The absence of income tax, high salaries and an appropriate standard of living make the United Arab Emirates an excellent place for immigrants to work. By the way, they make up almost 90% of the total population of the country. In this guide, we figure out what it takes to get a job in the UAE, which vacancies are the most in demand here, whether a job in Dubai is available without knowing English, and what salaries can be counted on.
How many foreigners live and work in the UAE?
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, more than 9 million people live and work in the UAE in 2024. foreigners (i.e. 88.52% of the total population). The top five countries of origin of these foreigners include:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal.
These countries account for more than 70% of the total foreign population of the UAE. Other countries of origin include the Philippines, Egypt, Indonesia and Ethiopia.
Foreigners play an important role in the UAE economy, making up more than 90% of the workforce in some industries. They are also one of the main sources of income from tourism: in 2023, the share of the UAE tourism sector in GDP amounted to 220 billion dirhams, which is 11.7% of the total economy. This growth trend is expected to continue in 2024: according to forecasts, the volume of the sector will reach 236 billion dirhams and will account for an even greater share of GDP — 12%.
Pros and cons of employment in the UAE
The UAE attracts specialists from all over the world, primarily with high salaries. However, it is worth considering the disadvantages, among which it is worth highlighting the strict social principles and norms associated with the Muslim religion and the traditional Arab way of life.
Positive
- High salaries. Wages in the UAE, especially in large cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are significantly higher compared to other countries. For example, a CEO can earn from 580 thousand dirhams ($157 thousand) per year, and an engineer — 100 thousand dirhams ($27 thousand).
- No income tax. There is no income tax in the UAE for individuals, as well as for companies whose annual turnover is less than 375 thousand dirhams ($102 thousand).
- A high standard of living. Modern infrastructure is being created and developed in the UAE, including business centers, advanced medical and educational institutions.
- The international environment. The best personnel from all over the world flock to the Emirates, creating an environment in which they can share experiences with representatives of other cultures.
- The intermediary language. Signs and signs are duplicated in English. It is widely used in the UAE as an international and business language.
Minuses
- Rental housing. Rental housing in the UAE (especially in its central cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi) is high, and you will have to pay about 7,500 dirhams ($2,000) per month for a one-room apartment.
- General expenses. Food, education, and medical care can also be expensive. The international school will cost 52 thousand dirhams ($14 thousand), and a liter of water will cost $2.5.
- Extreme temperatures. The climate in the UAE is hot, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
- Legislation and customs. The UAE has strict laws and standards of conduct related not only to cultural, but also Muslim customs. They regulate alcohol consumption, gender relations, and social behavior.
- The sponsorship system (Kafala). Employers play a key role in obtaining and extending a visa. They can appeal to the Ministry of Labor with a complaint about an unscrupulous employee. If proven guilty, the Ministry may impose a temporary ban on the opportunity to work in the UAE.
In-demand jobs and industries
The needs of the labor market in the UAE are driven by the developing nature of the country and the desire to meet high quality standards. Large-scale construction projects require design engineers in various fields, from the design of water treatment systems to air conditioning systems.
The information technology sector is highly dependent on high-quality personnel. The main focus is working with advanced technologies in the field of cybersecurity and AI. At the same time, the demand for developers and programmers also remains at a high level.
Simplified procedures have been introduced for qualified scientific and medical personnel to obtain citizenship through naturalization, which indicates an acute shortage of personnel in these areas.
Information technology:
- AI training specialists;
- cybersecurity specialists;
- e-commerce specialists;
- software engineers;
- web developers;
- developers of mobile applications.
Construction:
- Green Energy Engineer;
- engineer-designer of energy systems;
- civil engineers;
- mechanical engineers;
- electrical engineers.
Healthcare:
- doctors;
- emergency doctors;
- paramedics;
- nurses;
- pharmacists.
Management:
- recruitment managers;
- administrators;
- project managers.
In-demand industries in the UAE
- Technology and IT. The UAE is actively investing in the development of technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain and cybersecurity.
- Healthcare. The health sector continues to grow due to the increase in population and the development of health tourism.
