How to Get a UAE Work Visa
The number of people moving abroad for work has grown substantially in recent years, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), specifically Dubai, is a top destination. The UAE’s simple employment visa requirements contribute to its large expat community, which makes up 88% of the population.
Before moving to Dubai or the UAE, expats, or foreign nationals, must apply for a UAE work visa. This application process involves several steps, such as choosing the right work visa, obtaining an entry visa, applying for an Emirates ID, and getting a medical checkup.
Types of UAE work visas
Before entering the UAE for work, foreign nationals must obtain a UAE work visa. Foreigners can choose from three types of UAE work visas: standard work visa, Green visa, and Golden visa. The right visa depends on the circumstances of each applicant.
Standard work visa
A standard work visa in Dubai and the UAE is an employer-sponsored work visa that permits an expat to live and work as an employee in the UAE for two to three years. After this time, the employer must renew or cancel the visa.
A standard work visa is one of the most common options for working or hiring talent in the UAE. It requires an employment contract and approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).
Before arriving in the UAE on a standard work visa, a foreign national must accept a job offer in writing and obtain an entry permit. The entry permit allows them to enter the UAE and begin the process of officiating their work visa and residence visa.
Green visa
In October 2022, the UAE introduced the Green visa to attract and support foreign freelancers and self-employed individuals in Dubai and the UAE. The Green visa grants holders residency for five years and, unlike the standard UAE work visa, does not require employer sponsorship.
The Green visa has additional benefits, such as the ability to sponsor immediate relatives to relocate to the UAE, a six-month grace period upon visa expiry or cancellation, and a simplified application process.
The documents required to apply for a Green visa in Dubai or other parts of the UAE vary depending on the applicant’s work category. However, standard required documents include a valid employment contract or self-employment permit from the MoHRE, proof of education, and proof of sufficient income during the applicant’s stay in the UAE.
Golden visa
The UAE’s Golden visa is an extended residence permit that allows professionals with exceptional qualifications to live, work, and study in the UAE for 10 years without a local sponsor. People who qualify for the Golden visa are usually doctors, scientists, athletes, inventors, artists, healthcare staff, or others with select qualifications.
Golden visa holders enjoy various benefits, such as access to exclusive health insurance packages and the ability to sponsor unlimited immediate family members and support staff. They can also spend unlimited time outside Dubai or the UAE without impacting the validity of their visa.
The list of supporting documents for a Golden visa varies depending on the applicant’s background. An eligibility quiz on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) website clarifies whether or not a person qualifies for the Golden visa.
who is eligible to obtain working visa in uae?
Anyone over 18 can legally work as an expat in Dubai or the UAE, provided the employer and employee meet the MoHRE’s standards. Below is a general overview of the MoHRE’s conditions for working in the UAE:
- The employer has a valid operating license
- The employer has no violations
- The employee’s work corresponds to the nature of the company’s operations
- The employee has at least a high school diploma
There is no maximum age limit for applicants, but employers must pay an additional AED5,000 (US$1,360) fee every two years for employing workers over 65 years old.
consideration before obtaining work visa in the uae
Obtaining a standard work visa in Dubai or the UAE requires sponsorship from a legally incorporated entity in the region, complicating the hiring process for foreign companies. If a company hasn't established a local entity but wants to hire foreign nationals, it can partner with an Employer of Record (EOR). An EOR serves as the legal employer for your workforce, handling onboarding, payroll, visa requirements, and compliance. This allows companies to explore the UAE market and hire expats or locals without risking noncompliance with employment and immigration laws.
How can we assist you
Kabayan Ehsan provides essential guidance and support to foreign nationals seeking residency in the United Arab Emirates. We empower investors by assisting them in determining their eligibility to hire employees and guiding them through the entire process, including all necessary documentation. Contact us today to learn how to eliminate the stress of global immigration and swiftly hire top talent in the UAE.
