If you’ve been thinking about taking your career to the next level, Dubai is one of the best places in the world to make it happen. This energetic city is right in the middle of everything, making it perfect for growth. You’ll find tons of exciting job opportunities in major fields like tech, finance, and trade. Plus, there’s a massive financial bonus: you get to keep all your earnings thanks to tax-free income.
But before you can start your new journey in the UAE, you’ll need a valid Dubai work visa. This visa allows you to live and work legally in the country, and it’s issued only through an authorised employer.
Knowing how the process works can save you a lot of time and stress. Therefore, we’ll break down everything in a simple, easy way so you know exactly how to apply for a Dubai work permit visa and start your journey smoothly.
What Is a Dubai Working Visa?
A UAE Employment Visa (also commonly called a work visa or resident permit) is the official legal document that allows a foreign national to live and work in the United Arab Emirates. Its main purpose is to formalise your employment with a UAE-based company and grant you legal residency for the duration of your contract.
Who issues the work visa?
You don’t apply for this visa on your own. Your employer handles the entire process. The visa is officially approved and issued by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) after your employer submits your documents.
Types of Dubai Work Visas
To work in Dubai, you need a work visa, which can be obtained through your employer or via self-sponsorship, depending on the type of visa.
- Standard Work Visa: This is the most common type, issued for 1 to 3 years and renewed by your employer. It applies to companies in both the mainland and in one of the many Free Zones (special economic areas).
- Skilled vs. Unskilled: Visas are classified based on the level of education required for the job. Skilled workers (requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher) have different application requirements and fee structures than unskilled or general workers.
- Green Visa: A newer, self-sponsored 5-year residency option for highly skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors, offering more flexibility as it’s not tied to a single employer.
- Golden Visa: A long-term 10-year residency visa for exceptional talents, investors, and entrepreneurs who meet high qualification standards.
Eligibility Criteria for a Dubai Work Visa Permit
Before applying, make sure you meet the basic requirements for getting a Dubai work visa.
- Valid Passport: You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months at the time of applying.
- Job Offer from a UAE-Based Company: A Dubai work visa can only be issued if you already have a confirmed job offer. Your employer is the one who starts and manages the visa process.
- Relevant Qualifications or Experience: Depending on your job, you may need to show attested educational certificates or proof of work experience, especially for skilled roles like engineers, accountants, or managers.
- Clean Background Record: A basic security check is done to ensure there are no serious criminal records.
- Medical Fitness Test: You must pass a UAE medical test, which includes a blood test and chest X-ray.
- Employer Must Be Eligible to Hire: Your employer must meet certain requirements, such as a valid trade license, an available visa quota, and labour laws.
How to Get a Dubai Working Visa?
Your employer handles most of the steps. Here is the simplified, step-by-step breakdown:
- Secure the Job & Sign Contract: Before you get a Dubai work visa, you must receive the final job offer, including the terms of employment, which forms the basis for the visa application.
- Attest Documents: Your academic certificates (e.g., bachelor’s degree) must be legally attested by your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy before submission.
- Apply for Entry Permit: The company applies to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for initial approval.
- Receive the Entry Visa: You receive the Employment Entry Visa (sometimes called the “pink visa”). This is a temporary visa (valid for 60 days) that allows you to enter the UAE to complete the rest of the residency process.
- Medical Fitness Test: Once inside the UAE, you must undergo a mandatory medical screening (blood test and chest X-ray) to test for communicable diseases like HIV and TB.
- Emirates ID Application: You or your company will apply for the Emirates ID card, which is your official identity document in the UAE and contains your residency details.
- Get Health Insurance: Your employer is legally required to provide you with basic health insurance coverage, which must be secured before the final visa is issued.
- MOHRE Contract Signing: Sign the final MOHRE employment contract. This standardised contract, which mirrors your job offer, must be signed and officially lodged with MOHRE within 14 days of your medical results.
- Residence Visa Issuance: Once the medical fitness result, Emirates ID application, and MOHRE contract are all in place, the GDRFA grants the full Residence Visa, typically valid for 2 years.
- Receive Documents: Collect your Emirates ID card and official documentation. You are now legally a resident and employee in Dubai and can proceed with formal activities like opening a bank account and securing a tenancy contract.
Important Notes:
- Free zone vs mainland: Free zone companies often follow a similar flow, but the initial approvals come from the free zone authority rather than MOHRE; residence stamping still occurs through immigration.
