How To Get A Work Visa In The UAE

04/14/2025 04/15/2025 1473 0 0 Author Elena Kirichenko

Obtaining a work visa in the UAE is an important step for those who seek to build a career in one of the most dynamically developing countries in the world. The Emirates attracts professionals with competitive salaries, vacancies in large international companies, social packages, excellent medical and educational services. The region is also in demand due to its strong economy, safe environment, high living standards and well-developed infrastructure. There are a huge number of entertainment locations that will appeal to people of all ages.

A work visa is mandatory for foreign citizens who wish to find employment in the UAE, as it helps to protect the rights of employees at the legislative level. It is impossible to work legally without a document, which makes obtaining one a top priority for all applicants. It also serves as the basis for obtaining a resident visa, which allows you to stay in the country for a long time.

Thus, it is not just a formality, but an important tool for achieving professional goals and improving the quality of life. Understanding all the aspects and benefits associated with this document will help you successfully integrate into the new environment and take advantage of all the opportunities offered by this developed country.

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Types of work visas

Foreign specialists are eligible to obtain a work permit in the UAE. They can choose from several types of visas, each of which is designed for different categories of workers.

Alejandro Dominguez, Head of Sales at Iland Real Estate, A work visa in the Emirates is the key to many opportunities. It opens the door to a high standard of living, professional growth and unique work experience in an international environment. Without it, it is impossible to legally find a job and receive legislative protection of their rights.

Standard visa

A foreigner can obtain residency if he works in:

a private company registered in the country;

the public sector;
the free zone.

The document is usually issued for 2 years. It can be extended or cancelled depending on whether they want to extend the contract after its expiration.

Green visa

The residency is intended for highly qualified employees who meet the following criteria:

have a valid employment contract;
they belong to the first, second or third professional level;
have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent;
salary starts from 15 000 AED ($4,100) per month.

Freelancers and the self-employed can also apply for a green residence permit. This will require:

Permission from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE);
Bachelor’s or Specialist’s degree;
annual income of 360,000 AED ($98,000) for the last 2 years.

The document with the right of extension is issued for 5 years. Employer sponsorship is not required to obtain it.

Golden visa for unique specialists

A 10-year visa is provided to outstanding specialists:

scientists;
doctors;
engineers;
managers;
to the inventors;
athletes;
people of creative professions;
holders of a doctoral degree.

To apply for residency, employment contracts, letters of recommendation from relevant Emirati ministries, diplomas of education, proof of work experience and income are required. The list varies depending on the profession.

Please note! Golden residency is also granted for the purchase of real estate in Dubai and other emirates worth from 2 million AED ($ 544,500).

Virtual Work Residence Visa

Foreigners who wish to stay in the UAE but work outside the country can apply for this document. Its duration is 1 year, after which the document can be extended.

Basic conditions for applicants:

prove that you work remotely for a company outside the Emirates;
income from $ 3,500 per month.

A similar program operates in Dubai. The applicant can move to this emirate and continue to work remotely. Among the additional requirements:

provide an employment document and a contract for at least 1 year;
the minimum wage is at least $5,000;
prepare a monthly salary receipt and bank statements for the last 3 months.

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Requirements for a work visa in the UAE

To obtain a work permit in the Emirates, you must meet the following requirements::

The minimum age is 18 years.;
An employee in a profession that requires a license must meet the requirements provided for by law.;
The profession must coincide with the company’s activities.;
The organization is required to have a valid license and not violate the laws.;
the job application is submitted by an authorized person of the company;
A candidate for employment may not have a valid work permit.;
An application for a new permit can be submitted within 90 days from the date of cancellation of the previous one.

Conditions may vary depending on the type of visa.

How to get a work permit

The process of obtaining a work visa in the UAE begins with obtaining a work Permit for legal employment.

Find an employer

Select a company and send your resume.

Get a job offer

If the company is interested in your candidacy, it can send an invitation. Both parties are required to sign a letter of employment offer.