- Renewable energy. The UAE has launched programs to increase the share of renewable energy through the development of desert areas. Engineers and specialists in this field are in demand for the implementation of projects for the construction of solar and wind power plants.
- E-commerce. The growing popularity of online commerce increases the need for e-commerce specialists, online store managers and digital marketing experts.
- Finance. As investments grow, so does the banking sector, which needs accountants, financial analysts, and risk managers.
- Education. Most of the UAE’s population are expats and foreigners. In a multicultural environment, there is a need for qualified teachers and teachers.
- The hotel business. The image of the UAE as a tourist destination depends on the availability of qualified hotel managers, chefs, waiters, maids and other staff.
- Logistics and supply chain management. Supply chain managers, logistics managers and other specialists in the field of logistics and supply chain management.
In addition to these professions, foreigners with skills and experience in areas such as customer service, administration and management are in high demand. It is important to note that the labor market in the UAE is highly competitive, and foreigners need to have serious skills and experience to work successfully.
Job search in the UAE: websites, recruitment agencies, social networks
The widespread job search in the UAE increases the chances of successful recruitment. However, not everyone has this opportunity. You can come to the Emirates and spend money on expensive rental housing and other expenses, without finding anything suitable.
The best way is to search for vacancies remotely and accumulate a database of such options, and then, when there are enough of them, travel on a tourist or other visa to the UAE and be interviewed in person. Yes, it is not possible to work directly in the UAE without a work visa, but no one forbids you to look for work.
The main job search sites in Dubai and other Emirates are:
- Bayt
- NaukriGulf
- FoundItGulf
- Gulf News Careers
- Laimoon
International recruitment agencies specialize in recruiting personnel in various fields, including finance, marketing, engineering and IT. However, it should be borne in mind that they do not work for free. They can receive their profit through charging a fee from an applicant, and the option of a one-time payment or deduction from wages is possible in case of successful employment.
The applicant can send his RESUME to licensed employment agencies in the UAE. If a suitable vacancy appears, the agency will contact the applicant and provide all the necessary information with the next steps. It is important to note that the Ministry of Human Resources and the Emirates issues licenses for the activities of recruitment agencies only to UAE citizens. Such agencies do not require applicants to pay for employment, since the obligation to pay fees lies with employers.
With the development of the Internet in social networks, it has become possible to find vacancies in the communities of various social networks. However, there is also a high risk of deception, since employers usually undergo verification on specialized websites before applying for vacancies.
LinkedIn is an exception, as the platform was developed specifically with a focus on networking and job search. It will be optimal to search for vacancies in official groups and on confirmed profiles of large companies.
If you are already in the UAE, then visiting career fairs will provide an excellent opportunity to meet with employers in person and discuss employment opportunities. Professional events and meetings organized by business associations and professional clubs can also significantly speed up the job search process through new personal contacts. And of course, you can directly contact your employer or a local recruitment agency.
How to get an internship
The internship is provided to young professionals and students for professional development, gaining practical experience and improving their career prospects. The multinational and highly professional environment of the UAE is the best suited for this.
You can find an internship through various channels, but job search sites, university career centers, recruitment agencies and official company websites are best suited:
- Bayt
- GulfTalent
- InternsME
- Indeed
Most internships are aimed at undergraduates and graduates. The main requirements for potential interns are high academic performance and confident command of the English language (at least Upper—Intermediate). Companies welcome the knowledge of additional foreign languages, especially those related to their activities in international projects.
The application process begins with writing a letter in which the student explains his motivation for an internship at this particular company. Then he attaches a resume to the letter and sends it to a potential employer.
If the answer is yes, you will need to be interviewed. Most often it takes place in an online format, but a personal meeting is also possible. Some companies may request additional documents, such as a certificate from the place of study, recommendations and a portfolio.
During an internship, the average salary in the UAE depends on the industry, the company and the qualifications of the candidate. But on average, monthly payments range from 2000 to 5000 dirhams ($550–$1350). Some companies take on the costs of transportation, food and housing as a bonus.
Features of employment and requirements for applicants
The key skill for a foreigner is knowledge of English.The better the level of proficiency, the more vacancies open to the applicant. That is why people from Pakistan and India are more likely to work in not the most attractive positions with very modest earnings — their knowledge of English is on average lower than that of other expats.
