Explore the Process, Requirements, and How to Apply
Dubai’s economy is growing rapidly, and demand for skilled international talent has never been higher. With a wide range of job opportunities and strong global connections, it has quickly become one of the world’s most attractive destinations for expats.
However, when it comes to working in Dubai, the same fundamental rule applies as in most countries: you need the correct legal authorization. There’s no way around the paperwork. If you’re planning to move for work, it’s important to understand your Dubai work visa options early in the process. Here’s an overview of the main Dubai work visa options and how to apply.
How to Get a Dubai Work Visa
Most expats secure a job before arriving in Dubai, and this is generally the most practical approach.
In most cases, employers handle the visa process on behalf of their staff, including sponsorship and payment of required fees.
Many companies also extend sponsorship to immediate family members. Work permits and employment visas in Dubai typically range from 1 to 10 years, depending on your role and contract.
Before you can begin working, there are several key steps in the process, including obtaining an entry permit, an Emirates ID, and a residence visa.
A work visa may also be referred to as a labor card, depending on the context, so it’s helpful to be aware of both terms when researching requirements.
The most important requirement is a confirmed job offer or employment contract, as sponsorship is tied directly to your employer.
The good news is that many of the documents required for a work visa also overlap with those needed for a residence visa, which helps streamline the overall process.
The first step in the process is obtaining an entry permit.
Entry Permit Visa in Dubai
Well, before you get a work visa, you need an entry permit visa, issued by the Ministry of Labor. This is also known as a pink card.
Upon successful application, your entry permit visa is valid for two months from the date of issue and allows you to stay in the United Arab Emirates for thirty days. You can extend an entry permit visa twice.
Residency Visa and Emirates ID Card
Once you are successfully in Dubai with your entry permit visa in hand, your employer can begin the process for your residence visa. You have sixty days to complete all paperwork.
One of the first steps is to visit an Emirates ID service center to get your Emirates ID. You’ll need to bring your passport and entry permit visa. After this, you’ll need the following to complete your residency visa application.
Your employer will take care of this and will work with you to fill it out.
Passports and Photos
You will need to supply several passport-sized photos, along with your original passport, plus a photocopy. Pro tip: Make some additional copies of your passport for yourself and leave one with a trusted friend while you’re overseas.
Company Validation Documents
As part of your work visa application, you will need to submit a copy of a valid company card and a valid commercial license of the company. Your new employer can easily arrange this.
Medical Check and Health Certificate
A valid health certificate is required for anyone applying for a resident permit. This process requires the applicant to submit to a health check at a government hospital or medical clinic.
The tests must take place in the United Arab Emirates. No tests from outside the country are accepted. Your future employer or your embassy can advise on recommended clinics and hospitals.
During the health check, you can expect to have a chest X-ray and blood tests. These tests check for certain communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, leprosy, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.
Any positive results will terminate your residence visa application process, and you will have to leave the country immediately.
At present, there is no appeals process. If you have any concerns that you might test positive for any of these conditions, speak to your family doctor at home.
Some simple testing can set your mind at ease or, at the very least, let you know where you stand before you begin the process of moving to Dubai.
Dubai Work Visa Requirements
With your entry permit visa, Emirates ID, and residency permit in hand, you have nearly everything you need to finalize your work visa application. You’ll also have to provide the following:
- Photographs
- Your valid passport (with a minimum of six months of validity)
- Three copies of your employment contract
- Education certificates
- Professional qualifications as applicable
- The sponsoring company’s trade license
Processing Times
In general, it takes about ten days to receive your work visa. During the approval process, the Ministry of Labor bases its decision in part on verifying that no local citizens are able to perform the job in question.
Note that all submitted forms and documents must be written in Arabic or supplemented by a notarized translation.
The Gold Card Visa Program
In May 2019, the “Gold Card” visa program was introduced in the United Arab Emirates. It includes options for five-year and ten-year visas.
Five-year visas are available to people who invest at least AED 5 million in property. They must retain these investments for at least three years. The five-year visa also allows the applicant’s family to reside in the UAE with a UAE work visa.
10-year visas are available to people who invest at least AED 10 million. This can be either in an investment fund or a new or existing company.
Real estate can make up 40% of this investment. People with specialized talents can also get a 10-year visa. “Specialized talents” usually refer to top doctors, specialists, and inventors. People with a 10-year visa can bring their families to the UAE.
Tourist Visas in Dubai
Thankfully, if you just want to check out Dubai as a tourist, the visa application process is much simpler. Visas are granted on arrival to most visitors at the airport.
This visa allows people to be in Dubai for 30 or 90 days within a 365-day period, but not for employment. However, you can use a tourist visa to search for a future employer or to have meet-and-greet-type visits.
However, even if you receive a job offer, you cannot begin to work until you have your work permit. People with a tourist visa can, in theory, be upgraded to a work visa in Dubai, but it all comes down to timing. In some cases, you may need to leave the country and return to resume work.
Keen to know more? Read about the best places to live in Dubai, the cost of living in Dubai, and health insurance in Dubai.
Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning Canadian travel writer with over ten years of experience. Her work has appeared in major publications, and she draws on living in France, Ireland, England, and Malawi to bring global insight to her stories.
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