Visas and Work Permits

With its thriving economy, modern infrastructure, and dynamic business environment, the UAE attracts professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world.

However, for those aspiring to live and work in the UAE, understanding its visa and work permit is a crucial step toward ensuring a smooth transition into the country. The UAE government has established a structured system for issuing visas and work permits.

The UAE provides a variety of visa options tailored to diverse needs, ranging from employment visas for professionals and skilled workers to investor and business visas for entrepreneurs. Other categories include family sponsorship visas, tourist visas, and the recently introduced Golden Visa, which grants long-term residency to exceptional talents and investors. Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria and application procedures, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and preparation.

Understanding these requirements not only facilitates compliance but also empowers individuals and businesses to make informed decisions about their future in the UAE.

Types of visas and work permits

The UAE offers a variety of visa and work permit options to accommodate diverse professional and personal needs. These include employment-based visas, long-term residency options, and specialized permits. Below is a detailed overview of the key visa types:

Employment Visa

An employment visa is the most common type of work visa in the UAE, designed for individuals who have secured job offers from UAE-based companies. This visa allows expatriates to live and work in the country legally.

Applicants must have an employment contract with a company registered in the UAE, meet the educational or skill requirements for their job, and be medically fit.

Application process

• The employer applies for a work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
• Upon approval, the individual receives an entry permit to travel to the UAE.
• After arrival, the applicant undergoes medical tests and submits biometrics.
• The residence visa is processed and linked to the Emirates ID, completing the procedure.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa offers 10-year residency to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, and researchers. It is designed to attract global talent and foster innovation. This visa is valid for 10 years and can be renewed upon meeting the criteria. It remains valid even if the holder spends extended periods outside the UAE.

Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members without restrictions, enjoy long-term stability, and access exclusive benefits, such as business incentives and simplified processes for property and entrepreneurial investments.

Other specialized visas and permits

The UAE also offers temporary and part-time work permits, student training permits, and job exploration visas to cater to niche requirements.

Free zone work permits

Companies operating in free zones such as DIFC, ADGM, or Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) must follow the specific visa procedures of their respective authorities. Free zone visas are usually easier and faster to obtain than onshore permits, but they are limited to employment within the free zone itself.

The process for the employees inside the country and outside the country will vary. The employees/investors inside the country will need to make an extra step of “status change” of the existing visa.

Employees applying for an employment visa must have their educational certificates attested in their home country, followed by attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE. A list of designated positions outlines which roles require attestation and which do not. For example, positions such as Managing Director, Marketing Manager, Sales Executive, and Finance Manager require degree attestation. However, for roles like Receptionist, Secretary, Personal Assistant, and Driver, degree attestation is not necessary when applying for a visa.

Specific eligibility criteria

• Temporary work permits: Issued for project-based work, often for short-term employment needs.
• Part-time work permits: Available to students or individuals seeking secondary employment.
• Student training permits: Granted to students or interns for work placements or training within the UAE.
• Job exploration visas: Allow skilled professionals to seek employment in the UAE without a prior job offer.

These diverse visa options underscore the UAE's commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for expatriates and businesses. By understanding these pathways, expatriates can choose the visa type that best aligns with their professional and personal goals.

General requirements for visa applications

Applying for a visa in the UAE involves meeting specific criteria and providing detailed documentation.

Basic documentation

• A valid passport is a cornerstone of any visa application. The passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of application to ensure compliance with UAE immigration standards.
• Applicants must provide recent passport-sized photographs that meet UAE specifications, typically requiring a white background and dimensions of 35mm x 45mm. Photos should be high resolution, with the applicant’s face clearly visible and free from any obstructions such as hats or sunglasses.
• All applicants over the age of 18 are required to undergo a medical fitness test conducted by a government-approved health center in the UAE. This test includes screenings for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis. A certificate of fitness is mandatory for both new and renewal visa applications.

Educational and professional qualifications

To ensure the validity of academic and professional credentials, applicants must have their certificates attested by the UAE Embassy or consulate in their home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This process verifies the authenticity of the documents and their alignment with UAE standards.

If the original documents are not in Arabic or English, certified translations are necessary. The translated documents must be notarized to maintain their credibility during the application process.

Sponsorship requirements

Visa sponsorship is a critical aspect of UAE immigration procedures. Employment visas require sponsorship from a registered UAE employer, who must ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Family sponsorship, often used for dependent visas, is typically facilitated by a resident expatriate earning a minimum income as stipulated by UAE law.

Sponsorship involves responsibilities such as covering application fees, ensuring the applicant meets eligibility criteria, and providing supporting documents like the sponsor’s Emirates ID and residency details. Self-sponsored visas, like the Green or Golden Visa, eliminate the need for traditional sponsorship but require applicants to meet specific financial or professional thresholds.