Work for Russians in the Emirates is usually paid higher, because the level of foreign language proficiency is higher. Next come immigrants from the former colonies of Western countries, where English somehow remained the second state language. And native speakers have the highest salaries: British, Americans, Australians and others. However, work in Dubai for Russians without knowledge of the language is also limited in quality and quantity, as well as for others.
Age-related prejudices are officially absent in the UAE. However, if the issue is to hire a foreigner, then the preferred age category is from 21-40 years old. The exception is the qualifications and experience of a potential employee, due to which the employer can turn a blind eye to age.
The standard working week in the UAE lasts from Sunday to Thursday, with weekends on Friday and Saturday. The working day usually starts at eight or nine in the morning and ends at five or six in the evening.
Employers can provide their wards with various bonuses. The most significant of them is the payment of the flight and administrative expenses for registration. Otherwise, the employer can cover the costs of food, accommodation, as well as transportation and medical care.
The probation period usually lasts from three to six months. During this period, the employer and the employee can terminate the employment contract with a few days’ notice. Notifying the employer is a key feature, otherwise the employee may be banned from entering the Emirates.
Termination of an employment contract in the UAE is regulated by labor law. The employee or employer must notify the termination of the contract 30 days in advance. In some cases, if the contract is terminated without a valid reason, a fine may be imposed, compensation withheld, and in the worst case, a lifetime ban on entry into the UAE.
If there is a conflict between the employer and the employee, there are several stages of its settlement. First of all, you need to try to solve the issue on your own and find a compromise. If the conflict cannot be resolved within the company, the parties may try to conclude a peace agreement with the help of a mediator. In extreme cases, the conflict can be referred to the labor relations regulatory authorities, where a special commission examines the case and makes a final decision on the issue.
The main requirements for applicants:
- Knowledge of English, knowledge of Arabic will be an advantage.
- The applicant must be over 18 years old.
- Specialized education with a diploma confirmed and legalized in the UAE.
- Availability of a professional license or certificate.
- Professional experience in the highly competitive UAE market plays a key role in employment.
Features of working in Dubai
Before finding a job in Dubai, you need to understand the factors of its demand among migrant workers. The main reasons are active construction, high wages and centralization of administrative processes. A work visa to Dubai is processed 1-2 weeks faster than in Ras al Khaimah.
A significant indicator of the demand for specialists are vacancies in Dubai relative to their total number in the UAE. As of May 2024, on the popular job search site in the Persian Gulf — Bayt — out of ten thousand open positions, half are located in Dubai. Jobs in Abu Dhabi account for only a fifth of the total number of vacancies (2 thousand). It is important to note that jobs for girls in Dubai are only 130 positions, and for men 100, while the remaining 4,700 are available for both sexes.
Dubai is home to 75% of all vacancies on Bayt related to the Russian language. Vacancies in Dubai for Russians number just over a hundred positions, while the rest of the UAE accounts for only 54. This is due to the increased popularity of the Emirate among Russian-speaking tourists and investors. The average salary in Dubai for Russian speakers is also higher than in other regions, and ranges from $1,500 to $2,500.
Opening a business in Dubai is a little easier due to the larger number of free zones. They offer tax breaks for companies registered with them. 20 of the 46 zones are located in Dubai.
Labor reforms 2022-2023 in the UAE
Since February 2022, new labor legislation has come into force in the UAE.
