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Young people in the current era are racing to search and find a good job opportunity in any town that offers facilities and jobs with acceptable salaries. In the list of countries that are among their choices, the United Arab Emirates tops, due to the work visa issued by the UAE government to foreigners from anywhere in the world. UAE work visas, issued by the state, made it possible to attract workers, employees and craftsmen from various fields to come and search for the appropriate opportunity.
Let’s learn about the details of work visas in the UAE, how to obtain them step by step, their costs and types in the following article.
What is a UAE work visa?
The UAE work visa is a document that allows foreigners to work in the UAE legally. This document is issued by the government of the United Arab Emirates and is required for all foreign nationals who wish to work in this country. A work visa for Dubai or UAE is usually sponsored by an employer or company in the United Arab Emirates. One of its advantages is that it allows the holder to work and reside in the country for a specified period of time. The duration and validity of the visa depends on the type of job and the contract offered by the employer.
When submitting their visa application, applicants must undergo medical examinations and obtain security clearance before they are granted permission to work in the UAE.
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UAE work visa types
There are three types of UAE work visas available and an application can be submitted for obtaining it. The first is the standard work visa, which is intended for employees and government officials, the second is the green work visa, which is for skilled workers with more than 5 years of experience, and the last is the domestic worker visa.
Standard work visa
A foreign employee who wishes to have a standard work visa in the UAE must fulfill the following conditions:
- If he wants to apply for a residency visa to work in the private sector, he must apply to work in the private sector, GDRFA Dubai.
- In the event of working in the government sector or the free sector, he must obtain a residence visa for the individual.
Green visa for work
Many questions revolve around the green visa in the Emirates. This visa is a unique feature that allows its holder to take care of himself for 5 consecutive years without the need for a sponsor. Freelancers, self-employed and experienced workers are the ones who can apply for a green visa in the UAE.
- Freelancers and self employed people need to submit these documents:
- a freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Specialised diploma or bachelor’s degree.
- An annual income for the past two years and from self-employment is not less than 360,000 AED.
- For skilled employees they must have:
- Employment contract.
- A minimum of bachelor’s degree.
- Salary not less than 15000 dirham emirates per month.
The green visa can be renewed with the same validity period after the expiry of the visa period.
Domestic worker visa
The domestic worker visa allows 19 types of professions to be obtained, the most important of which is:
- Housemaid.
- Housekeeper.
- Guard.
- Sailor.
- Shepherd.
- Tamer.
- Jockey.
- Falcon care-taker.
- Worker.
- Gardener.
- Cook.
- Nanny.
- Farm worker.
- Personal trainer.
- Private agricultural engineer.
- Private tutor.
- Home nurse.
- Personal assistant.
- Personal driver.
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UAE work visa requirements
First of all, in order for any worker to be able to obtain permission to work in the UAE, he must first obtain a residence visa and submit the necessary papers and documents. After obtaining a residence visa, he can obtain a permit for a UAE remote working visa. And the papers needed for that are:
- Proof of a valid passport.
- A copy of the passport.
- Entry permit from the UAE Ministry of Labor.
- Emirates ID.
- Positive results of the medical examination.
- A copy from the employer from the company card.
- Copies of the company’s commercial license.
After submitting the previous papers and documents, the employee has the right, after obtaining a residence permit, to obtain a work permit, but on the condition that he submits, in addition to the above, a work permit application written in Arabic and an employment contract or job offer from a company in the Emirates.
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UAE employment visa process
The steps to obtain a work visa in the United Arab Emirates pass through 3 stages to apply for a UAE work visa and it is important to complete each one of them, step by step.
Get an entry visa for the UAE
The work entry visa in the UAE has another name, which is the pink visa. In order to obtain the pink visa, the employer must submit an application and approval on behalf of the employee, where the application is submitted and approved at the Ministry of Labor (MOL). This employment contract, after being submitted by the employer to the Ministry of Labor, must be signed by the employee. This ministry must approve the work permit before approval of the employment entry visa. Upon approval, the employee has only two months to enter the UAE.
After entering the country via the pink visa, the employee has only 60 days to obtain an official work permit and residence visa. In 2023, a new law was issued stating that if the visitor is unable to enter during the first 60 days, he has the right to extend it for another 60 days, and this is valid for all types of visas for one time only.
