Dubai, a city of skyscrapers, successful business centres, and unlimited global prospects, is a top choice destination for many job seekers from around the globe.
Irrespective of whether a candidate is trying to secure a job in a multi-national corporate office, within the hospitality industry or in a government body, the first and most important step is procuring an employment visa to start their journey in Dubai legally and safely.
The employment visa not only provides the candidates with the status of residence in the UAE but also gives them an opportunity to achieve their professional growth, access to social services and long-term stability in the UAE.
This blog is a comprehensive guide on how to get a Dubai work visa. We will discuss things like visa requirements, requirements to obtain a job visa in Dubai, how to go about the process of obtaining an employment visa in Dubai, eligibility criteria, application procedure, documentation and other relevant tips to consider in the course of the application process.
What is a Dubai Employment Visa?
Dubai Employment Visa (also called work visa) is a legal authorisation which is granted by the government of the UAE to a foreigner who allows them to enter, reside and work in Dubai under the sponsorship of the UAE-based employer.
This is one of the most common types of residence visa, which is pretty widespread in the country, and it is obligatory for an expatriate if they are looking to work legitimately in the UAE.
The employment falls under the larger scope of a residence visa and is processed in a number of steps that incorporate the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) together with the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The visa is supposed to bind the employee with the employer (the employer is viewed as the sponsor). The employer is also required to take care of the visa application procedure and other legal considerations.
As soon as the employment visa is received and is stamped in the passport, the person is considered a legal resident in the UAE and may work according to the conditions of the job contract. In most cases, an employment visa lasts two years (in the case of those working in the private sector) and after expiry of a visa, one can easily renew it if they still meet all the requirements.
Also Read:- Reasons of Dubai Visa Rejections
Types of Employment Visa Categories in Dubai
Dubai offers various employment visas tailored to different skill levels and professional categories. It includes the following;
- Standard Employment Visa – It is issued to full-time employees by companies in the United Arab Emirates. It is generally valid for 2 years and is sponsored by the employer.
- Free Zone Employment Visa – It is issued to individuals who have a position in one of the many free zones of Dubai. The respective free zone authority sponsors and manages the visa.
- Green Visa – A 5-year visa for residency to skilled personnel, freelancers or self-employed people. There is no need for a UAE employer as a sponsor for this category of visa.
- Golden Visa – Long-term residency visa (5 or 10 years) to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors and other highly qualified professionals.
Each visa type involves small variations in requirements and the authorities processing them. As an example, the free zone visas are dealt with by the particular free zone authority, whereas the mainland visas are dealt with by MOHRE and GDRFA. All of these visa types are granted with an aim to support Dubai’s growing and diverse workforce.
Key Features of an Employment Visa in Dubai:
- Endorsed by a UAE-licensed company or organisation
- Permits the holder of the visa to work and reside in Dubai legally.
- Allows the usage of other services such as Emirates ID, bank account, tenancy contracts, etc.
- Compulsory to get a labour card (work permit)
- Medical fitness and background checks
- Allows employees to sponsor relatives when they have met the income requirements
Eligibility Criteria for a Dubai Employment Visa
The employment visa in Dubai is a lengthy and complicated process. The candidates applying for the work visa need to meet certain requirements to be eligible. General requirements include the following;
- Candidates are required to have an authentic offer of employment in a company located in the UAE.
- He or she ought to be medically fit and pass the medical fitness test in Dubai
- Should not have a criminal record
- Have to fall within the age limit, generally which is between 18 to 60 years (some exceptions might exist)
- The company providing the jobs should possess a valid commercial license and should not have any violations
Also Read:- How to get Medical Certificate
Documents Required for Employment Visa in Dubai
To secure a Dubai employment visa, a set of documents needs to be submitted. Some of the most important documents include;
- Valid passport (minimum 6-month validity)
- Recent passport-size photographs (white background)
- Educational certificates (attested if required for skilled jobs)
- Previous visa cancellation proof (if applicable)
- Entry permit (after approval)
- Medical test report from an approved centre
- Confirmed job offer letter
- Proof of Accommodation
Step-by-Step Process to Get an Employment Visa in Dubai
The process of employment visa in Dubai is elaborate, involving multiple steps. Here is a complete breakdown of the procedure for easier understanding;
Step 1 – Job Offer & Contract Signing
The first step is to secure employment with a UAE-based company. After you accept the offer of employment and sign the contract, the employer will start the visa procedure by submitting the contract and applying for quota approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Step 2 – Employment Entry Permit
Once approved, the employer goes ahead and applies for the Employment Entry Permit, which will enable the candidate to enter the UAE for employment purposes. This permit is normally valid for 60 days.
Step 3 – Entry into Dubai
Once the employee receives the employment entry permit, they can enter Dubai and begin their residency process.
Step 4 – Medical Examination
The next step involves an elaborate medical fitness test at any of the government-approved medical fitness centres. The most common tests included in the medical examination are a blood test and a chest X-ray.
Step 5 – Emirates ID Registration
Once the medical report is cleared, candidates can request an Emirates ID at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). The biometric information (fingerprints and photo) will be collected.
Step 6 – Labour Card and Contract Registration
Within 14 days of medical screening, the signed contract should be submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE). The employer will register our details with the MOHRE to obtain a labour card. This card has your job title, details of the sponsor, and the duration of the contract.
Step 7 – Visa Stamping in Passport
Your passport will be finally stamped with your residence visa, bringing the process to a successful completion. You are an official resident and employee in Dubai.
Final Thoughts
Getting an employment visa to Dubai gives one access to limitless career opportunities and a rewarding lifestyle. The whole process may sound overly complicated and lengthy; however, with professional help, obtaining a Dubai employment visa is an easy and hassle-free process.
SEPL Document Clearing LLC will help you at all levels in obtaining an employment visa, from starting with the attestation of the documents to the visa processing. Get in touch with us for a smooth and hassle-free experience with expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will it take to obtain an employment visa in Dubai?
The whole procedure might take between 2 to 3 weeks, depending on various factors such as the compliance of the employers, submission of documents, and government approvals.
- Can I apply for a Dubai employment visa without a job offer?
No. A valid job offer from a UAE-based employer is a compulsory requirement for a Dubai employment visa. The employer also needs to act as your visa sponsor, which is not possible without a job offer.
- Is medical testing mandatory for employment visa approval?
Yes, medical testing is an important part of the employment visa approval process that every applicant must pass. The tests generally include blood and chest X-ray tests.
- Can the family accompany on a Dubai employment visa?
The candidates on an employment visa can sponsor their spouse and children once their visa is granted and they meet the minimum salary requirements, which usually range between AED 4000-5000/month.
- What happens if my visa application is rejected?
If your visa application is rejected, you can reapply. During the re-application, make sure to address the problem that led to the initial rejection.
- How long is a Dubai employment visa valid?
Typically, an employment visa in Dubai is granted for 2 years. It can be easily renewed provided that the candidate meets the requirements for renewal.
- Can I change jobs in Dubai on an employment visa?
Yes, it is possible to change jobs. However, you need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer. Once obtained, you need to apply for a visa transfer.
- Do I need to attest my degree certificate for an employment visa?
For visa applications, you need to get your degree certificate attested, and it is especially important for skilled jobs. You can obtain MEA, MOFA, Embassy attestation and more with SEPL Document Clearing LLC.