Correction |
Description |
Cancellation of indefinite contracts |
From February 1, 2023, all employees of the private sector (with the exception of financial free zones DIFC and ADGM) must work on fixed—term contracts. The duration of a fixed-term contract is determined by agreement of the parties, but is no longer limited to 3 years. |
Job loss insurance |
The UAE has introduced an unemployment insurance system for all employees in the private and public sector. The program will cover 60% of the employee’s basic salary for 6 months. Employees are not eligible for insurance if they are: dismissed for disciplinary reasons; resigned; transferred to a new job; left the country. |
Payments at the end of work |
The new labor legislation clarifies and expands benefits for the dismissal of employees. For example, now employees are entitled to one day of severance pay for every 21 working days. |
Increasing the length of annual leave |
In accordance with the new labor legislation, the duration of annual leave for all employees has increased. For example, employees with less than 5 years of experience are now entitled to 30 days of annual leave compared to 21 days. |
Flexible working hours |
The new legislation allows employers and employees to negotiate flexible work schedules, such as remote work and part-time work. |
Equal pay |
The new labor legislation prohibits discrimination in employment, including on the basis of gender. This means that employers are obliged to pay women and men the same salary for work of equal value. |
In addition to the above-mentioned reforms, the UAE has ratified a number of international labor conventions, including the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. This demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to protecting the rights of all workers, regardless of their nationality.
The labor reforms of 2022-2023 represent a significant step forward for the UAE. They will help create a more flexible and fair labor market and better protect the rights of all workers.
Documents for work in the UAE
Before finding a job in the UAE, you need to collect all the necessary documents. First of all, you need a valid passport, and its validity period must exceed six months from the date of application. Then there is a work visa to the UAE and a contract with the employer. Without this, legal work in the emirates is not available.
Before entering the country, you need to undergo a medical examination and have documents with its results in your hands. As well as a certificate of no criminal record issued by the authorities of the country of residence.
When entering with a family, passports of all its members will be required, as well as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate of children, if any, and a certificate of medical examination for each family member.
Legalization of a diploma for the UAE
The legalization of a diploma is a process that includes the translation of a document, its notarization, and legalization at the UAE Embassy. It can be translated into both English and Arabic.
This is necessary in order for the document, and not only the diploma, to be valid in other states. In order to apply for a work visa, an employer from the UAE will first of all ask a potential employee for a legal diploma, a certificate, and so on.
Doctor’s certification report on practical activities
Doctors need a certification report on their practical activities. This document is issued by the institution where the specialist worked, and should include all types of his activities in his position over the past few years. The list should include a clock indicating the total time devoted to a particular medical practice. Without this report, working as a doctor in Dubai and any other Emirate will be unavailable.
It is also worth considering that the employer may ask for letters of recommendation that need to be legalized. You may have to provide additional certificates to confirm the documents.
UAE Work Visa (work permit)
So how do I get a work visa in the UAE? After all, without it and a work permit, foreigners do not have the right to work in the Emirates. The availability of such a visa guarantees the legal protection of the employee’s rights, his social guarantees and opens access to medical care. It is also impossible to legally open a bank account and rent a house without it.
Obtaining a work visa:
- Getting a job offer. An employer in the UAE must offer you a job and prepare an employment contract. He also acts as a sponsor and is responsible for the visa application process.
- Obtaining a work permit. The employer submits an application for a work permit to the UAE Ministry of Labor (MOHRE), at the same time, he must prove that there are no available candidates for this position in the local labor market. If successful, the applicant receives a preliminary work permit.
- Medical examination. The applicant must undergo a medical examination, including blood tests and screening for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV, at approved medical centers in the UAE.
- Applying for a visa. The employer submits an application for a work visa to the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners (GDRFA) of the relevant emirate. If approved, the applicant is issued a temporary visa (Entry Permit), with which he can enter the UAE to continue registration.
- Arrival in the UAE and completion of the process. While in the UAE, the applicant must undergo additional medical checks and submit biometric data. According to their results and the documents provided, a work visa is issued. The employer must issue an employee with an identity card (Emirates ID).
The list of required documents:
- An employment contract signed with an employer.
- A copy of the passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.
- Color photographs in 45 mm x 35 mm format.
- Medical certificates.
- A preliminary work permit from the UAE Ministry of Labor (MOHRE).
- A document confirming the absence of criminal records issued by the competent authorities of the country of residence.
- Diplomas and certificates confirming qualifications and work experience.
Resident status
The resident status allows you to stay in the UAE for a period of one to three years, depending on the type of resident visa. Obtaining resident status is as important for a foreigner as obtaining a work visa. Without these two documents, employers do not have the right to hire a foreigner, at least legally.
Residents have access to a variety of public and private services, including opening bank accounts, renting housing, obtaining a driver’s license and access to local medical services. And their children have the right to study in public and private schools.
