One of the most desirable destinations for expatriates seeking employment opportunities and an improved quality of life is the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is a magnet for talented professionals worldwide due to its tax-free pay rates, business-friendly environment, and critical area.
Nevertheless, it is possible to legally reside and operate in the UAE within the past few years. Consequently, it is imperative to obtain the appropriate visa type. The visa application preparation process could be more transparent due to the changes in UAE visa controls that have been implemented through visits.
From visa types, qualification criteria, application handling, and visa status monitoring to rules for cancellation and renewal, this comprehensive guide covers all the information you need to know about obtaining an employment visa in the UAE.
Check Also: UAE Visit Visa Process – Apply Now
What is a Work Visa in UAE?
In order to establish operations within the UAE legally, individuals and organizations must possess a substantial business visa or work permit. The duration of stay and work authorizations may vary depending on the type of work visa, ranging from two years to even longer. This fundamental report ensures that the UAE’s legal requirements are met, which is advantageous for both residents and employees.
Benefits of UAE Work Visa Process
- Permission to Work Legally: A UAE work visa provides legal authorization to engage in employment within the country, thereby guaranteeing adherence to labor and immigration regulations.
- Access to High-Paying Employment Opportunities: The United Arab Emirates provides a diverse selection of high-paying employment opportunities in a variety of sectors, such as finance, technology, healthcare, construction, and hospitality.
- Benefits of Residency: A residency permit is typically included in a work visa, which enables employees to reside in the UAE for the duration of their employment.
- Earnings that are not subject to taxation: The UAE does not impose an income tax, which enables employees to optimize their earnings and accumulate substantial savings.
- Access to Infrastructure of the Highest Quality: Modern infrastructure, such as advanced transportation systems, healthcare facilities, and recreational amenities, provides workers in the UAE with the opportunity to reside and work in urban areas.
- Prospects for Professional Development: The United Arab Emirates is a center for innovative enterprises and multinational corporations, providing a plethora of opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
- Route to Long-Term Residency: The possession of a UAE work visa can serve as a preliminary step in the process of obtaining a Golden Visa or long-term residency for highly competent professionals.
- Multicultural Work Environment: The UAE is home to a variegated population, with laborers hailing from more than 200 nationalities.
- Sponsorship by a Family Member: Work visa holders are permitted to sponsor their family members for residency, which enables them to reside together in the UAE.
- Streamlined Application Process: The UAE’s work visa application process is both efficient and straightforward, with clearly defined guidelines for applicants.
UAE Visa Sorts for Employees
In the United Arab Emirates, there are three primary categories of employment visas:
Standard Work Visa
This is the most frequently supported work visa by a manager in the private, government, or free zone sectors. Primary characteristics:
- Valid for a period of two years
- Renewable
- Employer-sponsored
- Enables representatives to exclusively work for the supporting manager
Green Visa
The Green Visa, which was recently implemented, is intended for businesspeople, consultants, speculators, and talented experts. Principal advantages:
- Validity for five years
- There is no necessity for a supervisor or support.
- Renewable under identical conditions
- Enhanced adaptability in terms of domicile and employment
The qualification criteria shift for distinctive categories:
Freelancers/Self-Employed:
- Proof of outsourcing authorization
- A specialized diploma or bachelor’s degree
- A minimum annual salary of AED 360,000 for the previous two years
Skilled Employees:
- A minimum monthly compensation of AED 15,000 is required.
- Expertise levels 1, 2, and 3 are identified.
- A bachelor’s degree or a comparable qualification
Brilliant Visa
Certain high-net-worth individuals are granted long-term residency without assistance through the Brilliant Visa, which is valid for a period of ten years. The following are the qualification criteria:
- Investors who have deposited a minimum of AED 2 million
- Specialized financial professionals with properties valued at AED 2 million in the real domain
- Entrepreneurs with ventures valued at AED 500,000
- Unique presents, such as those for specialists, researchers, competitors, and Ph.D. holders.
Eligibility of UAE Work Visa Process 2025
- A minimum age of 18 years is required.
- Comply with one of the three aptitude classification categories that are determined by educational background.
- Category 1: Individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree
- Holders of post-secondary recognition comprise Category 2.
- Confirmation holders from tall schools comprise Category 3.
- An international identification card that is effective for a minimum of six months
- Photographs for passports
- The Service of Labour authorizes entry.
- Work contract executed
- Clearance from medical examination
- Medical insurance
- Sponsoring administrators are required to possess a substantial exchange license.
- The position is responsible for the coordination of company operations.
- Work in a manner that is conducive to the employer’s
Required Documents
The following documents are necessary to obtain a work visa in the UAE:
- A substantial visa and a photocopy: The visa must expire no later than six months after the date of your intended entry into the country.
- Passport photographs: The standard size is 43 mm by 55 mm. However, on rare occasions, you may also encounter the need for a 2-inch by 2-inch image, which is approximately 50 mm by 50 mm.
- Emirates ID Card: The Emirates ID card is a relatively uncommon identity identification that is issued by the Government Specialist for Character, Citizenship, Traditions, and Ports Security (ICP). It is unjust to any card. It is mandatory for all individuals residing in the UAE, regardless of whether they are citizens or residents. You are required to register for it and ensure that you maintain it in order to comply with the regulations.
