The UAE’s new visa policies are attracting global attention, with people from all over considering working or settling here. The straightforward visa process makes it even more appealing. This guide simplifies the UAE work visa application process, outlining all the necessary steps. Let’s explore the blog for complete details!
Categories and Process for UAE Work Visa
Following are the categories of UAE work visas along with the application process:
1. Standard Work Visa
Foreigners can obtain a normal employment visa or standard work visa, typically for two years. Here are the two types of standard UAE work visas:
For Foreigners With Job Contract
The UAE work entry visa for foreigners with a job contract allows them to stay for 60 days until residency requirements are met. The work visa is valid for federal or local government, private sector and domestic service workers.
These are the requirements and service fees apply for a work visa for foreigners with a job contract:
- Requirement
- Personal Photo
- Passport copy (at least six-month validity)
- Fees
- Work visa fee: AED 200 + 5% VAT
- Additional fees (if the sponsored person is inside the country):
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Fee inside the country: AED 500
For Virtual Work
A foreigner engaged in remote work is granted a visa without employment. It allows them to stay in the country for 60 days from entry until the residence requirements are met.
To apply for a virtual work visa, you must fulfil the requirements and pay the service charges:
- Requirement
- Recent personal photo (white background)
- Passport copy (at least six-month validity)
- Proof of working for an entity outside the UAE remotely
- Proof of monthly income of at least 3,500 US dollars or the equivalent in foreign currencies
- Valid health insurance document
- Fees
- Virtual work visa fee: AED 200 + 5% VAT
- Additional fees (if the sponsored person is inside the country):
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Fee inside the country: AED 500
Steps to Get a Standard Work Visa in UAE
The steps for getting either of the standard work visas are straightforward. However, you can start the procedure online or by visiting service centres.
Via Digital Channels (website/smart application)
- Sign in to the Government of Dubai smart services system using your UAE Pass or username.
- Search for the service to be applied for.
- Fill in relevant data.
- Pay the applicable service fee.
Via Amer Service Centre
- Visit the nearest centre.
- Receive automated turn tickets.
- Apply for the customer service.
- Pay the service fee, if applicable.
2. Green Visa for Work
The UAE’s Green visa allows its holders to sponsor their visa for 5 years. By doing so, the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor their visa is eliminated.
For Freelancers/Self-Employed People
A foreigner receives a 60-day self-employment visa, allowing them to stay in the country until the residence issuing process is completed. To apply for a green work visa (freelancers / self-employed), fulfil the requirements mentioned below:
- Requirement
- Personal photo
- Passport copy (at least six-month validity)
- Self-employed permit from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- Fees
- Work visa fee: AED 200 + 5% VAT
- Additional fees (if the sponsored person is inside the Country):
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Fee inside the Country: AED 50
For Skilled Employees
A work entry visa as a high-level skilled worker in the UAE allows you to stay for 60 days until your residency processes are completed. To apply for a green work visa (skilled employees), fulfil the requirements and pay the applicable fees mentioned below:
- Requirement
- Personal photo.
- Passport copy (at least six-month validity)
- Permit from the MOHRE
- Employment contract (governmental, semi-governmental, or free zones)
- Fees
- Virtual work visa fee: AED 200 + 5% VAT
- Additional fees (if the sponsored person is inside the country):
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Fee inside the country: AED 500
Steps to Get a Green Work Visa
The procedure for getting a green work visa is simple. However, you can apply for the visa online or by visiting service centres.
Via Digital Channels (website/smart application)
- Sign in to the Government of Dubai smart services system using your UAE Pass or username.
- Search for the service to be applied for.
- Fill in relevant data.
- Pay the applicable service fee.
Via Customer Happiness Centre or Amer Service Centre
- Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Centre or Amer Service Centre.
- Receive automated turn ticket.
- Submit the application form with required documents to customer service employees.
- Pay the service fee.
Contact Details
The contact details for the visa centres are:
1. Amer Centre
- Location: 24 Seven Government Transaction Centre, LLC17 A Street, Al Khabaisi, Deira, Dubai, UAE
- Contact: +971 4 230 0500
2. Customer Service Centres
Eagle Management Services LLC Dubai Branch
- Location: 137 Al Ittihad Road, Al Khabaisi, Dubai, UAE
- Contact: +971 60 050 0105
- Time: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) |
- Friday: 08:00 am to 12:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm |
- Saturday: 09:00 am to 03:00 pm
The Creek Government Transactions
- Location: Hala Business Centre, Dubai, UAE
- Contact: +971 4 883 8884
- Time: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) |
- Friday: 08:00 am to 12:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm |
- Saturday: 09:00 am to 03:00 pm
FAQs
To work in the UAE, both the individual and the company must meet certain requirements.
– The individual must be at least 18 years old.
– The company’s licence must be valid.
– The company must not have any violations.
– The work must align with the nature of the company.
After signing the formal offer letter, the employer can apply for the work permit on behalf of the employee. MoHRE grants the work permit and issues an employment entry visa.
To qualify for a UAE work visa, one must have a monthly income of at least AED 20,000.
Following our guide, you can get a UAE work visa easily. To avoid inconveniences, you must gather all the required documents and follow the steps accordingly.
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