To obtain resident status, you need to find a sponsor from the UAE. In most cases, these are the employers themselves, who are ready to hire a foreigner.
The document submission process:
- Signing an employment contract with an employer.
- Passing a mandatory medical examination at approved medical centers in the UAE.
- Providing a certificate of non-criminal record from the country of residence.
- Collection of all necessary documents, including passport, photos, medical certificate and employment contract.
- Depending on the emirate, the application for a residence visa is submitted to the Federal Office for Identification and Citizenship (ICA) or the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners (GDRFA).
After the approval of the application, a temporary visa is issued for arrival in the Emirates. Where the final registration of a resident visa takes place, including the submission of biometric data and obtaining an identity card.
Other types of visas for work in the UAE
In addition to the work visa, there are several other types of visas that give the right to work in the UAE. The broadest program for granting resident status is the “Green Visa”. It is suitable for investors, highly qualified professionals, self-employed and freelancers.
Type of visa |
Validity period |
Requirements |
Golden Visa |
5 or 10 years |
– Investors who invest at least 2 million dirhams on deposit or in real estate investments. – Specialists in the fields of medicine, science, engineering and art. – Entrepreneurs with a registered business worth at least 500 thousand dirhams. – Students and graduates with outstanding academic achievements. |
Short-term Work Visa |
60-90 days |
– An invitation from the employer. – A short-term work permit from MOHRE. – Medical examination. |
Green Visa |
5 years old |
– Freelancers, self-employed, qualified employees and investors. – Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. – Confirmation of stable income for the previous two years in the amount of at least 360,000 dirhams (self-employed, freelancers). – Salary of at least 15,000 dirhams per month (employees). |
Student visa |
1 year |
– Sponsorship by UAE residents or educational institutions. – A certificate issued by a university or institute, indicating the duration of study. |
Digital Nomad Visa (Virtual Work Visa) |
1 year |
– Evidence of remote work for a foreign employer. – Minimum income of at least $3,500 per month. – Bank statement for the last three months. – A valid employment contract or proof of business. |
Retirement Visa |
5 years old |
– Age 55 and older or at least 15 years of work experience in the UAE. – Having savings or property totaling at least $272,200 – Proof of income of at least $5,500 per month |
Blue Visa |
10 years old |
– Activists, scientists, researchers, specialists who have made an exceptional contribution to the protection and sustainable development of the environment both in the UAE and abroad. |
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Consequences of illegal employment
The main consequence of illegal activity is arrest. Even if it seems that the employer has securely hidden his illegal workers, this does not save them from raids by law enforcement agencies of the UAE. The salary in Dubai for migrants in the status of illegal immigrants is several times less than the market one.
The arrest is followed by a trial, the result of which may be a fine for both the employee and the person who hired him. Then, most often, deportation occurs with a restriction on re-entry to the Emirates.
The lack of legal status also affects the employee’s rights. He has no legal protection from the government, which means that he has to rely only on the integrity of the employer. An unscrupulous employer may delay the salary, withhold another part or not pay it at all.
The same applies to medical care, because there is no access to medical services and insurance without legal status. An appeal to medical institutions ends in arrest.
Average salary in the UAE
The average salary is influenced by many nuances, ranging from experience to industry and region. The average salary in the UAE as of the beginning of 2024 was 233,900 dirhams (AED), in terms of the average monthly salary — this is about 19,500 dirhams (AED).
In the UAE, labor legislation does not set the minimum wage, however, based on the analysis of the labor market, it can be concluded that the minimum level is in the range of 50,540 AED per year or 4211 AED per month (13,762 USD and 1147 USD, respectively). This is an average indicator of the minimum income level — different categories of workers can earn both below this amount and above.
In turn, the maximum salary level is in the range of 1,079,600 AED per year or 89,966 AED per month (294,000 USD and 24,500 USD, respectively). This is an average indicator of the maximum income level — different categories of employees can earn both below this amount and above.