Get an emirates ID or resident ID card
The Emirates ID is important for the medical examination and to apply for a residence visa, where the employee must personally present the original passport, a copy of the passport and a personal photo of it to the Authority’s Identity Center, where they receive a copy of the fingerprints and the employee’s biometrics.
Obtain work permit for the UAE and residence visa
Do not forget the importance of submitting the documents required to obtain a uae residence visa and be aware that the contract work visa is valid for two years. As soon as the employee obtains the work permit, he is entitled to start his work immediately.
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UAE work visa apply online
Each country has different procedures and criteria for applying and obtaining a work visa, but there are two methods available for applying, which are offline or online. All you have to do to obtain a virtual work visa is to visit the UAE embassy in your country, then apply for a remote work visa online if you live remotely. fill in all your required data in the designated fields, and then pay the visa fees via the Internet as well. If you wish to apply for the borrowing work program, you must first obtain a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months, and a definite health insurance that covers your stay in the United Arab Emirates.
Renewal of UAE work visa
The residence visa or entry visa in the UAE can be renewed either in person or through the GDRFA internet portal. It can also be renewed from within the country before the visa expires within a period of approximately 30 days. The cost of renewing a work permit in the UAE varies according to the classification of the company with which the worker is contracted, whether it is A, B or C, where the cost range is from 250 to 3570 dirhams.
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UAE work visa fees
Dubai work visa or uae visa fees vary according to the type of visa, whether it is the green visa, pink visa, or the domestic worker visa. On average, a two year standard work visa covers charges for medical fitness, visa stamping, MOL and other benefits. It generally costs about AED 3000 – AED 7000 inclusive of all taxes and processing fees. Fees can be paid offline or online according to the method of submitting the application. Renewal of this visa entails fees similar to the above.
Work visa validity in UAE
The validity of the work visa in the UAE can be one, two or 3 years, according to the work contract with the company. It can be renewed for a period of up to 3 years once, but it is strictly forbidden to stay after the expiry of the validity period mentioned in the contract.
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How can I get UAE work visa?
Steps to obtain a UAE work visa :
Find a job in the UAE: You need to have a job offer from a company in the UAE before you can apply for a UAE work visa.
Obtain a work permit: Your employer will need to obtain a work permit on your behalf from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Apply for an entry permit: Once your work permit is approved, your employer will apply for an entry permit on your behalf.
Medical examination: You will need to undergo a medical examination at an approved medical center in the UAE.
Emirates ID registration: You will need to register for an Emirates ID card at one of the authorized typing centers.
Visa stamping: Once you have completed all of the above steps, your employer will submit your passport and other required documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for visa stamping.
Travel to UAE: Once your UAE work visa is stamped, you can travel to the UAE and start working.
Note that there may be additional requirements or steps depending on your nationality and profession.
How much does a UAE employment visa cost?
The cost of a UAE employment visa may vary depending on several factors such as the type of visa, the duration of stay, and other related expenses. It is best to consult with a reliable immigration consultant or visit the official website of the UAE government for more information about UAE work visa.
How do I get Dubai work permit?
general steps to obtain a UAE work visa and work permit in Dubai:
Find a job in Dubai: You must have a job offer from a company in Dubai to apply for a work permit.
Obtain a residency visa: Your employer will sponsor your residency visa, which is required to work in Dubai.
Medical examination: You must undergo a medical examination and obtain a health certificate from the Dubai Health Authority.
Apply for a work permit: Your employer will apply for your work permit on your behalf through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Sign the employment contract: Once your work permit is approved, you will sign an employment contract with your employer.
Obtain an Emirates ID card: You must obtain an Emirates ID card, which is required for all residents of Dubai.
Open a bank account: You will need to open a bank account in Dubai to receive your salary.
Note that the process of obtaining a work permit can vary depending on your nationality and the type of job you are applying for. It’s best to consult with your employer or an immigration lawyer for specific guidance on how to obtain a work permit in Dubai or a UAE work visa.
How long does it take to get work visa for UAE?
The processing time for a work visa in UAE varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. Generally, getting a UAE work visa can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks for a work visa to be processed and approved.
UAE work visa or any other emirate like abu dhabi and DUBAI visa for work opened the way for all employees, workers and people with expertise from all countries to apply and obtain a job opportunity to build their future and establish their life in that country, due to the enormous capabilities and benefits that UAE offers to the worker, which are not compared to any other country. In addition, the worker is allowed through visit visa and residence visas. By attracting his family with him and settling in the United Arab Emirates.
