Applying for a Dubai Work Visa
If you plan on working in Dubai in the near future, you will be required to apply for a visa prior to entry and work. Before anything else, you need to meet these requirements: be 18 years old, hold a valid passport, be employed, know your eligible work visa type, and have health insurance.
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Are you interested in furthering your career in Dubai? Do you wish to know the requirements for a Dubai work visa? This Pacific Prime article will discuss the importance of a Dubai work visa, the requirements for a Dubai work visa, and the health insurance option available for you as an expat in Dubai.
The Requirements for a Dubai Work Visa
Securing a work visa is the first thing you want to do upon securing a job in Dubai. In most cases, your employer will be primarily responsible for the application of the permit and residency visa. Your employer will be regarded as your sponsor.
Also, check the employment visa rules and eligibility requirements, as they dictate whether or not you fit the conditions for work under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
The UAE employment visa rules are as follows:
- You are at least 18 years old
- The company at which you are employed has a valid license
- The company is clear of any violations
- The job duties and responsibilities align with the specialization of the hiring company
Eligibility requirements are separated into 3 categories, as follows:
- Eligibility category 1: you have a bachelor’s degree
- Eligibility category 2: you have a post-secondary diploma in any field
- Eligibility category 3: you have a high school diploma
The Documents Required for a Dubai Employment Visa
To name a few, the documents required for a Dubai employment visa include a passport, a passport-sized photo, and copies of your academic and professional qualifications as authorized by your consulate, the ministry of foreign affairs in your country, and the UAE Embassy.
For a more comprehensive overview, the documents are listed as follows:
- Original passport and copy of your passport
- A passport-sized photo in line with UAE authority requirements
- Copies of certified academic and professional qualifications
- Medical certificates as issued by a UAE government-approved health center
- Documents from the hiring company, including their commercial license and company card
| Please note that upon submission of the required documents, it takes an average of 5 working days for the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to issue the work permit. |
The Types of Dubai Work Visas
The three main categories of work visas are standard work visas, green work visas, and domestic worker visas. Workers in both the public and private sectors may apply for the standard work visa. Skilled workers can apply for a 5-year green visa. The domestic worker’s visa is issued for helpers.
For special cases, however, Golden Visas are granted. Exceptional individuals with long-term plans to live in the UAE and make a positive impact on its economy are granted Golden Visas. These individuals may be distinguished professionals, students, artists, or investors.
The Standard Work Visa
Foreigners can apply for a 2-year standard work visa if they are employed in the private sector, have applied for residency as a person working in the private sector, are employed in the government sector, are employed in the freezone, or have applied for residency for an individual in the freezone.
For a more comprehensive overview, the key requirements are as follows:
- You are employed in the private sector
- You have applied for a residency visa as a person working in the private sector
- You are employed in the government sector
- You are employed in the free zone
- You have applied for a residency visa as an individual in the free zone
The Green Work Visa
The UAE’s Green Work Visa is a type of residence visa that enables an individual to sponsor themselves for a duration of 5 years, removing the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor their visa. This visa is most suitable for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled workers.
The requirements for freelancers or self-employed people are as follows:
- A freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Academic certification: proof of a specialized diploma or a bachelor’s degree
- Income statement from self-employment for the past 2 years amounting to no less than AED 360,000 and/or proof of financial solvency during your stay in the UAE
The requirements for skilled employees are as follows:
- Must have a valid employment contract
- Must be classified in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd occupational level as stipulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Must have proof of academic certification: a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Must have a salary of at least AED 15,000 per month
The Domestic Worker’s Visa
A Domestic Worker’s Visa specifically provides services for the benefit of domestic workers, such as dedicated service centers, online platforms for complaints, and online resources for training.
Those eligible to be classified as domestic workers must work as the following:
- Housemaid/servant
- Housekeeper
- Cook
- Nanny/babysitter
- Personal assistant
- Private agricultural engineer
- Personal/family driver
- Sailor
- Guard
- Shepherd
- Falcon care-taker
- Worker
- Farm worker/grower
- Gardener
- Jockey
- Tamer
- Personal trainer/coach
- Private tutor
- Home nurse
Under the Domestic Worker’s Visa, domestic workers are entitled to the following:
- Salary payments, as stated in the standard agreement, must be made within 10 days of the scheduled payment date
- Employees are entitled to one day of paid rest each week
- A minimum of 12 hours of rest must be provided per day, including a consecutive 8-hour rest period
- Workers are granted 30 days of paid vacation per year
- Every two years, employees are provided with a round-trip ticket to their home country
- Sick leave of 30 days per year is available to employees
- Workers must have possession of their personal identification documents, such as passports and IDs
For employers of domestic workers, it is important to abide by the following terms and obligations:
- Employers must provide the necessary facilities needed for a domestic worker to perform his/her duties effectively
- Suitable accommodation
- Adequate provision of meals and clothing
- Punctual payment of remuneration
- Provision of medical care and health insurance
- Utmost respect for their profession and safety
- Compensation for any work injuries or occupational diseases
Dubai’s Golden Visa
The Golden Visa, the most prestigious visa, allows expats to live, work, study, and invest in the UAE while enjoying benefits, including renewable visas for 5 to 10 years, the ability to sponsor family, and the ability to stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months to keep their residence visa.
