Dubai attracts a large number of ex-pats every year to work in its diverse range of industries. Whether you are looking for a job in established sectors like oil and gas or in new and emerging fields such as media, tourism, or technology, there are many exceptional business opportunities available in Dubai.
However, as with any other country, acquiring a Dubai employment visa is mandatory if you want to work as an employee in Dubai.
Furthermore, if you own a business in Dubai and want to employ workers from overseas, you will need to assist them in obtaining work permits. Generally, it is the responsibility of the employer to facilitate the Dubai employment visa application process for their foreign employees and to bear the costs of obtaining work permits.
Dubai Employment Visa
If you intend to work as an employee in Dubai, obtaining a visa that permits you to work in the UAE is necessary. Fortunately, if you have secured a position with a company in the emirate, your employer will handle most of the paperwork on your behalf.
Essentially, a Dubai employment visa serves as a work permit and combines your UAE residence visa and labour card.
To acquire your work permit, you must first obtain an entry visa. For citizens of several countries, this can be obtained upon arrival at customs in Dubai, and then followed up with an application for a residence visa at a later stage.
Within the first 60 days of your arrival in the country, you must then apply for a residence visa and a labour card, with much of the process being conducted online and taking a short amount of time.
However, if you desire to start working right away when you arrive in the country, you will need a work visa. This visa will allow you to work for the first 30 days, during which time you can apply for a residence visa and labour card.
Types of Dubai Visas
1. Business Visa
The visa is ideal for individuals who wish to establish a business in Dubai or possess professional expertise. It is valid for six months.
2. Persons with Specialized Talents
This visa is designed for individuals working in specialized fields such as doctors, scientists, inventors, and artists. A significant benefit of this visa is that it covers the spouses and children of the visa holder.
3. Mission Visa
The visa has a validity of 90 days and is commonly used by foreigners to explore the region before making a final decision on relocating. To obtain this visa, a company must act as a sponsor.
4. Self-Employment Visas
The self-employed visa, also known as the freelance visa, is for individuals who work for themselves, as the name suggests. This visa category includes property investors, entrepreneurs, and investors with at least 10 million AED in public investments, among others.
Unlike other types of visas, there is no employer to sponsor this visa, and therefore, one must apply for it through a free zone, an established company by working as a contractor, or an individual.
How to get a Dubai Employment Visa?
If you’re unsure of how to begin the process of obtaining your Dubai employment visa, here’s a breakdown of the steps you need to follow to apply:
- The initial step in obtaining a Dubai employment visa is to secure a job as the visa is granted by the employer and not something that can be applied for independently. Hence, the first significant task is to search for a job.
- Once you have found a suitable job, your employer will submit an application for work permits from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This work permit will be valid for two months.
- Within the two-month period, your employer will arrange for other necessary procedures to be completed, such as obtaining your Emirates ID, and labour card.
- After obtaining your residence visa, you have the option to sponsor your family and bring them along with you to the country.
Dubai Employment/Work Visa Requirements
When you’re seeking a Dubai employment visa to work in the emirate, your employer will usually provide you with a checklist of documents that you need to prepare for your work permit application. The documents you need to prepare usually consist of the following:
- Passport copy (With at least 6 months remaining)
- A visa application form
- Application fee
- A passport-sized photo
- Your entry permit
- A valid health certificate
- Three copies of your employment contract
- Education certificates, plus any professional qualifications
- Employer’s trading licence Dubai copy
Dubai Employment/Work Visa Cost
The cost of obtaining a Dubai employment visa is dependent on the type of employment and the applicant’s nationality. Generally, work permits for those with unique or high-demand skills cost around AED 500, while those for less skilled employees start at AED 1,200.
Companies with a diverse workforce may also have lower costs. However, employees typically do not have to worry about the costs as it is the responsibility of the employer to pay for and handle the initial paperwork.
Dubai Employment Visa Renewal
The UAE Work Visa renewal procedure is similar to when you first obtained your visa: your sponsor has to apply at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the relevant emirate.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)
What is Dubai employment visa processing time?
There is no official timeframe provided by the UAE government for the processing of Dubai work permits for Indian nationals. However, it is recommended that you apply for the Dubai entry permit within 2 to 7 working days.
The entry permit allows you to enter Dubai and stay there for 2 months. Your employer in the UAE will then handle the remaining steps of your application, which usually takes around 60 days to complete.
How to track Dubai employment visa status online?
To apply for Dubai visas within the UAE, you can reach out to Amer service on their toll-free number 800 5111. For those outside the UAE, you can contact Amer on the toll-free number +9714-313-9999.
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