Dubai Employment Visa

What Are the Different Types of Employment Visas?

There is not just one type of visa that will work for everything. You will have to apply for the type of visa that best fits your needs. Here’s a look at the different options:

1. Business Visa
   This visa is for anyone who wants to start a business in Dubai or has professional experience. This visa is good for six months.

2. Mission Visa
   This visa is good for 90-days. Most foreigners use this visa to explore the area before they commit to relocating. A company will have to sponsor this visa.

3. Persons with Specialized Talents
   This visa is meant for people that work in a specialized field like doctors, scientists, inventors, and artists. One big advantage of this visa is that spouses and children are also covered under it.

4. Self-Employment Visas
   This visa is just like it sounds, it’s for people who are self-employed and work for themselves. You may also hear this visa referred to as a freelance visa. There are several people that fall under this type of visa like: property investors, entrepreneurs, investors in public investments of at least 10 million AED, and more. Unlike other visas, there isn’t an employer to sponsor this visa, so you’ll have to apply for it through a free zone, through an established company by working as a contractor, or through an individual.

Unlike other visas, there isn’t an employer to sponsor this visa, so you’ll have to apply for it through a free zone, through an established company by working as a contractor, or through an individual.

Skill Levels for UAE Work Visa

Any foreigner who is over the age of 18 can work in the UAE. There isn’t a maximum age for who can be employed in the UAE, but if workers are over the age of 65 then companies will be expected to pay a higher fee.

Foreign workers are divided into three levels based on their qualifications.

Level 1

This is for people who have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Some positions that fall under this level are managers, engineers, doctors, public relations officers, marketing specialists, and more.

Level 2

This level are people that have a diploma in a particular field like mechanical or technical.

Level 3

This is for high school education. Positions under this visa would include a sales executive, sales representative, tour guide, administrative assistant, receptionist, and more.

What Are the Steps to Obtain an Employment Visa in Dubai?

How do you get an employment visa? While the process is designed to be simple for applicants, it can still be confusing for those without business experience in the UAE. But that's okay because we'll line the whole journey out for you, step-by-step:

1. Apply for an Entry Visa Quota Approval
   The first step in securing your Employment Visa is to apply for an Entry Visa Quota Approval. This is a crucial step; your prospective employer will typically handle this on your behalf. The approval process involves obtaining a quota for hiring foreign workers, and your employer will liaise with relevant authorities to secure this quota.

2. Submit a Signed Employment Contract
   Once the Entry Visa Quota Approval is secured, you will need to submit a signed Employment Contract. Ensure that all terms and conditions are clearly outlined in the contract, including your salary, benefits, and other relevant details. This document plays a vital role in the subsequent steps of the visa application process.

3. Submit a Work Visa Application and Apply for an Entry Visa
   With the Entry Visa Quota Approval and signed Employment Contract in hand, it's time to submit your Work Visa Application. This application is typically processed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Upon approval, you will receive an Entry Visa to enter Dubai and proceed with the next steps.

4. Receive Employment Entry Visa
   Once your Work Visa Application is approved, you will be issued an Employment Entry Visa. This visa allows you to enter the UAE and commence the process of obtaining your Work Visa and Residence Visa.

5. Obtain Medical Checkup and Secure Health Insurance
   Upon arrival in Dubai, one of the mandatory requirements is to undergo a medical checkup. This checkup is aimed at ensuring that you are fit to work and live in the country.

6. Obtain a Work Visa and Residence Visa
   Following the successful completion of the medical checkup, you can proceed to obtain your Work Visa and Residence Visa. This step involves submitting necessary documents to the GDRFA for verification and approval.

7. Apply for an Emirates ID
   The Emirates ID is a crucial identification document in the UAE. Once you have obtained your Work Visa and Residence Visa, you can apply for an Emirates ID. This ID is required for various transactions and services within the country.

8. Get Your Visa Stamped
   The final step is to get your visa stamped on your passport. This can be done at the immigration office or the airport upon arrival. The stamped visa officially confirms your legal status as an employee in Dubai.

Congratulations! You have successfully navigated the process of obtaining an Employment Visa in Dubai.