- You have the option to register for the unused Emirates ID card online through the ICP website or at an affirmed writing center. It may be necessary for you to visit one of ICP’s service centers to authorize your biometric information. If you are a foreign national, you will only be able to register for it once you have arrived in the country.
- Entry permit from the Ministry of Labor: The manager submits a work contract to the Service of Work (MOL) for approval to facilitate passage. The contract should be signed by long-haul specialists at the earliest opportunity.
- Currently, the Service is required to approve the permitted activity. Subsequently, they issue an employment entry visa. The specialist has a two-month window to arrive in the UAE once both of these things are in his possession.
- Medical Screening Results: It is necessary to be free of contagious diseases, such as HIV and tuberculosis. Additionally, there are specific professions that necessitate negative syphilis and Hepatitis B tests. In the event that your symptoms are negative, you are now ready to proceed.
- A duplicate of the manager’s business card: It will contain the company’s subtle elements, as if your manager could provide it to you.
- A copy of the company’s commercial permit may be obtained from your manager.
Application Process
The following are the primary procedures for obtaining a work visa in the United Arab Emirates:
Passage Visa Quota Approval
The manager initiates the process by submitting an application for a standard work visa endorsement from the Ministry of Labor (MOL). Quantities are limiting the number of external representatives that a company can employ. In order to engage external representatives, the organization must possess adequate office space in accordance with its policies. Once the standard application is favored by the MOL, the method can be advanced.
Yield Marked Business Contract
A standard business contract is executed by the laborer and manager, which delineates compensations, benefits, stipends, probation periods, and other terms. The MOL must receive this contract for endorsement within 14 days. The Ministry of Labor analyzes the contract to ensure that it adheres to labor regulations regarding minimum compensation, working hours, authorization, and other relevant factors.
Apply for Passage Allow and Work Visa
The employer is now able to submit for the employee’s work permit and business passage visa with the availability of quantity endorsement. This can be accomplished by uploading supporting reports, such as instructive certificates, designated contracts, and international ID duplicates, to the MOL site.
Get a Business Passage Visa
The laborer will receive a Business Passage Visa via email upon confirmation of the assignment. This section visa enables the representative to access the UAE lawfully within 60 days to complete the necessary procedures, including Emirates ID enrollment and restorative testing.
Enter UAE on a Passage Visa
The laborer undergoes therapeutic testing for wellness, HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases upon entering the UAE on a transit visa. The Emirates ID application registers residency points of interest, while the restorative test examines for irresistible infections. A certificate of test results is issued within 1-2 days.
Apply for a Residence Visa
The manager initiates the home visa application within the 60-day validity of the passage permit after the restorative test is successfully completed. This is frequently accomplished on the ICA website by paying the visa expenses and uploading the necessary documents.
Restorative Test
The therapeutic examination at an accredited medical facility detects incurable diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and tuberculosis. The labor portion may necessitate additional tests. The examination must be administered within fourteen days of the individual’s arrival.
Yield Labor Contract
The designated labor contract must be submitted to the Service of Human Assets & Emiratisation (MOHRE) within 14 days of the therapeutic screening. The contract is surveyed and validated by the MOHRE.
Get Wellbeing Insurance
In accordance with UAE labor law, employers are required to provide representatives with well-being protection. This must provide a fundamental framework for hospitalization, surgeries, and specialist consultations.
Receive Residence Visa
The employee’s residence visa will be issued to the management upon the endorsement of the application by the Government Specialist for Personality and Citizenship (ICA). This enables the laborer to legally reside and operate in the UAE.
Apply for Emirates ID
Upon arrival in the UAE, an Emirates ID application must be submitted within 15 days. This national ID card is mandatory for nearly all exchanges and includes the visa and residency points of interest. You are one step closer to commencing your profession in the UAE as your Emirates ID application is currently proceeding. Nevertheless, it is imperative to investigate the work exhibit with precise data. Your career prospects and experience can be significantly impacted by misguided judgments regarding work pursuits in the UAE.
Visa Stamping
In the past, representatives were required to physically obtain a stamp on their inactive residence visa to indicate the visa’s nuanced elements and legitimacy. In any event, the UAE residence visas are no longer inscribed on identifications following the modifications. The Emirates ID card is linked to the visa data and status. There is no requirement for an employee to obtain their visa stamp independently in their international ID once they have obtained their Emirates ID.
Process Time and Fee
The following are the specifics of the Dubai work visa princess application fee and time:
| Permit Type | Application Fee | Issuance Fee | eChannel Fee |
| Government Sector | AED 100 | AED 100 (per year) | AED 150 |
| Private Sector/Free Zone | AED 100 | AED 100 (per year) | AED 150 |
| Investor/Partner Residence | AED 100 | AED 100 (per year) | AED 150 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does a UAE work visa take to process?
Receive Your Work Visa: It typically takes about five days for the MoHRE to issue your official work visa once all conditions are met. Once issued, you can legally start working in the UAE, and your employer will set up your payroll.
How much bank balance is required for a Dubai visa?
You must show a bank balance of at least AED 5,000 (1.15 lakhs rupees) in your credit or debit accounts for a two-month visa and AED 3,000 (60.2k) for a three-month visa.
How much is a two-year employment visa in the UAE?
The 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai Price can vary based on several factors. Generally, it costs between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000. This fee covers the visa application, medical tests, and Emirates ID.
