Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a famous destination for somebody desiring employment options in the Middle East. As an international business hub, Dubai draws qualified employees worldwide. However, before you can work lawfully in Dubai, you need to obtain a work visa. A work visa is a legal document that allows you to work in the country for a specific period of time.
Although the process of obtaining a Dubai work visa may seem frightening, it is not impossible. You’ll find a thorough explanation of the application process for a Dubai work visa in this post. Everything will cover, from the many categories of work visas in general to the conditions for obtaining a work visa.
How To Apply For Dubai Work Visa
There are a few requirements that candidates must fulfill in order grant a work visa for Dubai and the UAE. Discover the process and requirements for obtaining a work visa in Dubai and UAE. Learn about visa types, costs, and processing time.
Dubai Work Visa Requirements
The application procedure might be horrible, but candidates can improve their chances of success by practicing properly and paying close attention to details.
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- Valid Passport: All applicants must have a valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity.
- Visa Application Form: Job-seeker must fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. Any incomplete or incorrect information can slow or decline the application.
- Passport Photos: Contenders must supply passport-sized photographs. The photos must be accepted against a white background and complete specific size and quality measures.
- Proof of Employment: Applicants must provide proof of employment, such as a letter of offer from a company in Dubai or UAE. The letter must have information such as the position, salary, and duration of employment.
- Educational Qualifications: Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications. This can include academic transcripts and degrees.
- Health Requirements: A job-seeking person must experience a medical examination and provide a medical certificate. The study includes tests for tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin or any other country where they have lived for six months or more in the past five years.
- Fees: There are fees associated with using a work visa for Dubai and UAE. These fees differ depending on the type of visa and the length of stay.
Dubai & UAE Work Visa Age Limit & Categories
Age and skill level make to classify work visas in Dubai and the UAE. An applicant must be at least 18 years old to be granted a work visa. There are also three primary types of employees: professionals, skilled workers, and unskilled laborers.
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- Professional workers are individuals who have specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular field and typically hold a bachelor’s or higher degree.
- Skilled workers, on the other hand, are those who possess technical skills and experience in a specific profession, such as electricians, carpenters, or plumbers.
- Finally, unskilled workers are those who do not have specialized skills or expertise and typically work in labor-intensive jobs.
Obtaining An Entry Visa For The UAE
An individual must first get an entrance visa before applying for a work visa in the UAE. An entrance visa is a brief visa that permits someone to see the UAE for a certain amount of time, often up to 90 days, for things like business, travel, or medical treatment.
A person must apply for an entrance visa via the UAE embassy in their home country or a licensed visa agency. A valid passport, a passport-sized photo, and payment of the application cost are applicable to complete the application procedure. Depending on the embassy or representative, the processing period for an entrance visa might range from a few days to a few weeks.
A candidate can then apply for a work visa via their company or a local sponsor after receiving an entrance visa. The entrance visa serves as evidence that the person has been given permission to enter the UAE and is often required as part of the work visa application procedure.
Receiving An Emirates ID
Obtaining an Emirates ID is a need for getting a work visa and using many services in Dubai and the UAE. A personal identity card called an Emirates ID comprises biometric data as well as other private information. All UAE citizens and residents must participate.
To obtain an Emirates ID, you must first apply through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). The application process involves submitting the required documents and paying the appropriate fees.
A current passport in good standing, a resident visa, a passport-sized photo, and a fully filled-out application form require for applying for an Emirates ID. At an ICA service center, you must additionally provide biometric information, such as fingerprint and iris scans, if you are applying for an ID for the first time.
Depending on the kind of application and the duration of validity, different Emirates IDs have different costs. For instance, a new Emirates ID costs AED 30 0 for residents and AED 100 for UAE nationals.
It is consequential to note that an Emirates ID is not the same as a residency visa or a work permit. Nevertheless, it is a mandatory requirement for obtaining these documents, including a work visa. Therefore, it is essential to apply for an Emirates ID as soon as possible after arriving in Dubai or UAE.
