: The passport should have a minimum validity period, typically at least six months.
• Entry Permit: An entry permit is required before entering Dubai to begin the visa process.
• Visa Application Fees: Fees must be paid for visa processing and issuance.
• Health Insurance: Some visa types may require proof of health insurance coverage in Dubai.
• Residency Permit: Upon arrival in Dubai, a residency permit (if applicable) must be obtained within a specific timeframe.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process for Dubai

Receiving a Job Offer

Secure a job offer from a UAE-based employer.

Entry Visa Quota Approval

If the person lives and works in one of the UAE’s 46 free zones, the employer must apply for a UAE free zone visa, which needs visa quota approval from the Ministry of Labor.

Free zone employers have quota restrictions on work visas, which vary each free zone. In Dubai, the limit is one visa for nine square meters of office space. If an employer meets its quota, they can move to a larger office or ask for a quota increase.

Employment Contract

The employee and employer sign a standardized employment contract detailing salaries, benefits, allowances, and probation period.

This contract must be submitted to the Ministry of Labor (MOL) for approval within 14 days.

The MOL reviews the contract to ensure compliance with labor regulations on minimum wages, working hours, and leave.

Entry Permit Application

The employer applies for an entry permit (also called a pink visa) on your behalf. This allows you to enter Dubai legally to begin the work visa process.

Getting an Employment Entry Visa

Once the work permit is approved, the employee receives an Employment Entry Visa via email, allowing them to enter the UAE within 60 days to complete medical testing and Emirates ID registration.

Medical Examination

Undergo a medical examination at an approved medical center in Dubai.

The medical test typically includes a general health check, blood test of fitness, HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases, and chest X-ray.

Additional tests might be required depending on the job role and must be completed within 14 days of arrival.

Emirates ID Application

Apply for an Emirates ID card, which requires your passport and entry permit. The Emirates ID application is done at an Emirates ID service center.

Apply for a Residence Visa

After clearing the medical test, the employer must initiate the residence visa application within the 60-day validity of the entry permit.

This is done on the ICA website by paying the visa fees and submitting the required documents.

Labor Card Application

The employer applies for a labor card through the MoHRE, which involves submitting the employment contract, medical test results, and entry permit.

Health Insurance

You need to obtain health insurance coverage, which is mandatory for all employees in Dubai.

Residency Visa Stamping

The employer receives the employee’s residence visa upon ICA approval, allowing the employee to legally reside and work in Dubai.

Emirates ID Collection

Once the residency visa is stamped, collect your Emirates ID from the designated center.

Visa Application Fees in dubai

Here is a table outlining the approximate visa application fees for different types of work visas in Dubai. Note that these fees can vary and should be verified with official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Visa Type	Application Fee (AED)	Insurance fee  (AED)	Additional Costs (AED)
Standard Work Visa	300-500	500-1,200	Medical Test: 250-500
Green Visa	2,000-5,000	500-1,200	Medical Test: 250-500
Golden Visa	4,000-5,500	500-1,200	Medical Test: 250-500
Mission Visa	500-1,000	500-1,200	Medical Test: 250-500
Part-Time Work Visa	300-500	500-1,200	Medical Test: 250-500
Student Work Visa	300-500	500-1,200	Medical Test: 250-500

Please note that:

• Application Fee includes initial processing fees.
• Additional Costs cover medical tests and other incidental expenses.
• Emirates ID fees, and Emirates ID typing fees are also applicable but not included in the table.

Conclusion

Dubai offers a compelling work environment with its tax-free income, cultural diversity, and stringent safety measures.

 Securing employment here involves navigating the visa process and meeting specific criteria. Non-UAE citizens need a sponsored entry permit to begin, leading to various visa options like Standard, Green, Golden, Mission, Part-Time, or Student visas, tailored to different employment needs.

Employment conditions mandate that employers have valid licenses, no legal violations, and roles align with business activities.

 Employees must meet age requirements and possess relevant qualifications—bachelor’s degree, post-secondary diploma, or high school diploma.

The visa application process includes securing a job offer, obtaining an entry permit, medical tests, Emirates ID application, and residence visa approval within 60 days. Fees vary by visa type, covering medical tests and health insurance, mandatory for all Dubai employees.

FAQ