The average wage figures in various industries are shown below:
Branch |
Salary level in AED per month |
Salary level in USD per month |
The financial sector |
||
Junior buchglater |
10,000 AED |
2723 USD |
Financial Analyst |
15,000–25,000 AED |
4080–6800 USD |
Head of Department |
70,000–155,000 AED |
19,000–42,000 USD |
Financial Director |
up to 130,000 AED |
35,400 USD |
IT sector |
||
Support Engineers |
12,000–20,000 AED |
3270–5450 USD |
Software Developers |
20,000–45,000 AED |
5450–12,250 USD |
Cybersecurity Specialists |
25,000–60,000 AED |
6810–16,340 USD |
Director of Information Technology |
up to 130,000 AED |
up to 35,400 USD |
Medicine |
||
Nurses |
4000–12,000 AED |
1090–3270 USD |
Therapists |
20,000–40,000 AED |
5450–10,890 USD |
Dentists |
30,000–70,000 AED |
8170–19,060 USD |
Doctors of a narrow profile (for example, surgeons) |
50,000–100,000 AED |
13,620–27,230 USD |
Oil and gas industry |
||
Mining Engineers |
40,000–70,000 AED |
10,890–19,060 USD |
Project managers |
50,000–90,000 AED |
13,620–24,510 |
Education |
||
School teachers |
10,000–20,000 AED |
2720–5450 USD |
Teachers at universities |
20,000–40,000 AED |
5450–10,890 USD |
Construction and real estate |
||
Civil engineers |
15,000–40,000 AED |
4080–10,890 USD |
Project managers |
22,000–50,000 AED |
5990–13,620 USD |
Tourism and hospitality, service sector |
||
Household workers (gardeners, babysitters, cleaners) |
1500–2500 AED |
410–680 USD |
Waiters, cleaners |
2000–4000 AED |
540-1090 USD |
Sellers and cashiers |
1500–3000 AED |
410–820 USD |
Managers in hotels |
30,000–60,000 AED |
8170–16,340 USD |
Managers of restaurants and resorts |
20,000–50,000 AED |
5450–13,620 USD |
Transport and logistics |
||
Drivers |
3000–6000 AED |
820–1630 USD |
Logisticians |
15,000–35,000 AED |
4080–9530 USD |
Marketing and advertising |
||
Marketing Manager |
20,000–50,000 AED |
5450–13,620 USD |
Head of Department |
30,000–70,000 AED |
8170–19,060 USD |
Aviation |
||
Pilots |
40,000–70,000 AED |
10,890–19,060 USD |
Aviation Engineers |
30,000–60,000 AED |
8170–16,340 USD |
It is worth noting that salaries in the public sector are higher than in the private sector. Public sector employees earn about 5% more than private sector employees in the same position. It is also worth mentioning that the public sector mainly employs indigenous residents of the UAE.
An important indicator for determining the level of wages in the UAE, as in any other country, is work experience. Thus, employees with 2-5 years of experience earn about 35% more than employees without work experience. For employees who have been working for 10 years or more, wages increase by another 20%, and then by another 15% — after overcoming 15 years of experience.
The level of education also plays an important role. Specialists with a master’s degree earn on average 30% more than bachelor’s specialists. Specialists with a doctoral degree earn an average of 22% more than specialists with a master’s degree.
In the UAE, men earn an average of 7% more than women. On average, men earn 20,050 AED (5460 USD) per month, while women earn 18,780 AED (5110 USD). The main job in the UAE for women includes such specialties as hostess, administrator, nurse.
The amount of salary depends on the emirate. The highest average salary in Dubai is 21,480 AED per month (about 5,850 USD). The lowest in the emirate of Umm al-Qawain is 17,480 AED per month (about 4,760 USD). The difference between the average salary in Dubai and Umm al-Qawain is 22% in favor of Dubai.
Average salary in the Emirates
The Emirate |
Average salary per year in AED |
Average salary per year in USD |
Average monthly salary in AED |
Average monthly salary in USD |
Dubai |
257,760 |
21,480 |
70,188 |
5849 |
Abu Dhabi |
253,440 |
21,120 |
69,012 |
5751 |
Sharjah |
245,280 |
20,440 |
66,790 |
5566 |
Ajman |
232,920 |
19,410 |
63,424 |
5285 |
Ras Al Khaimah |
225,720 |
18,810 |
61,464 |
5122 |
Fujairah |
216,840 |
18,070 |
59,046 |
4920 |
Taxation in the Emirates
Taxes in the UAE are not the most severe for foreigners. Zero income tax in the UAE is considered one of the key benefits for both investors and expats. You do not need to pay taxes on wages, as in other countries, where income tax can be up to 50% of the amount of funds received.