Getting Residence Visa And Work Permit
For international employees who wish to work in Dubai and the UAE, obtaining a resident visa and a work permit is a crucial step. There are a few procedures you must do in order to get a resident visa and work permit:
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- Obtain a job offer:Â Getting a job offer from a company with a base in Dubai or the United Arab Emirates is the first step in getting a residence visa and work permit. It will be your employer’s responsibility to sponsor your visa application and receive the required permissions.
- Medical examination: Once you have a job offer, you will undergo a medical examination at an authorized medical center. This examination is to ensure that you are healthy and do not have any infectious diseases.
- Security clearance:Â Additionally, you’ll need to apply for a security license with the Dubai or UAE government. You must do this by giving the authorities your fingerprints and other biometric information.
- Visa application: After you have completed the medical examination and got your security clearance, your employer will apply for your residence visa and work permit on your behalf. This involves offering various documents, including your passport, medical examination report, security clearance, and job offer letter.
- Entry permit:Â An entrance permit will give to you when your visa application is accepted. It enables you to go to Dubai or the UAE and start the application procedure for your residency visa and employment permit.
- Emirates ID: As noted earlier, you will also need to obtain an Emirates ID, which is a national identity card that is required for all residents of Dubai and UAE. You can apply for your Emirates ID after you have obtained your entry permit.
- Residence visa and work permit:Â Finally, you can submit an application for a resident visa and a work permit after arriving in Dubai or the UAE and receiving your Emirates ID. This requires providing extra paperwork, such as your passport, Emirates ID, and entrance permission.
Dubai Work Visa Types
In Dubai and the UAE, there are several types of work visas that each have their own qualifying requirements, terms of validity, and methods for renewal. The most popular work visa categories in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are below:
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- Employment Visa: An employment visa give to foreign nationals who have been offered a job in the UAE. To be eligible for an employment visa, you must have a valid job offer from a UAE-based company and a valid passport.
- Investor Visa: An investor visa is issued to foreign nationals who have invested a significant amount of money in a UAE company. To be eligible for an investor visa, you must invest a minimum of AED 10 million in a Dubai-based business.
- Partner Visa: A partner visa is issued to foreign nationals who are partners or spouses of UAE nationals or UAE residents. To be eligible for a partner visa, you must legally marry a UAE national or resident or have a UAE national or resident as a sponsor.Â
- Freelancer Visa: A freelancer visa is issued to foreign nationals who work as freelancers in the UAE. To be eligible for a freelancer visa, you must have a valid contract with a UAE-based company or have a valid trade license issued by a UAE government agency.
Applying Online For Dubai Work Visa
Applicants may now apply for a work visa in Dubai and the UAE from the comfort of their own homes thanks to Dubai’s online visa application system. The processes involved in applying for a Dubai work visa online are pretty straightforward and include:
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- See the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
- Choose the relevant visa category, such as work or residence, and fill out the online application form.
- Upload any mandated documents, such as passport copies, photographs, and assurance of employment or sponsorship.
- Pay the visa application fee online.
- Wait for the visa application for processing and authorization.
Cost Of A Dubai Work Visa
When applying for a work visa in Dubai, it’s essential to be conscious of the associated prices and processing times. The cost of a Dubai work visa can vary depending on the type of visa, duration of stay, and other factors.
For example, a 30-day single-entry visit visa may cost around AED 350 (approx. $95 USD), while a two-year employment visa may cost up to AED 8,000 (approx. $2,200 USD). Moreover, some employers cover the cost of a work visa for their employees, but others may require the employee to cover the cost themselves.
Processing Time For A Dubai Work Visa
The processing time for a Dubai work visa can also vary depending on several factors. It includes the type of visa, the applicant’s country of origin, and the workload of the immigration authorities. Always apply for a work visa at least two to three months in advance of the intended travel date to allow for processing and any possible delays.
Conclusion
It is easier to apply for a Dubai work visa online, but it’s crucial to be aware of any potential disadvantages. Researching and making plans in advance is crucial since the price and length of time it takes to acquire a work visa might differ based on a number of variables.