UAE Work Visa Requirements 2024: Eligibility, Documentation, & More 

The UAE offers work visas for all foreigners. Those above the age of 18, and meeting the eligibility criteria set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) can apply. The UAE work visas are of different types. To work in the country you need a valid permit. This means you cannot work on a visitor visa. Before applying for a UAE work visa you must know about the requirements in detail. This blog covers all the requirements to be met before applying for a work visa in UAE.

Who Needs a UAE Work Visa?

To work in UAE, all foreign nationals are required to obtain a work permit and a residency permit. Generally, an employer is responsible for providing the required documents. It is important to provide correct documentation or else penalties would be imposed.

UAE offers a work permit for 30 days. During this time, the employer assists with the residence visa, labour card, and Emirates ID card. The permit can be extended for 30 additional days. However, to take up long-term employment in the region you need to obtain a long-stay visa.

Also Read: Learn all about Dubai Student Visas 

Types of UAE Long Stay Work Visas

You must know about the types of work visas to know the UAE work visa requirements. The following are the different types of work visas available:

1. Standard Work Visa 

A standard visitor visa is given for 2 years. To obtain a standard visitor visa you must be:

• A private sector employee. (You need to apply for a residency visa for a person working in the priority sector)
• An employed person in the government sector or a free zone( You need to apply for a residency visa in a free zone)

An offer letter is mandatory for this type of visa.

2. Green Visa 

A green visa is a residency visa given for 5 years. This long-term visa is for skilled professionals, investors, and freelancers. The benefits of a green visa are as follows:

• You do not need an employer or sponsor to apply
• The visa allows you to sponsor visas for family members such as children
• Additionally, extended time is given (up to 6 months) after the visa expiry or cancellation. This allows them to remain in the region
• Sons can stay in on a green visa till their 25th birthday. However, a daughter can stay till marriage- no age limit is given,.

UAE work visa requirements: To obtain a green visa you must provide proof of annual income from self-employment (AED 360,000), or a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month (as a skilled worker).

Additionally bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma must be presented. A freelance/self-employment permit or a valid employment permit is also needed.

3. UAE Golden Visa 

The UAE Golden visa is another type of long-term residence permit.  With a golden visa, a resident can utilise several benefits such as:

• An entry permit of 6 month
• The permit can be renewed for 5-10 years without sponsorship
• Can stay outside UAE for 6 months and still retain the resident tenure 
• Can provide visa sponsorship to family members spouses and children regardless of their age
• If the primary visa holder dies, then the dependent can still stay in UAE till the permit duration.

Also Read: Check the latest update on Dubai work visa requirements

UAE Work Visa Requirement: Eligibility

Any foreign national above the age of 18 can apply for a UAE Work Visa. A UAE work visa sets no maximum age limit for the applicant, (those above 65 years need to pay a higher fee).

However, every applicant must meet the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The foreign workers are divided into 3 categories based on their skills:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree 
• Must have a post-secondary diploma in any field 
• Must have a high school diploma

UAE Work Visa Requirements: Documents 

The following are the UAE work visa requirements for documents. You need to present these documents to obtain the visa 

• You must have a valid passport and its copy
• Submit a passport-size photograph as per the UAE requirements 
• Submit proof of your academic qualifications. The UAE consulate or embassy would verify these documents 
• You need to undergo a medical examination at a government-approved health centre. The medical documentation must be submitted
• Additionally, the company that’s hiring you must present documents such as a company card, commercial license, etc.

Watch this video to learn more about the documentation requirements:

Steps to Obtain a UAE Work Permit 

After you have met the UAE work visa requirements, you can obtain a work permit. The UAE work permit steps are provided below. Note- The employer applies for a work permit. The steps undertaken are as follows 

• The employer would visit the Tas’Heel website,- this is the Ministry of Labour’s online portal
• Next, they would submit the required documents
• The ministry would receive the application, and ask for any additional information if required 
• The ministry can ask for you to correct any irregularities that are considered necessary
• After the Ministry’s approval, the employer can download the same from the website 

UAE Work Permit Fees 

Now that you know about the UAE work visa requirements, you must also know about the fees necessary for the work visa. 

Particulars	Fees
Initial approval of new electronic work permit (all categories)	AED 200
Approval of new electronic work permit and labour card (category 1)	AED 600
Approval of new electronic work permit and labour card (category 2 – Level A)	AED 1,500
Approval of new electronic work permit and labour card (category 2 – Level B)	AED 2,000
Approval of new electronic work permit and labour card (category 2 – Level B)	AED 5,000
Additional charges for those above the age of 65	AED 5,000

UAE Work Permit Processing Time

The UAE Work Visa typically takes about five working days to process. This timeline may vary depending on the application and any additional requirements, but most applicants receive their visa approval within this period.

Particulars	Processing Time
UAE Work Visa processing time	5 working days

UAE Work Permit Visa Validity

The UAE work permit initially given is only valid for 30 days. You can extend the time provided for 30 additional days. During this time the employer and you will have to work together to arrange a residence visa, Emirates ID, and the Labour card. 

You need both the residence permit and the labour card to live and work in the UAE legally. A residence permit can be issued for 1-3 years depending on the purpose of your stay.

UAE Work Visa Renewability 

It is possible to renew a UAE work visa. You need to apply for the visa renewal 30 days before the expiry date of the visa. The application process is similar to getting your initial visa.

The sponsor will have to apply at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Generally, a work visa is renewed for the same period as the initial work permit validity period. If your visa falls under the ‘grace period’ then you can renew your visa after the expiry date.

How do I get a work visa for Dubai?

Dubai is one of the 7 emirates in the UAE. Therefore, the eligibility requirements for the Dubai work visa are the same as the UAE work visa requirements. The steps to obtain a work visa for Dubai are:

• Apply for a job in Dubai either through an online portal or while visiting the UAE on a visitor visa 
• Next, obtain the job offer letter from the employer. The employer would be responsible for applying for a work permit on your behalf while you are in your home country
• If the work permit is approved you can use the same to enter Dubai 
• The employer would now arrange for you to undergo a medical examination. Meanwhile, a residence permit is applied for.
• The employer would arrange the Labour card and the Emirates ID card.

UAE Work Visa Requirements for 2024: Summary

Ensure that you hold the following UAE work visa requirements for 2024 before leaving India:

1. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE. It should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
2. Obtain a formal job offer or employment contract from a UAE-based company. The employer will typically initiate the visa application process.
3. Your employer will apply for your work visa through the UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
4. You will need a labour card, also known as an employment visa. Your employer will arrange for this through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
5. Undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized health center in the UAE. This usually includes a blood test and a chest X-ray to check for communicable diseases.
6. Apply for an Emirates ID, which is a mandatory identification card for all residents in the UAE. Your employer will assist you with the application process.
7. Provide attested copies of your educational and professional certificates. They must be notarized in India and attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate.
8. Be prepared to pay the visa application fees, which vary based on the type and duration of the visa. Your employer may cover these costs.
9. The processing time for a UAE work visa can take from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the efficiency of your employer and the UAE authorities.
10. Ensure you comply with all UAE labor laws and regulations, including those related to working hours, wages, and worker rights.

Also Read: List of Best Part-Time Jobs in Dubai for International Students

FAQs

We hope you now understand what are the UAE work visa requirements. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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