To be eligible to work in Dubai, you must have a UAE work visa. Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah have always been a lucrative destination for all looking to pursue a career in the Middle-East. The country’s staggering growth since the last couple of decades has opened the gates for many exciting opportunities. Most of the job opportunities are found in Abu Dhabi or in Dubai.

The prerequisite to getting a work permit in Dubai is to secure a job. The employer must sponsor the work permit. The work permit’s validity is two months, and it’ll just allow the applicant to enter the country.

Once you enter the country, the employer must take all necessary steps to help you complete the formalities concerning the visa. This shall include medical testing, obtaining UAE resident identity (Emirates ID) card, Labour Card, and get the work permit stamped on the passport within 60 days of arrival. However, in order to get a work visa, there are specific guidelines issued by the government.

Post the 60 days, it’s essential to obtain the Dubai Residence Visa and the labour card. This will allow you to live and work legally in Dubai. The residence visa is issued for 1,2,3 years, depending on the purpose of your stay.

Dubai Employment VISA Rules

To be allowed to work in Dubai, you and your employer need to fulfil the following conditions –

• You must be at least 18 years of age.

• The employer must have a valid license.

• The company must not have any violations.

• The work you do must be in sync with the nature of the company hiring you.

Are You Eligible for a Dubai Work Visa?

You will be eligible for a work visa in Dubai if you are over 18 and meet all other requirements predefined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The Ministry sets no maximum age, but workers above 65 must be paid a higher wage.

Foreign workers have been categorised into three categories, as per their qualifications and skills.

• Category 1: Workers with a bachelor’s degree.

• Category 2: Workers having a post-secondary diploma in any field.

• Category 3: Workers having only a high school diploma.

How Can You Obtain a Work Permit in Dubai?

It’s esssential for your employer to obtain the work permit for you. The Ministry of Human Resources Emiratisation is responsible for issuing the work permits. The application process involves –

• The employer will have to download and print the application from the Ministry of Labour’s website.

• Next, they will have to submit the documents.

• The Ministry reviews the documents and sends a notification to resubmit any document or correct irregularities that they think are necessary.

• Going forward, the Ministry approves the application, which the employer can download directly from the website.

On completing all the procedures, it takes about 5 working days for the concerned authorities to issue the permit.

What are the Documents Necessary for a Dubai Employment Visa?

To be qualified for a work permit in Dubai, you will need the following supporting documents –

• Your original passport and a xerox of the same.

• A passport-size photo.

• Photocopy of your academic qualifications approved by the UAE embassy or consulate. It must also be authorised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• A medical certificate issued by a health centre in Dubai and approved by the Government.

• A valid commercial license of the company.

Dubai Work Permit Fee

The fees for a Dubai work permit are as follows –

• The request for initial approval of a new electronic work permit is charged AED 200 for all categories/ levels.

• Charges of approval of the new electronic work permit have been categorised as follows –

• Level A: AED 600

• Level B: AED 1,500

• Level C: AED 2,000

• Category 3: AED 5,000

• For all foreign workers aged 65 or more, it’s AED 5,000 on all categories.

The second category has been categorised into levels, depending on the ratio of skilled and unskilled workers that the company has.

So, we hope that you now have a detailed idea about how to get Dubai Work Visa. Let us know in the comment section if you have any further doubts.