Sometimes referred to as the “Golden City”, Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and a thriving business. If your company plans to expand overseas, Dubai is a great choice as the economy is growing and any foreign employee looking to relocate can get a work permit relatively easily. However, there are experienced global PEOs available to help you make the visa and permit process as smooth as possible.
Foreigners working in the UAE need to have a valid work permit and work visa in order to work legally in the country. Persons with a work visa in the UAE do not need an additional residence visa. A work visa allows you to legally reside in the country for a specified period of time. This is how you can get a work visa and permit in Dubai.
One of the key things to know about working in the UAE is that the work visa or work permit is provided by the employer. As an employee, you will not apply for this type of visa or authorize yourself. If you are looking for a job opportunity in the emirate, you can start your job search by reading our step-by-step guide on how to find a job in Dubai. You can also search for jobs through websites and portals and we have compiled a list of the most useful job sites in the UAE.
Once you find the perfect opportunity, it’s time to move on to the second step. The Ministry of Human Resources and the Emirates (MoHRE) issues work permits in Dubai. Your employer must apply for this permit and then convert it into a valid residence visa. After obtaining a residence visa, a work permit allows you to enter the UAE and work there. The license is valid for two months. During this period, your employer must arrange for medical examinations, UAE IDs, work cards, and residency visas.
A residence visa is basically a clear proof that you are sponsored by an organization and that the organization paid for your work permit, medical examination and UAE ID.
After obtaining a residence visa, you can sponsor your family and bring them to the country. This also applies to single mothers. In addition, men who are sponsored by their wives in the UAE can also obtain work permits.
Who can apply for a work permit in Dubai?
Three conditions determine whether foreigners need a work visa to Dubai. You will need it if:
- You were hired when you were still in your country
- When you are in Dubai on a visitor or tourist visa, there will be job opportunities.
- You already work in Dubai and want to change your company
First, the MHRC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation have established centers abroad to facilitate this process.
In the second case, you can get a work permit in Dubai by leaving the UAE. You don’t need to fly home. Airlines such as Air Arabia and fly Dubai provide you with a “visa operation” option where you can stop off in a neighboring country (e.g. Oman) until you obtain a permit to work in Dubai.
Recruiting companies can also use the “change of status” process of the Dubai General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs (GDFRA). In this case, you can obtain a work permit in Dubai without leaving the country.
In the third case, you will also receive a new work permit to join the new company. According to Article 1 of Ministerial Decree No. 766 of 2015, employees who terminate their contracts due to the expiration of their contracts are eligible for a new work permit in Dubai, provided they can gain new career opportunities.
Requirements for Work permit
To obtain a work permit in Dubai, you need to fulfill the following conditions:
- Photos on white background
- Copy of passport (valid for at least six months)
- Copy of education certificate required for work (must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country)
Medical examination
In addition to the requirements for obtaining a work permit in Dubai, you will also need to undergo a medical examination at a medical center approved by the Dubai government. This is required for new work visa applicants and renewals. You need to have a blood test and a chest x-ray to check for TB.
Please note that some occupations in Dubai also require you to test negative for hepatitis B and syphilis. It is best to have these tests done in your country to save you time. This is because if you happen to have any of these infectious diseases, you will have to leave the country.
Other considerations
Your company should also be familiar with the procedures employees must follow to bring their family members to Dubai. Spouses, children and even parents can move to Dubai with employees if they also receive a residence permit.
Employees holding a residence permit must apply for a visa on behalf of the family members they plan to bring to Dubai. In addition to the documents required by the standard, they also need to provide proof of their relationship, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
You may face visa fraud while working in Dubai. But there are several ways to avoid these situations. For example, a real employer must provide you with a letter issued by the MHRC. You can also check the legal status of your company in the National Economic Register online.
Similarly, you can check the validity of your license and visa at the GDRFA. In any case, you can contact MOHRE at their contact number (+ 971-680-27666) or on the website to resolve your questions. This concludes our guide on how to obtain a work visa and work permit in Dubai.