There is no corporate tax in the UAE for most types of activities. However, starting from June 1, 2023, companies with a net profit of over 375 thousand dirhams ($ 102 thousand) will need to deduct 9% of the profit amount to the treasury of the UAE. Before that, companies paid VAT in the amount of 5%, but now the total deductions are 14%.
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There are many free economic zones in the UAE, each with its own tax regime. For example, in some free zones, companies can expect zero taxes in the UAE for legal entities. A distinctive feature of these zones is the possibility of hosting completely foreign companies.
However, foreign workers in the UAE may be subject to other taxes, such as:
- Value added tax (VAT). This is a consumption tax that is levied on most goods and services sold in the UAE. The standard VAT rate is 5%.
- Excise tax. This is a selective tax that is levied on certain goods and services, such as tobacco products, carbonated drinks and energy drinks.
- Social security contributions. Employees in the UAE are required to make social security contributions, which are used to finance the country’s pension system and healthcare system. The social insurance contribution rate is 20% of the employee’s total salary, of which 5% is paid by the employee himself, and 15% by the employer.
Company registration in the UAE
You can open a company in the UAE in the Mainland jurisdiction and the Free Economic Zone. It depends on which taxes you will have to pay in the emirates. Submit the necessary documents, including the company’s charter, business plan, passport details of the founders and documents for renting office space.
Starting a business in the UAE also requires a license corresponding to the type of activity of the company, whether it is a trade or professional license. If the company is subject to taxation in the emirates, it is necessary to register with the Federal Tax Service and obtain a VAT number.
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Work ban in the UAE
In the UAE, there are prohibitions on obtaining or extending a work visa for foreign workers who violate established labor discipline. Penalties include a ban on employment in the UAE for a period of up to one year. In case of more serious violations, a lifetime ban on both work and stay in the country may follow.
Types of restrictions:
- The restriction on work activity for six months. It is imposed on persons who quit their jobs without proper notification or legal grounds.
- One-year work restriction:
- The employee impersonated someone else;
- gross violation of discipline;
- disclosure of official secrets;
- leaving a job without a valid reason before the end of the contract;
- leaving the country during the probation period without proper notice.
- Lifetime ban on work and stay in the UAE. It is usually issued for serious violations, such as criminal offenses or escape from an employer. Those with a permanent ban are generally prohibited from re-entering the UAE for any purpose, including tourism, business or accommodation.
How to avoid restrictions
You need to find a job with a higher position and salary. The new employer must coordinate their actions with the Ministry of Labor and submit the necessary documents confirming their qualifications and salary level.
- For the holder of a secondary education diploma, the minimum salary is 5,000 dirhams.
- For the diploma holder, the minimum salary is 7000 dirhams.
- For a bachelor’s degree holder, the minimum salary is 12,000 dirhams.
You can also try to enter into a mutual agreement with the employer. If both the employer and the employee agree to terminate the contract, the employment ban may be lifted. This agreement must be documented and submitted to the Ministry of Labor.
Some workers may be exempt from the ban based on their professional skills required in the UAE. The ban on working in the UAE does not apply to holders of a golden visa.
Restrictions can be lifted by filing a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and the Emirates (MoHRE). In this case, the case is sent to a special committee, which will make a decision based on the evidence provided.
Features of culture in everyday life and at work
The peculiarities of the United Arab Emirates lie in the Middle East specifics, which include the customs of the Arab people in combination with Muslim traditions. However, the multicultural environment has made this environment a little more liberal, especially for foreigners, although not in everything.
Household culture
- Hospitality. Hospitality is an important part of UAE culture. Locals and expats often invite guests to their homes and offer tea or coffee, which is considered a sign of respect and friendliness.
