Employment visa UAE
UAE visa requirements for expats are considerably less intensive than in neighboring Middle Eastern countries. As a popular expat destination, the UAE attempts to make the visa application and process as straightforward as possible. To apply for a UAE visa, most expats first need an entry permit. This can be sponsored in a number of ways such as work, a hotel, or resident family member. Once in the UAE, expats can apply for the residence visa and work permit.
Most expats secure employment before they arrive in the UAE. This is the easiest way to obtain a residence visa and work permit. In general, UAE companies will complete all visa requirements for expats, including covering UAE visa fees. In most cases these companies will sponsor the visas of an employee’s immediate family as well.
Work Permits and Employment Based Visas
Obtaining a work permit or employment visa in the UAE is fairly straightforward. The majority of expats arrive in the UAE having already secured employment. This streamlines the visa process as most UAE companies handle all residence visa and work permit requirements, including covering visa fees.
Work permits and employment visas can last anywhere from one to ten years. As of May 2019, the UAE released its first ever permanent residency scheme: the Gold Card. This visa applies primarily to “exceptional professionals.”
What are the UAE Work Visa Requirements?
Before you obtain a UAE work permit, you must first obtain an entry visa, Emirate ID card, and residence visa. Your work permit, also called a labor card, will be listed in your residence visa. The most important work visa requirement is proof of a work contract or job offer from a company within the UAE. Everything else that is required for the work permit is also required for the residence visa
- Application form
- Emirates ID card
- Several passport-photos
- Original passport plus photocopy
- Copy of valid company card
- Valid commercial license of the company
- Medical check and health certificate
- Entry permit issued by the Ministry of Labor
Labor cards are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the emirate state where you are employed. It takes about ten days to receive your labor card. It is typically valid for two years.
All submitted forms and documents must be written in Arabic. The employment contract should also be written in Arabic. You will need three copies: one for yourself, one for your employer, and one for the Department of Labor.
What does a UAE Work Visa Cost?
The cost of a UAE work visa depends on the category of your company and whether you are a skilled or unskilled worker.
Skill Levels
Level 1: These are the individuals who have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification. These are some of the qualified professionals:
- Manager
- Engineer
- Doctor
- Teacher
- Accountant
- Accounts Clerk
- Marketing Specialist
- Quantity Surveyor
- Executive Secretary
- Pharmacist
- Administration Officer
- Reservation Officer
- Safety Officer
- Public Relations Officer
- Computer Operator
- Advertising Designer
Level 2: Individuals under this category are those who have completed their diploma in any field. This category typically involves people who are in mechanical and technical jobs.
Level 3: If you have high school or higher secondary qualification.
- Sales Executive
- Sales Representative
- Sales Supervisor
- Site Supervisor
- Administration Clerk
- Correspondence Clerk
- Customs Clearing Clerk
- Ticketing Clerk
- Cash Desk Clerk
- Receptionist
- Cashier
- Store Keeper
- Tourist Guide
Persons with Specialized Talents
This visa includes specialized talents and researchers in the fields of science and knowledge. This applies to doctors, specialists, scientists, inventors, as well as creative individuals in the field of culture and art. The visa advantage extends to the spouse and children. All categories are required to have a valid employment contract in a specialized field of a priority in the UAE.
Granting this visa is subject to the following conditions:
- Scientists must be accredited by the Emirates Scientists Council or holders of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence.
- Creative individuals in culture and art must be accredited by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
- Inventors must obtain a patent of value, which adds to the UAE’s economy. Patents must be approved by the Ministry of Economy.
- Exceptional talents must be documented by patents or a scientific research published in a world-class journal.
- Executives must be owners of a leading and internationally recognized company or holders of a high academic achievement and position.
- Doctors and specialists must meet at least two of the following conditions:
- A Ph. D. degree from one of the top 500 universities in the world
- An award or certificates of appreciation in the field of the applicant’s work.
- Contribution to a major scientific research in the respective field of work.
- Published articles or scientific books in distinguished publications in the respective field of work.
- Membership in an organization related to the field.
- A Ph. D. degree, in addition to 10-year professional experience in their field.
- Specialization in areas of priority to the UAE
This visa is valid for ten years.
Family Visas
In order to sponsor family members, it is not mandatory that expats have a work permit. Expats need only a residence visa to sponsor family members in the UAE. It is impossible to have a work permit without a residence visa.
Self-Employment Visas
What are the UAE Self-Employment Visa Requirements?
The first self-employment visa requirement to fulfill is finding a sponsor. To find one, the easiest way is to enter the country and search in-person or online, when you can meet interested parties face-to-face. Sponsorship for self-employment can be obtained through a free zone, as a contractor through an established company, or through an individual. Self-employment visas are often called freelance visas.
When you apply for a self-employment visa you will be expected to show the proper qualifications in whatever area you intend to work. For example, if your self-employment is in the medical field, you will be expected to show adequate qualifications to the Ministry of Health. Expats are advised to contact us Today
There are Several Self-Employment Visa Types to Consider:
- Investors in a Property
- Entrepreneurs
- Investors in public investments of at least 10 million AED (2.7 million USD)
- Freelance
Investors in a Property in the UAE
Granting this visa is subject to the following conditions:
- The investor must invest in a property of a gross value of not less than 5 million AED (1.3 million USD).
- The amount invested in real estate must not be on loan basis.
- The property must be retained for at least three years.
This visa allows holders to remain in the country for five years.
Entrepreneurs
This category includes those having an existing project with a minimum capital of 500,000 AED (136,000 USD), or those who have the approval of an accredited business incubator in the country.
- The entrepreneur is allowed a multi-entry visa for six months, renewable for another six months. The long-term visa includes the spouse and children, a partner and three executives.
This visa allows holders to remain in the country for five years.
