How to Get a UAE Work Visa

The United Arab Emirates is famous not only as a tourist destination but also as a work destination. One of the legal ways to immigrate here is through a labor contract with a local organization.

There are three types of visas: standard, green, and golden.

• Standard Visa

The standard visa in the UAE is suitable for those intending to work in the private or public sector, as well as in free zones. This document is valid for 2 years and can be extended. The application is submitted by the employer.



• Green Visa

The green visa is available for qualified specialists and freelancers, with a validity period of 5 years. It can be extended for the same period. The application is made directly by the applicant.



• Golden Visa

The golden visa is a long-term permit granted to qualified professionals, including doctors, executive directors, and specialists in science and technology. This document is valid for 10 years, after which the applicant can apply for an extension for the same period. The applicant must apply for this type of work visa independently.

What Documents Will You Need?

Initially, a registered company in the UAE applies for an entry permit for a foreign citizen. The following documents are required for this:

• ID photo.
• Your passport along with a photocopy.
• Emirates ID card.
• Your UAE entry permit, which must be acquired from the Ministry of Labour.
• Medical screening results.
• A copy of the commercial license for the company you are employed by.

For certain positions, a verified copy of your academic diploma is required. If it’s a low-skilled job, educational documents are not necessary.

The cost of the entry permit for obtaining a work visa in the UAE depends on the specific freehold zone and can range from $600 to $1,350.

The foreign worker receives the entry permit via email. Once you arrive at the UAE airport, before going through passport control, they must collect the original permit and obtain an entry stamp on the original document.

Obtaining an Emirates ID

A work visa requires mandatory receipt of a Resident ID, also known as an Emirates ID. You will need to submit your passport and entry permit at the local typing center. A registration application will then be prepared. Afterward, you will be photographed and have your fingerprints taken at the center.

The residency card is valid just like the work visa in Dubai, from 2 to 3 years. The process of issuing the Emirates ID usually does not exceed 3 weeks.

Steps to Secure Your UAE Work Visa

Starting a professional career in the UAE requires navigating a series of important steps to secure your work visa. Here’s a comprehensive guide to streamline your application process:

• Obtain Entry Visa Quota Approval

If your employment is set in one of the 46 free zones in the UAE, your employer must first seek visa quota approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This initial step is crucial for moving forward.



• File Your Work Visa Application

Once quota approval is obtained, your employer will proceed to file your signed employment contract alongside the visa application. Approval from the MoHRE is usually granted after verifying that the company is officially registered in the UAE and confirming that there are no unemployed UAE nationals available for the position.



• Obtain Your Employment Entry Visa

After the work visa application is approved, the MoHRE will issue your pink visa. It is the employment visa which you have already got. This document enables you to enter the UAE legally to complete the necessary steps to finalize your work visa and submit your application for a residence visa. If you are already in the UAE on another visa, you might need to either adjust  your status or temporarily leave and re-enter the country to activate your new visa.



• Request an Emirates ID

As soon as you arrive in the UAE, it's important to submit your application for an Emirates ID at an EIDA center. This process involves providing biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph. The Emirates ID is not only vital for residency but also serves as your primary identification within the UAE.



• Complete a Medical Examination

A medical checkup at a clinic authorized by the government in the UAE is a requirement. This examination will involve tests for communicable diseases, ensuring that you meet health standards.



• Provide Your Labor Contract

Your employer is tasked with uploading the approved labor contract to the MoHRE’s online portal within fortnight of receiving the results. Completing this step is essential for the finalization of your work visa



• Acquire Health Insurance

Health insurance is a compulsory requirement for all expatriates residing in the UAE. In  Dubai or Abu Dhabi, your director is responsible for providing this coverage, whereas in places like Sharjah, you may need to arrange it independently.



• Receive Your Work Visa

Once all the requirements are satisfied, the MoHRE typically processes your official work visa within five days. With this visa, you can commence your employment in the UAE, and your employer will begin processing your payroll.



• Apply for a Residence Visa

Finally, after meeting all the prerequisites, you can apply for your residence visa. This visa is usually valid for two years and can be renewed, granting you the ability to dwell in the United Arab Emirates, establish bank accounts, license vehicles, and more.




Following these steps meticulously will make it easier for you to go through the work visa application process in the UAE. Ensuring all required documents are properly prepared and submitted, you can ensure a smoother transition into your new position and life in the UAE. Whether you're a seasoned professional or embarking on a new adventure, understanding these requirements is essential for a successful relocation.

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