Dubai Work Visa Requirements

A work visa by definition is where an individual obtains authorization for the right to take up full time employment in a country where they are not normally not be eligible to work in.  The authorization must come from the relevant authority in the country he/she intends to work in.  A typical work visa will be in the form a standard document or a stamp in your passport.  It must be noted that some individuals do not require a work visa depending on their country of domicile, generally all jurisdictions with reciprocal treaty agreements do not stipulate that an individual must obtain a work visa for undertaking employment in those countries. Generally each jurisdiction will lay down conditions which need to be satisfied in order to be approved a work visa.

Dubai Employment Visa

This visa is valid for a period of 30 days and is primarily for individuals who have pre-arranged employment in Dubai, during the 30 days validity the applicants sponsor company must apply for their residency visa and Labour card, and the applicant must undergo all necessary tests and administrative procedures for their immigration application.

Dubai Labour Card

A labour card (work permit) is required by all foreign nationals seeking employment in Dubai.  A labour card is different from a Residence Visa, once the applicant receives a Resident Visa he/she will then be sent a Labour card thus enabling him/her to reside and work in Dubai.  The holder of a residence visa has the right to reside in Dubai or UAE for a period of 3 years and can renew his/her permit with ease.

Applying for a Dubai Labour Card

Generally, a Labour Card and Residency Visa are sought by the applicants sponsor on their behalf and can also include applications for the applicant’s family.  Your sponsor will apply for your labour card to the Ministry of labour and Social Affairs in Dubai within a maximum of 30 days from your arrival in Dubai.  The Labour card and Residency Visa are issued by the Immigration Department in Dubai.

Requirements of a Dubai work permit

- The applicant must be 50 years old or below

- The applicant must undergo medical examination as ordered by the Ministry of Health. The medical examination must prove you are in good health and do not suffer from any disease including HIV.

- On approval of your work visa you are required to surrender your passport to your sponsor (employer)

- A valid passport

- Copy of your Dubai visa application form completed with relevant signatures

- 2 x passport photos (recent)

-  A letter issued by your sponsor (employer)

Who requires a Dubai Work permit?

If you are a national from a Gulf Cooperation Country then you are not required to obtain a work visa to undertake employment in Dubai.  If you are a citizen from any other country including but not limited to; EU member state, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.

Restrictions of a Dubai Work Permit

You are not eligible for a Dubai Visa if your passport has an Israeli stamp on it.  Further more, it is a legal requirement that the holder of a Dubai work permit remains in the Emirates for an initial minimum period of 6 months.

Dubai Residency Visa

On approval of a Dubai residency visa the applicant has the right to open a bank account, sign rental agreements, enter into legal contracts, register a car and so on.  Such activities are prohibited to foreign nationals until they have been issued their residency visa.  The validity of a Dubai residency visa is for a period of 3 consecutive years.

Features of a Dubai Residency Visa

- Holders of a Dubai Residence Visa who have an employment contract in Dubai can act as a sponsor for their spouse and dependants

- The Residency Visa holder’s dependants include children (sons) up to the age of 16 years of age or 18 years of age if they are a student and their unmarried daughters.

- Individuals can obtain a Dubai Residency Visa by means of a personal monetary investment into a Dubai Local company.  (Minimum investment is 70,000 dhs).

 Print This Page