Work visas and permits for the UAE
Work visa for the UAE: Do you want to work legally in the Emirates but don’t know where to start? A work visa for the UAE is the official route to a UAE work residence permit, which grants access to local healthcare, the banking system and the option to bring your family over. StableGrowz offers comprehensive support for obtaining a work visa: from initial consultation to receiving your Emirates ID.
A UAE work visa is a residence visa for the UAE that entitles a foreign national to live and work legally in the country. Unlike a tourist visa, a UAE work visa is tied to a specific employer and requires that employer to hold a UAE work permit.
How long is a UAE work visa valid for? A UAE work visa is usually issued for 2–3 years, with the possibility of renewal.
How long is a UAE work visa valid for? A UAE work visa is usually issued for 2–3 years, with the possibility of renewal.
What is a work visa for the UAE?
What types of work permits and employment visas are there?
Depending on your status and qualifications, work visas for the UAE are divided into three categories:
Standard employment visa
Green Visa
Golden Visa
Issued by the employer, it is valid for 2–3 years. A work visa for office staff is suitable for most employees. It entitles the holder to free healthcare, the right to open a bank account and to obtain a driving licence.
A 5-year residence permit for freelancers and the self-employed. No employer sponsor is required. Securing employment in the UAE with this visa allows you to sponsor your family and open bank accounts.
A 10-year visa for highly specialised professionals: doctors, scientists, engineers, inventors and cultural figures. The UAE visa for highly specialised professionals is issued without being tied to a specific employer.
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Who is eligible for a work visa?
Any foreign national over the age of 18 can apply for a work permit in the UAE, provided they meet the employer’s requirements and possess the necessary qualifications. Foreign employees are divided into three categories:
There are no age restrictions, but for employees over the age of 65, the employer must pay an additional 5,000 AED every two years.
There are no age restrictions, but for employees over the age of 65, the employer must pay an additional 5,000 AED every two years.
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Professionals with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Holders of a higher education qualification.
Staff with secondary education.
Requirements and documents
The requirements for a UAE work visa for applicants include:
The employer must provide: a valid trade licence, no history of breaches of immigration law, and the position must be in line with the company’s profile.
Documents required for a UAE work visa (basic package):
- Be aged 18 or over.
- A valid employment contract.
- Passing a medical examination (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, tuberculosis).
- Proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates).
The employer must provide: a valid trade licence, no history of breaches of immigration law, and the position must be in line with the company’s profile.
Documents required for a UAE work visa (basic package):
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Photographs.
- Invitation letter and employment contract.
- Medical examination results.
- Diplomas and certificates.
The process of applying for a UAE work visa
You can obtain a UAE work visa quickly by contacting our experts. We provide detailed guidance on how to apply for a work permit in the UAE and offer professional assistance with the work visa application process, which speeds up every stage.
Step-by-step guide to obtaining a UAE work visa:
Step-by-step guide to obtaining a UAE work visa:
Advice on work visas for the UAE
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Professional services for applying for a UAE employment visa help you avoid errors in your paperwork and ensure your UAE work permit is processed quickly.
Work permit
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Who applies for an employment visa in the UAE? The employer does. They submit an application to the MoHRE and obtain a quota (work permit in the UAE) for the foreign employee.
Gathering documents
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The applicant is preparing a full set of documents to obtain a UAE work visa.
Entry visa
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Once approved, the applicant is granted an entry permit to finalise their status in person.
Medical examination and application for residency
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Upon arrival in the UAE, the employee undergoes a medical examination and submits an application for a residence permit.
Obtaining a work visa and an Emirates ID
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Medical test and Emirates ID
A mandatory step is medical screening for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis and tuberculosis. A UAE work permit will not be issued without a negative test result.
The Emirates ID is issued following approval of the Dubai work visa. It takes up to 5 days to be issued.
The Emirates ID is issued following approval of the Dubai work visa. It takes up to 5 days to be issued.
How much does a Dubai work visa cost, and how long does it take to process?
Work permits for company employees
The standard processing time for a UAE visa is 15–45 days.
The cost of a UAE work visa depends on the type of visa. A ‘green’ visa costs approximately 160–170 USD, whilst a ‘gold’ visa costs around 380–400 USD.
The price of a UAE work permit depends on the free zone selected.
The cost of a UAE work visa depends on the type of visa. A ‘green’ visa costs approximately 160–170 USD, whilst a ‘gold’ visa costs around 380–400 USD.
The price of a UAE work permit depends on the free zone selected.
The application for a Dubai work permit is handled by an employer holding a valid licence, with no record of violations, and in compliance with labour legislation. A tourist or visitor visa does not grant the right to work. Violation of this rule may result in a fine of up to 50,000 AED for the employee, deportation and a ban on re-entry, and a fine of up to 100,000 AED for the employer for each person employed illegally.
Extension and change of employer
A standard work visa for Dubai is valid for 2–3 years. It is possible to renew a Dubai work visa provided the terms of the employment contract remain unchanged and the employer’s licence is still valid.
To change employers, you must cancel your current visa and apply for a new UAE work visa. For ‘green’ and ‘gold’ visas, a change of employer is not required – this status allows you to work for any company or start your own business.
To change employers, you must cancel your current visa and apply for a new UAE work visa. For ‘green’ and ‘gold’ visas, a change of employer is not required – this status allows you to work for any company or start your own business.
with our specialists and choose the right service for your business in the UAE.
Get professional help in choosing the optimal type of company and service package for your business in the UAE. Our experts will help you find the most suitable solution that suits your goals and budget.
Book a free online consultation
Book a free online consultation with our specialists and choose the right service for your business in the UAE.
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