Dubai (Work Permit)
The UAE offers a variety of work visas to accommodate different employment scenarios. A
work visa is a sort of permit an Indian citizen receives from the Dubai immigration
department to work or do business in Dubai. An 18+ who meets the Ministry of Human
Resources and Emiratisation’s requirements is eligible to apply for a job and Dubai work visa.
Any individual who is 65+ can also apply for a job in Dubai, but his corporation might charge
a premium price for him. The Dubai government has set a category for foreign workers
based on their academic qualifications and skills.
Category 1 is for those who have a bachelor’s degree.
Category 2 people hold a post-secondary diploma in any field.
Category 3 people have a high school diploma.
Expanding into the UAE market offers businesses a gateway to the Middle East, Africa,
and South Asia, with a world-class logistics and transport infrastructure.
The UAE has a highly diversified economy, a stable political climate, and a pro-business
regulatory environment that welcomes foreign investment.
Organizations expanding into the UAE benefit from its strong international connectivity,
cultural openness, and high quality of life, which supports both business growth and
talent attraction.
But for organizations and professionals choosing to do business there, understanding the
UAE’s visa and immigration procedures is vital.
The UAE offers several visa options tailored to different employment and residency
needs.
These visas provide flexibility and opportunities for foreign nationals to live and work in
the country while complying with immigration regulations.
Below are the main types of work permits that are available within the UAE:
Standard employment visa:
This is the most common work visa, issued to individuals employed by a UAE-based
company, and is typically valid for two to three years and is renewable.The employer
sponsors the visa, handling the application process, which includes obtaining a work
permit and residence visa.
Green visa:
The Green Visa allows skilled workers, freelancers, and self-employed individuals to
sponsor themselves without the need for a UAE employer. It offers a five-year residency,
providing greater flexibility and stability for professionals.
Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as holding a bachelor's degree and meeting
income thresholds.
3. Golden visa:
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa (5 or 10 years) granted to investors,
entrepreneurs, specialized talents, researchers, and outstanding students.It allows
holders to live, work, and study in the UAE without a national sponsor and with 100%
ownership of their business on the UAE's mainland. Eligibility varies based on the
applicant's category and achievements.
4. Freelance visa:
The Freelance Visa permits individuals to work as independent contractors in sectors like
media, technology, and education. This visa offers flexibility to work with multiple
companies and is typically valid for one to two years.
Applicants must obtain a freelance permit from a UAE free zone and can then apply for a
residence visa.
5. Remote work visa (virtual working program):
This visa allows overseas professionals to live in the UAE while working remotely for
companies outside the country. It's valid for one year and is renewable.
Applicants must provide proof of employment, a minimum monthly income of $3,500,
and health insurance coverage.
To be eligible to obtain a UAE Work Visa, in general applications must meet the
following criteria:
Confirmed job offer from a UAE employer: Applicants must have a job offer from a
UAE-registered company. The employer acts as the sponsor and is responsible for
applying for the work permit and residency visa.
Minimum age requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. There’s no strict
upper age limit, but additional fees may apply for workers over 65.
Medical fitness: Applicants must pass a medical fitness test in the UAE, which includes
blood tests and a chest X-ray to rule out infectious diseases like HIV and tuberculosis.
Educational/professional qualifications (if required): Depending on the job role, proof
of qualifications or experience may be required. These documents must often be
attested by relevant authorities.
Clean criminal record: A police clearance certificate may be required to show a clean
background.
Visa category requirements: Eligibility can vary by visa type (e.g., Green, Golden,
Freelance). Each category has its own income, education, or skills requirements.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help employers and employees navigate the process of
applying for a UAE standard employment visa, from securing a job offer to arriving in the
UAE.
1. Secure a job offer
To begin the process, the applicant must have a confirmed job offer from a UAE-based
employer. The employer will become their official sponsor and is responsible for
initiating most of the paperwork.
Job offers must comply with UAE labor law and be registered through the Ministry of
Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
2. Employer applies for an entry permit (work permit)
The employer applies for an Entry Permit (eVisa) from the General Directorate of
Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the relevant emirate.
This Entry Permit (also called a Pink Visa) allows the employee to enter the UAE legally
for employment purposes.
It’s usually valid for 60 days, during which time the employee must complete the rest of
the visa process inside the country.
3. Travel to the UAE
Once the Entry Permit is approved, the employee will receive an electronic copy to use
at immigration when entering the UAE (remember, your passport must have at least six
months’ validity).
They will enter on the Entry Permit and begin the in-country procedures to finalize their
work and residency visa.
4. Undergo a medical fitness test
As mentioned, all foreign workers must undergo a medical fitness screening at an
authorized UAE health center.
This includes:
A blood test to check for infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis.
A chest X-ray to check for tuberculosis.
The test results are typically issued within 24–48 hours. If the applicant is deemed
medically unfit, the visa application will be denied.
5. Apply for an Emirates ID
While the medical test is being processed, the applicant also needs to apply for their
Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port
Security (ICP).
They must:
Submit a copy of their passport and Entry Permit.
Provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints).
Pay the applicable fees.
The Emirates ID is the official UAE identification document and is required for accessing
services like banking, phone registration, and housing.