- Clothes. The UAE adheres to conservative norms in clothing. Women and men should dress modestly, especially in public places. For women, this may mean closing shoulders and knees, and for men, avoiding shorts and T-shirts. The exceptions are beaches and special public places like water parks and swimming pools.
- Holidays and religious customs. Islamic holidays play an important role in the life of the UAE. For example, during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the daytime, while eating in public places is prohibited, so as not to tempt the faithful.
- Behavioral limitations. It is forbidden to publicly express your feelings (hugging, kissing). Detention may result in an appearance in public places under the influence of alcohol.
Culture at work
- Working environment. Due to the peculiarities of the Islamic calendar, working days in the UAE usually last from Sunday to Thursday, with weekends on Friday and Saturday. The working time is fixed: an eight-hour working day and an hour for lunch. But its beginning may be floating.
- Gender discrimination. In general, there is no gender discrimination in the UAE in the workplace. Both men and women work in leadership positions. Women are actively involved in business, politics and public life. The State supports women’s rights to work and provides opportunities for career growth.
- Hierarchy and respect. Subordination and respect for elders are at the heart of the mentality of the UAE residents. For example, a sign of respect is to address colleagues by name with the addition of a title (for example, Mr. or Mrs.).
- Communication. Politeness and tact are more important than directness and frankness. Personal communication and the establishment of trusting relationships often play an important role in business negotiations and cooperation.
Can a foreigner apply for UAE citizenship?
Foreigners can obtain UAE citizenship, but this process is not easy. There are two main ways to obtain UAE citizenship:
- Naturalization. Foreigners who have been legally residing in the UAE for at least 30 years and have a good reputation can apply for naturalization. At the same time, they must be fluent in Arabic and have a basic understanding of Islamic culture and law.
- Exceptional services. The UAE Government can also grant citizenship to foreigners who have made exceptional contributions to the country’s development in the fields of business, science, technology, culture or art.
In addition, the UAE government recently introduced a new program that allows investors and talented people to obtain citizenship on an expedited basis. Applicants must meet certain criteria, for example, have a certain level of wealth or invest a certain amount of money in the UAE.
It is important to note that obtaining UAE citizenship ultimately depends on the discretion of the government. There is no guarantee that the application will be approved, even if the applicant meets all the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pay attention to when signing a contract with an employer in the UAE?
First of all, you need to make sure that the terms of the contract are specific: it should be from one to three years. It is also worth double-checking the salary figures and points related to bonuses, such as payment by the employer for insurance, transport or housing. The last thing to check in the contract is the length of the probation period.
Is it possible to live in the UAE with your family?
Yes, you can. An employee with a valid work visa can act as a sponsor for his family. To do this, you need to receive at least 4 thousand dirhams ($1,090) per month. And also have housing with enough space and conditions for family members. You need to be prepared to pay for related expenses, such as health insurance for all family members and school fees for the child.
When is it better to come to work in the UAE?
It is worth considering the hot climate of the UAE. From June to September, the temperature can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. From October to April, the climate is milder.
Which emirates are most in demand among foreign specialists?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most in demand. The average salary in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is on average 50 thousand dirhams per year higher than in other Emirates. Due to the greater popularity, more different facilities are being built in these emirates, which means that the range of vacancies is higher.
What professions are in demand in Dubai?
Among the most sought-after professions in Dubai are: engineers, doctors, teachers, accountants, nurses, sales representatives, IT specialists, marketers, HR specialists, construction workers, hotel workers.
On which websites can I look for a job in the UAE, in particular, in Dubai?
There are a number of thematic resources: Bayt.com , GulfTalent.com , Indeed.ae , LinkedIn, Monster Gulf, Naukri Gulf, TotalJobs.ae , Dubizzle.com .
Can I find a job in Dubai without knowing Arabic and English?
Working in the UAE without knowing English involves low-paid and hard work. Knowing English even at a basic level opens up a wider range of jobs with higher salaries.
Author
Mikhail Konon is a copywriter
I write informative articles about real estate, investments, job search and taxes.
Co-author
Roman Tomashevich Analyst
I show the situation on the real estate market in graphs and figures.