Application process for work permits and visas

Step by step

The process begins with securing a job offer from a UAE-based employer. Once an offer is accepted, the employee must gather key documents, including:

• A valid passport (with at least six months’ validity).
• Recent passport-sized photographs meeting UAE specifications.
• Attested educational and professional certificates.

The attestation process often involves the UAE Embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The employer plays a pivotal role in obtaining the initial work permit. They must:

• Apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) or a relevant free zone authority.
• Provide necessary company-related documents, such as a trade license and an establishment card.
• Pay the required fees and await approval.

Approval from MoHRE or the relevant authority confirms that the employee is permitted to work in the UAE under the agreed terms.

Once the work permit is approved, the employer applies for an entry permit (sometimes called an employment visa). This temporary visa allows the employee to enter the UAE and is typically valid for 60 days. Depending on the urgency, the entry permit can be processed via standard (15 days) or expedited (5–7 days) procedures.

Residency visa application

Upon arrival, the employee must complete the following steps to convert their entry permit into a residency visa:

• A comprehensive medical examination is required to confirm the absence of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis.
• The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for UAE residents. It involves submitting biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph.
• The employer submits the employee’s passport for visa stamping, which officially grants residency status.

The timeframes for processing work permits and residency visas vary depending on the visa type and the urgency of the application. Standard processing for a residency visa can take 1–2 weeks after completing all required steps. Specialized visas, such as Golden Visas, may take longer due to additional documentation or approval requirements.

Costs and fees associated with visa applications

The fees associated with visa applications can be divided into several categories, including application costs, medical tests, and supplementary requirements.

Work permits from inside the Country (valid residence visa holders)

Work permits from outside the Country (all employment types, fees in AED)

Renewal of work permits, modification of employment contracts, transfer of employees (fees in AED)

Emirates ID and residency stamping fees

Emirates ID fees start at approximately AED 170 for a one-year ID and increase with the duration of validity. And, residency stamping fees range from AED 500 to AED 1,000, depending on the visa type and urgency.

Costs in free zones can vary, often including registration fees, entry permit charges, and processing fees. Packages range from AED 4000 to AED 7,500, depending on the free zone and services included. In most cases, UAE labor laws mandate that employers bear the costs associated with hiring foreign workers. However, employers in free zones often handle all aspects of the visa process as part of onboarding.

Employees may occasionally incur costs for:

• Attestation of educational certificates in their home country.
• Additional medical screenings beyond standard requirements.
• Renewal of dependent visas if family members are sponsored.

For clarity, it is always recommended to confirm the cost-sharing arrangement during contract negotiations or within the employment contract.

Legal rights and responsibilities of expatriates in the UAE

The UAE Labor Law, primarily governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, ensures expatriates are treated fairly and equitably in the workplace. These laws apply across all sectors, with some variations for free zones. Key protections include:

• Employers are prohibited from discriminating based on race, gender, nationality, religion, or disability.
• Salaries must be paid on time through the Wage Protection System (WPS), which monitors employer compliance.
• Employment contracts must be voluntary, and workers cannot be compelled to perform tasks outside their agreed terms without proper compensation.

Free zone employees also benefit from labor protections, but their regulations are overseen by the respective free zone authority.

Rights regarding salary, working hours, and termination

Salary

Employees are entitled to full and timely payment of their salaries, as stipulated in their employment contracts. Deductions from wages are only allowed under specific, legally defined circumstances, such as taxes or benefits.

Working Hours

• Standard working hours are capped at 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week, with exceptions in specific industries.
• Overtime must be compensated with an additional pay rate of at least 25 percent, or 50 percent for night shifts.
• During Ramadan, employees enjoy reduced working hours.

Termination and end-of-service benefits

• Employers must provide a valid reason for terminating a worker, and the process must comply with labor laws.
• Employees terminated unfairly have the right to file complaints with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
• Upon lawful termination, employees are entitled to gratuity payments based on their length of service, calculated as 21 days’ pay for each year of the first five years, and 30 days’ pay for subsequent years.

Expatriates are expected to uphold their commitments to employers and adhere to UAE laws. Key responsibilities include:

• Workers must honor the terms of their contracts, including job duties, confidentiality agreements, and notice periods for resignation.
• Expatriates are required to follow national laws, including traffic regulations, public behavior standards, and anti-harassment laws.
• Employees must ensure their residency visa, Emirates ID, and work permits remain valid and renew them as necessary.

Failure to comply with legal responsibilities can result in penalties, including fines, visa cancellations, or deportation.