Dubai Work Visa & Residency: Who’s Eligible & How to Apply

Saturday, 29 March 2025

Dubai, a global business hub, attracts professionals from around the world with its tax-free income, luxurious lifestyle, and vast career opportunities. If you’re an expat looking to work or settle in Dubai, understanding the visa and residency process is essential. This guide outlines the step-by-step procedure to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Table of Contents

• Types of UAE Work Visas
• Requirements for Obtaining a UAE Work Visa
• Who is Eligible for a UAE Work Visa?
• Frequently asked questions

The number of professionals relocating abroad for work has significantly increased in recent years, with Dubai emerging as a preferred destination. The city’s straightforward employment visa process and attractive work opportunities have contributed to its large expatriate community, which makes up approximately 88% of the population.

For foreign nationals planning to work in Dubai or the broader UAE, securing a work visa is a crucial step. The process involves:

• Selecting the appropriate work visa category
• Obtaining an entry permit
• Applying for an Emirates ID
• Completing a medical fitness test

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Dubai’s work visa options, the required documentation, and a step-by-step breakdown of the application process. Additionally, we explore how partnering with an immigration expert can simplify the process for businesses seeking to hire international talent or relocate employees to the UAE.

Types of UAE Work Visas

Foreign professionals seeking employment in Dubai must obtain a UAE work visa before entering the country. The choice of visa depends on the applicant’s employment type and eligibility. The three primary types of work visas available in Dubai are:

Standard Work Visa

• An employer-sponsored visa that allows expats to live and work in the UAE for two to three years.
• The employer is responsible for renewing or canceling the visa upon expiration.
• Requires an official employment contract and approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
• Foreign nationals must receive a written job offer and obtain an entry permit before arriving in the UAE.

Green Visa

• Introduced in October 2022, the Green visa is designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
• Provides a five-year residency without requiring employer sponsorship.
• Allows holders to sponsor immediate family members.
• Includes a six-month grace period after visa expiration or cancellation.
• Standard documents for application include:
  • A self-employment permit or valid employment contract from MoHRE.
  • Proof of education and professional qualifications.
  • Proof of sufficient income for the duration of stay in the UAE.

Golden Visa

• A 10-year residency visa designed for highly skilled professionals and exceptional talents.
• Available to doctors, scientists, inventors, athletes, artists, healthcare professionals, and other distinguished individuals.
• Provides additional benefits, including:
  • Access to exclusive health insurance packages.
  • The ability to sponsor unlimited immediate family members and domestic staff.
  • No restrictions on time spent outside the UAE.
• Eligibility varies by profession and background. Applicants can check their qualification status through an eligibility quiz on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) website.

Requirements for Obtaining a UAE Work Visa

The specific requirements for a UAE work visa depend on the type of visa being applied for. Below are the general supporting documents needed:

Essential Documents:

• Original passport (with at least six months validity) and a copy
• Passport-sized photographs (as per UAE visa requirements)
• Emirates ID card (applied for during the process)
• Entry permit issued by the Ministry of Labor (MoL)
• Medical fitness certificate from a UAE government-approved health center
• Attested academic qualifications (verified by the UAE Embassy in the employee’s home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Employer-provided documents, including a valid commercial license and company card

Responsibilities:

• The employer is responsible for initiating the visa application process and covering related costs.
• The employee must provide all required documents for processing their residence permit.

How to Get a UAE Work Visa: A Step-by-Step Process

The UAE work visa application process consists of three key stages: obtaining an employment entry visa, applying for an Emirates ID, and securing a residence visa along with the work visa.

Stage 1: Obtaining an Employment Entry Visa

1. Apply for an Entry Visa Quota Approval:

• Employers must obtain quota approval from the Ministry of Labor.
• Free zone employers need specific visa quota approval based on office space availability.

2. Submit a Signed Employment Contract:

• The contract must be in English, Arabic, and the employee’s native language (if different from the two official languages).
• The employer submits the contract for approval to the MoL.

3. Submit a Work Visa Application & Entry Visa Request:

• The MoL verifies the employer’s registration status and ensures no unemployed UAE nationals can fill the role before approving the application.

4. Receive an Employment Entry Visa:

• Once approved, the MoL issues an employment entry visa (Pink Visa) valid for:
  • 60 days for standard and Green visa holders
  • 6 months with multiple entries for Golden visa holders
• Employees must enter the UAE within the validity period to complete the visa formalization process.

Stage 2: Applying for an Emirates ID

5. Visit an Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) Center:

• Submit a passport and entry visa
• Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
• The Emirates ID is essential for the residence visa process and daily identification.

Stage 3: Obtaining a Work Visa & Residence Visa

6. Undergo a Medical Check-Up:

• A health screening at a government-approved clinic is mandatory for obtaining a residence visa.

7. Submit a Labor Contract:

• o The employer must upload the contract to the MoL website within 14 days of receiving the medical results.

8. Secure Health Insurance:

• Health insurance is mandatory for all expats.
• Employers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi must provide health insurance for employees and their families.
• Expats in Sharjah and the northern Emirates must purchase their own insurance.

9. Receive the Work Visa & Begin Employment:

• The MoL issues the work visa within five days after completing all formalities.
• Employees can then legally begin working, and payroll can commence.

10. Obtain a Residence Visa:

• Employees must submit their residence visa application with supporting documents.
• If the Emirates ID hasn’t been received, a confirmation receipt suffices.
• The residence visa is typically valid for two years and is renewable.
• A residence visa is required for:
  • Opening bank accounts
  • Registering a vehicle
  • Obtaining a PO box

Who is Eligible for a UAE Work Visa?

Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to apply for a UAE work visa, provided that both the employer and employee meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The following conditions must be met:

• The employer must have a valid business license and be fully compliant with MoHRE regulations.
• The company must be free from any legal violations or unresolved labor disputes.
• The job role assigned to the employee should align with the company’s industry and activities.
• The employee should have a minimum educational qualification, typically a high school diploma or equivalent.

Dubai offers an excellent work environment for professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documents, you can secure your work visa and residency hassle-free. Whether you’re aiming for career growth or a luxurious lifestyle, Dubai provides an unparalleled opportunity to thrive.