The requirements for the Golden Visa are separated into 3 categories, as follows:
Public Investment Investors
If you invest in investment funds, you will be granted a Golden Visa for a duration of 10 years without requiring a sponsor. However, your visa application will be subject to the following conditions:
- The submission of a letter from an accredited investment fund in the UAE confirming that you’ve deposited at least AED 2,000,000
- The submission of a valid commercial or industrial license and an MOA stating that your capital is no less than AED 2,000,000
- Submission of a letter from the Federal Tax Authority confirming your payment of no less than AED 250,000 annually
Additional requirements are as follows:
- The invested capital must be owned and not purchased with a loan
- Proof of medical insurance for the investor and their dependents
Real Estate Investors
If you own property or a number of properties, you may be granted a Golden Visa for a duration of 5 years without requiring a sponsor. Your visa application will be subject to the following conditions:
- The provision of a letter from the land department of the respective emirate stating the ownership of your properties, which have a total value of no less than AED 2,000,000
- Whether or not you’ve purchased property with a loan from local UAE banks approved by competent local entities
Entrepreneurs
If you are a business owner, you have the opportunity to obtain a Golden Visa for a duration of 5 years, provided that you have an economic project that is technologically advanced or futuristic, based on risk and innovation. Furthermore, you are required to obtain an approval letter from the following entities:
- A certified auditor in the UAE who confirms that the project’s value exceeds USD $137,000 or AED 500,000
- The relevant authorities in the emirate that are responsible for assessing the innovativeness of your project
- An accredited business incubator in the UAE that supports the establishment of the proposed activity within the country
Specialized Talents
If you are specialized in a particular field, you may be eligible for a Golden Visa for 10 years. The professions and fields of specialization recognized by the UAE government are as follows:
- Doctors
- Scientists
- Creative people of culture and art
- Inventors
- Executives
- Specialists in scientific fields
- Athletes
- Doctoral degree holders and
- Specialists in the fields of engineering and science
Subjects relating to engineering and science include:
- Epidemiology and viruses
- Artificial intelligence
- Big data analytics
- Computer engineering
- Electronic engineering
- Software engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Genetics and biotechnology engineering
Doctors and Scientists
For doctors and scientists, the requirements are as follows:
- Doctors: A letter of approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention that approves the practice of medicine in the UAE
- Scientists: A letter of recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists stating that the applicant has been awarded a Medal of Scientific Excellence
Inventors
For inventors or innovators, in order to apply for a Golden Visa, you will need a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Economy stating that your patent adds value to the UAE’s economy.
Creative Talents
Creative talents, such as artists or cultural ambassadors, require approval letters from the Department of Culture and Arts in the respective emirate
Executive Directors
Executive directors are required to show proof of their long-term experience in a particular field or position of work. They must show the following documents as proof:
- You must have a copy of your university degree or transcript accredited by the Ministry of Education (must be at least a bachelor’s degree)
- You must have at least 5 years of experience holding the same position
- You must have a salary certificate of at least USD $13,700 or AED 50,000
- You must have a valid employment contract
Athletes
Athletes must receive a letter of recommendation from the General Sports Authority or one of UAE’s sports councils.
High School Students
If you are a high school student who has achieved remarkable national-level academic success (with a minimum grade of 95 percent in a public or private secondary school), you have the potential to receive a Golden Visa for a period of 5 years without requiring a sponsor.
However, this is contingent upon submitting a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment). The initial duration of the Golden Visa for students is 5 years, and it can be extended if the student enrolls in a major or college program that necessitates a study period exceeding five years.
University Students
If you’re a university student with outstanding academic results, you may be eligible for a Golden Visa for a duration of 10 years without requiring a sponsor. However, you must meet the following conditions:
- Your university must be rated at least A or B by the Ministry of Education or rated among the best 100 universities worldwide according to the rating system recognized by Ministry of Education
- You must have received a recommendation letter from a university, an accredited graduation certificate, or proof of an academic record stating that your cumulative GPA is no less than 3.5 for A class universities and 3.8 for B class universities.
