The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the well-recognized destinations where several ambitious individuals aim to work and build a better future. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have modern infrastructure, extensive corporations, and come up with a range of potential opportunities for people seeking career or business growth. Moreover, the UAE also welcomes people from all across the world to find potential jobs and earn a sustainable income for themselves and their families. However, those seeking career growth in the UAE must know about the work visa, which is a legal document that allows them to reside and work in the country. Having a work visa allows individuals to get reputable jobs in the nation and earn a significant amount of income. Through this comprehensive blog, let’s understand how to get a UAE work visa, its benefits, process, documentation, and more.

What is a UAE Work Visa?

For those who want to live and work in Dubai or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a work visa is their gateway to do so. A UAE work visa is a legal document or approval that gives you permission to reside and work lawfully in the country. There are different types of work visas in the UAE. Some last for 2–3 years, while others can last for 5 or even 10 years. Depending on the type and nature of your job, you will be granted a particular work visa in the UAE.

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Types of Work Visas in the UAE

The UAE offers a range of options when it comes to granting a work visa to individuals from all across the world. With the help of reliable professionals, you can even apply for a Dubai visa application for your job in the UAE. There are three key types of work visas in the UAE. Let’s have a closer look:

1. Standard Work Visa

This is one of the most common types of work visas that people opt for in the UAE. It is used by most workers in Dubai and the UAE. Here are some of its key specifications:

It is for people who get a job in the UAE from a company.
The company becomes your sponsor, which means they help you get your visa.
The visa is usually valid for 2 to 3 years.
Your company applies for your visa and handles most of the paperwork.
The company is responsible for your renewal and work permit cancellation UAE

2. Green Visa

The Green Visa is especially designed for freelancers and people who work for themselves, like online workers, small business owners, etc. It is most suitable for people who want to work independently in the UAE. Here is the breakdown of this visa:

It does not require the company to sponsor you.
It is valid for 5 years.
You can also sponsor your close family members (like your husband, wife, or children).
If your visa is cancelled or expires, you get 6 months to stay and sort things out.
The Green Visa has a simple application process, but the required documents can be different for each job type.

3. Golden Visa

A Golden work visa is a special type of visa that is given to individuals with significant talent or extraordinary skills. This visa is like a reward for highly talented people to live and work in the UAE.

It is valid for 10 years.
You don’t need a company to sponsor you.
It is for doctors, scientists, artists, sports players, inventors, and other people who are very skilled in their fields.
Golden Visa holders get many extra benefits, such as special health insurance packages, sponsorship of unlimited family members, support staff, and staying outside the UAE for a long time without losing the visa

Documents Required to Obtain a UAE Work Visa

Before applying for your UAE work visa, you need to collect several essential documents. One of the significant work permit UAE requirements is that your documents must be in English or Arabic. If they are in another language, they must be translated and approved. Here’s what you will need:

Your passport (original and a copy)
Your passport-size photos (with white background)
An Emirates ID card
A special entry permit from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources (MoHRE)
A medical certificate (from a UAE-approved clinic)
Your school or college certificates, stamped and approved by your country’s government and the UAE embassy
Documents from your employer, such as their company license
Evidence that you have paid the visa fees

Steps to Apply for a UAE Work Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Applying for a work visa in the UAE is not at all a challenging task if you comply with the rules and fulfill all work permit UAE requirements. Here is how you can apply for your visa:

Step 1: Receive a Job Offer

You must first get a job offer from a Dubai-based company. That company will serve as your visa sponsor throughout your Dubai visa application journey.

Step 2: Employer Submits Application

The Dubai-based company will apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE). Once the Work Permit UAE check is done, the MoHRE will issue an initial entry permit, which is also called the pink visa.

Step 3: Travel to Dubai, UAE

Once you get the entry permit, you can go to Dubai and commence your job. This permit is valid for 60 days, and within this time, the rest of the visa process must be finished. The work permit UAE processing time is generally short, and you will not have to wait for too long.

Step 4: Medical Test

When you arrive in Dubai, you must go for a medical check-up at a government-approved clinic. This includes checking your blood and chest X-ray to make sure you are fit and healthy to work. This is one of the essential work permit UAE requirements that needs to be fulfilled.

Step 5: Emirates ID Application

After your medical test, you must apply for your Emirates ID card. This card is your official ID in the UAE. You will need to go to a center where they will take your fingerprints and photo.

Step 6: Get Your Residency Visa

Next, your company sends all your documents, including medical results, ID form, etc., to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). They will give you a residency visa, which is stamped in your passport. This visa is usually valid for 2 years.

Step 7: Get Your Labor Card

At the end, you will receive your labor card, which proves that you can work legally in Dubai. This card is linked to your employer and needs to be renewed with the visa. However, if by any chance your visa gets delayed, you can visit the visa checking Dubai website to know the status.

How Much Does a Dubai Work Visa Cost?

The cost of getting a work visa in Dubai can vary depending on a few important factors. It mostly depends on the type of visa you are applying for, whether a company is sponsoring you or you are sponsoring yourself, how quickly you want the visa to be processed, and what kind of job or qualifications you have. On average, a standard two-year work visa can cost between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000. If you plan to bring your family members with you, you will need to pay an extra amount, usually between AED 4,000 and AED 6,000 per person.

There is also a medical test fee, which usually costs between AED 500 and AED 700, depending on the tests required. These are estimated costs and may change slightly based on your specific case. In many situations, your employer might pay for some or all of these expenses, especially if you are highly skilled or taking up an important position in the company.

Processing Time of UAE Work Visa

The work permit UAE processing time is usually fast. Once your employer applies, you can expect to get your entry permit in about 5 to 7 working days. After you arrive in the UAE, the full visa process, including your medical test and Emirates ID, usually takes around 10 to 15 working days. Sometimes, delays can happen, but most people get their full work visa done within 2 to 3 weeks. It’s important to follow each step carefully and provide all the correct documents.

Conclusion

Getting a work visa in Dubai is a step-by-step process that becomes easy if you follow the rules and prepare all the required documents properly. Even if you are applying for a standard work visa through a company, choosing to work on your own with a Green Visa, or aiming for a long-term Golden Visa because of your special skills, the UAE offers many significant opportunities for aspiring job seekers from around the world. Once you get your visa, you can live and work legally in one of the most modern and fast-growing countries. So, if you are wondering how to get a UAE Work Visa, start by understanding the steps given above, and get the right documents ready.

If you are dreaming of working in Dubai but feel confused about where to start, Future Dream is here to help. Our expert team guides you through the entire process, from getting a job offer and collecting documents to submitting your work visa application and settling in the UAE. We make the steps easy and stress-free. Join thousands of happy clients who made their dream of working in Dubai, UAE, come true. Contact Future Dream today and take the first step toward a better future in the UAE.

How to Get a UAE Work Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

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