If you intend to work in Dubai, it is essential to obtain an employment visa. An employment visa Dubai is a legal permit that allows visitors to work and enjoy the wonders of the United Arab Emirates.
In this article, we will help you in the process of applying for a Dubai employment visa. That is, you will see the specific requirements and the steps you have to follow to ensure a successful transition. In other words, this will serve as a guide to be successful in the process of applying for your work visa.
Benefits and purpose of employment visa Dubai
If you want to be part of a company, initially, you need an employment contract. However, in the United Arab Emirates, it is not possible to obtain an employment contract without having the necessary documentation required by the local government.
On the other hand, it is important that a Dubai employment visa includes two different documents. The first is the residence permit and the second is a UAE work card. Before starting the process of obtaining this visa you must have both documents.
To have a work visa you have to have sponsorship from your employer, and it is known as a regular work visa in the UAE. Among the most significant benefits of this document is that you can reside and work in the country for a maximum of two years. After its expiration, the company can request renewal or revoke the visa.
A summary of the benefits of a Dubai employment visa is as follows:
- Residing and enjoying Dubai for a maximum of two years.
- Access to financial or banking institutions.
- Work in good companies in the United Arab Emirates.
- You have the possibility of obtaining a driver’s license.
- Access and enjoyment of health services.
- You can be a sponsor for family members.
UAE employment visa rules
Currently, the United Arab Emirates government has made some changes to the Dubai employment visa. Specifically, in the duration of the visa, foreign workers can only reside and work in the country for a maximum of two years. The reason for this decision is to save costs for the employer who decides to hire the foreign employee.
Below you will see a summary of the new rules for the Dubai employment visa:
- Visa duration: The work visa now has a duration of three years according to the UAE government.
- Work permit: In case the employee resigns from work or changes company for another job, he or she does not have to pay the price of the work permit.
- Employment: The employee must remain with that same employer for at least one year after the probationary period.
Required documents for Dubai employment visa application
Below you will see a list of the supporting documents required to apply for a Dubai employment visa.
- Original and copy of the beneficiary’s passport.
- Full-face photographs of the beneficiary.
- Emirates Sponsor ID.
- Entry permit to MOHRE.
- UAE medical certificate.
- Academic qualifications of the employee.
- Company card and employer business license.
Initially, the employee is responsible for presenting the documentation for the residence permit. Subsequently, the employer has to comply with the application procedure and pay the cost of the work visa in Dubai.
In summary, the procedure to follow to enjoy the Dubai employment visa is as follows.
- Apply for an entry visa to the UAE to obtain approval of the quota.
- Prove the existence of the employment contract: The employer has to present the employment contract to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) for approval. It is important to mention that, if your native language is neither Arabic nor English, the employment contract must be in that language.
- Submit applications: At this time MOHRE has to verify that the sponsor is a recognized entity in the UAE. In addition, you have to evaluate whether there are unemployed citizens who can fill the foreigner’s position.
- Receive Employment Visa Dubai: MOHRE grants a work entry visa, i.e. the red visa after approving the work visa application. Once the employee arrives in the country, he or she must begin gathering evidence to apply for a residence visa.
What are the Education Qualification criteria for an employment visa in Dubai?
There is no academic level requirement for the Dubai employment visa. In the United Arab Emirates, you can find opportunities in a wide range of job opportunities, whether you have a college or high school degree.
What are the eligibility criteria for an employment visa in Dubai?
In this section, you will see a list of all the requirements that MOHRE requires in order to apply for the job:
- Initially, to apply for this visa you must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid license from employer.
- The employer or sponsor cannot have any violations.
- The job for which the employee is applying is consistent with the operation of the company.
- Additionally, the worker must have a high school diploma or college degree.
- Finally, despite having an upper age limit for candidates, companies with employees over 65 years of age have to pay an additional cost of AED 5,000 every two years.
Difference between employment visa and work permit
Initially, you have to know that a work permit and a work visa are processed in different entities. You must apply for a work visa at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) in the corresponding emirate.
On the other hand, work permits must be processed at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). However, free zone companies have to process permits at the specific authorities of the free zone.
Renewing an employment visa in Dubai
The sponsor is required to renew the Dubai employment visa no later than one month before the expiration date.
To renew a Dubai employment visa you must follow the same procedure that you did to obtain it. However, if you are still within the UAE residency visa expiration grace period, there is the option to apply for a visa extension after expiration.
Types of employment visa in Dubai
In essence, there are five different categories for the work visa which are as follows:
- Company-sponsored visa: You can enter the country with a company-sponsored visa if you accept a job offer in the UAE. You can stay in the country with this visa for a period of between two and three years.
- Green visa: This is a new residency visa that allows immigrants to sponsor themselves. That is, you do not need to have a job proposal from a company and you are free to look for work on your own.
- Golden visa: It is a type of long-term visa that allows people with exceptional abilities to stay in the country for a period of 10 years without having a sponsor.
- Freelance visa: If you do not meet the eligibility criteria of the two previous visas, you can apply for this visa by working as a freelancer for two years.
- Visa for domestic workers: Domestic helpers can apply for this visa in the UAE, but they have to have the support of the employer.
Obtain the employment visas for your employees with Connect Resources. With us, you can sponsor your employment visas and forget about the hassles of doing this process yourself. Give us a call at +971 43 316 688 to start the process! Also, you can email us and let us know about your requirements at contact@connectresources.ae.