- Change of status: If you’re already in the UAE on a visit visa, the employer can usually change your status to an employment visa without exiting the country.
- Temporary or mission visas: Short-term assignments may use mission, or work permits with a faster, simpler process.
- Processing time: Dubai working visa processing time usually takes 1–3 weeks after you arrive in the UAE, depending on medical tests, biometrics, and visa stamping.
Cost of a Dubai Working Visa
When planning your move to Dubai with a working visa, it’s helpful to know the typical costs involved, though keep in mind that the actual amount can vary depending on the company, visa category, free zone vs mainland, and other factors.
- For a 2-year employment visa in Dubai (mainland): approximately AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 for the full process.
- For free-zone employment visas, costs may be lower (starting around AED 2,500 + extras) depending on zone and package.
- Work permit issuance fees vary by company classification and employee category (skilled vs unskilled), for example, some fees are listed between AED 250 and AED 3,450 just for the work permit element.
What that covers
These costs generally cover:
- Work permit/labour card registration (with Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation / MOHRE)
- Entry permit/change of status if required
- Medical fitness test (blood & chest X-ray)
- Emirates ID application & biometrics
- Residence visa stamping
- Government service fees, typing/processing centre cost
Visa costs can differ for each applicant, so if you want the most accurate and up-to-date estimate, Shuraa can help you with a personalised breakdown based on your job, employer type, and visa category.
And if you’re an employer looking to hire or a job seeker hoping to find the right opportunity, Shuraa Recruitment Services can guide you on both sides. From sourcing talent to helping candidates connect with the right companies, Shuraa makes the hiring journey smoother for everyone.
Need clarity on your Dubai work visa cost? Contact Shuraa today for expert guidance and hassle-free processing.
Can You Switch from a Visit Visa to a Work Visa in Dubai?
If you’re already in Dubai on a visit or tourist visa and receive a job offer, you can easily switch to a work visa without exiting the country. This process is called “status change”, and it’s handled by your employer.
How the switch works:
- Your employer applies for your work permit through MOHRE.
- Once approved, they request an in-country status change, so you don’t need to fly out and return.
- After the status change, you proceed with your medical test, Emirates ID biometrics, labour contract, and residence visa stamping, just like any other employment visa process.
Important things to know:
- You cannot work while you are still on a visit visa; you must wait until the work visa is issued.
- Your visit visa should still be valid during the switch, so the employer must start the process before it expires.
- Costs for the status change are usually covered by the employer but always confirm this beforehand.
Move Forward with Shuraa by Your Side
Dubai truly stands out as one of the best places in the world to build a successful career. Getting a working visa may feel like a detailed process, but once you understand the steps, it becomes much easier to navigate. Or if you’d prefer a smoother, stress-free experience, you can always get help from Shuraa. We can guide you with the right information, handle the paperwork, and make sure your employment visa is processed without any hassle.
Plus, if you’re still searching for the right job or looking to hire qualified talent, Shuraa Recruitment Services is here to support both job seekers and employers. Dubai has so much to offer, and your next career step could start right here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is responsible for paying the work visa fees?
The employer (sponsoring company) is generally responsible for paying all government fees associated with the initial issuance and renewal of the standard Dubai Work Permit and Residence Visa. Employees should not usually be charged for these costs.
2. Is there a maximum age limit for obtaining a work visa in Dubai?
While the minimum age is 18, there is no strict maximum age limit. However, the official retirement age for most private sector employees is 60 to 65.
3. What happens if I fail the mandatory medical fitness test?
If you test positive for HIV or Tuberculosis (TB) during the mandatory medical fitness exam inside the UAE, your visa application will be rejected, and you will typically be required to leave the country immediately as you are deemed medically unfit for residency.
4. Can I work part-time for a second company on my standard UAE work visa?
Yes, you can, but it requires an additional legal step. You must obtain a Part-Time Work Permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Working for a second employer without this permit is illegal, even if it is only a part-time job.
5. Do I have to leave the UAE to switch from a Visit Visa to a Work Visa?
No. If you find a job while on a Visit/Tourist Visa, your new employer can process an “Inside-Country Visa Status Change” for a fee. This allows you to legally convert your visitor status to a resident/employee status without needing to exit and re-enter the country.
6. Can I sponsor my family once I have a UAE work visa?
Yes. After your residence visa is issued and you meet the required salary criteria, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Visa regulations and procedures are subject to change by UAE authorities. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend consulting with your sponsoring employer or an official immigration expert like Shuraa for the latest guidelines and personalized advice.