The employer submits an application

Next, the employer submits an application to MoHRE for approval of your candidacy. You must provide the following documents:

color photo on a white background;
a copy of the passport with a validity period of at least 6 months;
the official job offer form, which is issued by MoHRE and signed by the employee and the employer;
employment contract;
certificates indicating qualifications, level of education and academic degree;
a professional license issued by a competent authority.

The list may vary depending on the organization and the position you are applying for.

Expect approval

If all the requirements are met and there are no violations on the part of the company, a work permit is issued.

Steps to obtain a work visa in the UAE

After obtaining a work permit, you must apply for a work visa. It allows a foreign citizen to legally stay and work in the country.

How to apply for a work visa in the UAE:

Get an entry visa

If the applicant is located outside the Emirates, he will receive an Entry Permit lasting 60 days from the date of issue. During this time, you must meet all the requirements listed below.

Visit the Emirates

Now you can legally visit the country to apply for documents and start working.

Get a medical checkup

Take tests for serious diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis, at one of the accredited clinics.

Get an Emirates ID

Write an application for an Emirates ID card. The application can be submitted through the government website or an accredited office. Visit a service center to submit biometric data.

Prepare the documents

Documents required for a work visa in the UAE:

color photo on a white background;
a copy of the passport with a validity period of at least 6 months;
employment contract;
medical insurance and certificate;
application for Emirates ID;
a work card or a receipt for its issuance.

Apply for a resident visa

The employer submits the application, attaching all the necessary documents. Upon approval, it is pasted into the passport.

Apply for a work card

Apply for a work card within 60 days of entering the country. It will be needed to defend the rights of the employee.

Terms and cost of a work visa to the UAE

Read more Jobs in Dubai: how to find someone to get a job and how much you can earn

The validity period of a work visa in the UAE and the amount of processing fees depend on its type.

Type of visa	Validity period	Fees
Standard	Usually 2 years old	From 200 AED ($55)
Green	5 years old
Virtual	1 year
Golden	10 years old	From 1100 AED ($300)

The document may be extended if the applicant meets all the conditions and retains the contract. The average time for issuing a document is 2 days.

The employer bears the costs of obtaining an entry visa, travel to the Emirates, and post-arrival procedures, including medical examination and issuance of a residence permit.

Rights and obligations of a work visa holder

The Emirates has released a guide called Know Your Rights for employees, which explains their rights and responsibilities.

Workers’ rights

An employee can:

receive a signed employment contract no more than one week after arrival in the Emirates;
review the contract and get a copy of it after signing;
do not be responsible for the implementation of procedures for obtaining a residence permit and for the costs of it, as these are the duties of the employer;
to file a complaint with the Ministry in case of violation of rights;
resign at any time.

Employee responsibilities

The employee must:

perform work in accordance with the requirements of the contract;
observe the rules of conduct and ethical standards;
keep data confidential and not disclose official secrets;
do not keep documents related to official secrets without the permission of the employer.;
follow the occupational safety and health instructions;
work during the hours specified in the contract;
do not work for others without special permission.

Some companies provide real estate or pay rent for an employee. To select villas in Dubai and other Emirates, go to Emirates.Estate and sort the options according to the parameters you need.

Visa cancellation

The document is cancelled if the employment contract ends. The contract may be terminated for the following reasons:

The contract is over and cannot be renewed.;
by mutual agreement of the parties;
if either party wants to end the employment relationship;
due to the bankruptcy of the organization and so on.

Either party must notify in writing of the termination of the contract for a period of 1 to 3 months.

Tips for approving a work visa in the UAE

We suggest you familiarize yourself with the tips that will increase the chances of your candidacy being approved.

Cooperation with reliable companies

Make sure that your employer has a good reputation and complies with all the requirements of the country’s legislation.:

has a valid license;
positive feedback from employees;
The company is ready to provide support in the visa application process, including providing all necessary documents and information.

Knowledge of foreign languages

English is widely spoken in the country, which is used in the service sector and business communications. Knowledge of Arabic will be an important advantage, as it is the official language.

Preparing for the interview

Prepare for questions about education and professional experience. Collect the documents that will confirm your qualifications in advance.

How to get a work visa in the UAE

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