- It has been no more than 2 years since you last graduated
Humanitarian Workers
If you are a notable pioneer of humanitarian work, you may be eligible for a 10-year Golden Visa. This is provided you are qualified as a humanitarian working in the following categories:
- As members of international or regional organizations for a minimum of 5 years
- As members of public civil associations or institutions of public interest for a minimum of 5 years
- Individuals who have received awards from local, regional, or international organizations focusing on humanitarian work
- As philanthropists or funders of humanitarian work with proof of funding no lower than USD $544,000 or AED 2,000,000
Frontline Workers
Frontline workers who have displayed extraordinary efforts during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for the Golden Visa if they have received recommendations from competent authorities.
They comprise the following professions:
- Nurses
- Medical assistants
- Lab technicians
- Pharmacologists
Dubai Work Permit Fees
The fees for Dubai work permits depend on the level and category of work. The fees include request fees, category 1, category 2 level A, category 2 level B, category 2 level C, and category 3 applications. In most cases, your employer will be responsible for paying this fee.
The work permit fees are as follows:
Work Permit Types and Fees |
|
| Fees for initial requests for the approval of an electronic work permits | USD 54.49 or AED 200 |
| Category 1 applications | USD 81.73 or AED 300 |
| Category 2 Level A applications | USD 163.47 or AED 600 |
| Category 2 Level B applications | USD 408.68 or AED 1,500 |
| Category 2 Level C applications | USD 544.91 or AED 2,000 |
| Category 3 applications | USD 1,361.27 or AED 5,000 |
Job Opportunities for Expats in Dubai
Today, the most in demand jobs in Dubai are in finance, cybersecurity, software development, administration, and marketing. If you are looking to make your way to Dubai, it is easiest to find jobs in the aforementioned fields.
Here is a list of the most in demand fields and the respective job titles that are in demand in Dubai:
Finance: Accountants
Dubai has become the business capital of many large scale organizations across the globe. This has resulted in an increased demand for accountants in order to both aggregate and consolidate earnings across regional offices.
Cybersecurity: Specialists
With the Silicon Oasis blooming in full force, the extent to which digital solutions have advanced requires businesses in Dubai to employ the best cybersecurity specialists to ensure their safety and stability in the face of cyberthreats.
Software Development: Web Developers
Given the pre-requisites of web app development, requiring extensive knowledge of multiple coding languages such as HTML, Javascript, CSS, etc., for businesses in Dubai to expand their outreach, they will require developers.
Administration: Corporate Admins
The unsung heroes of the corporate world, administrative assistants are the driving force behind company liaisons and client correspondence. Dubai’s tech and business hub requires administrators to drive business agility and collaboration.
Marketing: Digital Marketers and Data Analysts
Data is the new gold. With a large number of business giants in Dubai connecting their products with their products, digital marketing specialists are required to process the gargantuan amounts of data to drive growth, strategy, and client retention.
The Highest Paying Jobs in Dubai
Due to the high cost of living in Dubai, expats who relocate to work there are typically the cream of the crop in their respective professions. To name a few, the top paying jobs are Chief Executive Officers, Cardiologists, Lawyers, and Judges.
The job does not only have to cover living expenses but also other aspects of life that serve as an incentive to remain in Dubai for the long-term. Below is a table denoting the highest paying jobs in Dubai by average monthly salary:
| Job Title | Average Monthly Salary in AED |
| Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) | USD 15,882.91 or AED 58,330 |
| Cardiologists | USD 10,891.76 or AED 40,000 |
| Public Relations Directors | USD 6,667.39 or AED 24,486 |
| Judges | USD 17,533.28 or AED 64,391 |
| Supply Chain Directors | USD 12,245.60 or AED 44,972 |
| Senior Banking Directors and Vice Presidents | USD 15,248.46 or AED 56,000 |
| Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) | USD 5,808.84 or AED 47,1665 |
| Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) | USD 10,702.51 or AED 39,305 |
| Lawyers | USD 12,933.96 or AED 47,500 |
| Orthodontists | USD 9,530.29 or AED 35,000 |
Health Insurance is the Most Important Requirement
In the UAE, everyone is required by law to have health insurance. Your employer is required to offer you a minimum level of coverage if you intend to work in the UAE. If you are planning to do business or retire in the UAE, expat health insurance is recommended to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Employee Health Insurance
UAE medical insurance law requires employers to offer their employees a basic health plan that has an annual premium ranging from USD $135 – 190 or AED 500 – 700, and a maximum coverage limit of USD $40,844.11 or AED 150,000 per person per year. This is not deductible from employee salaries; instead, the employer is responsible for covering it.
The plan must cover the following:
- General practitioner visits
- Emergency treatments
- Specialists and surgical procedures
- Investigative procedures
- Maternity procedures
Expat Health Insurance
Expat health insurance provides expats with access to the best private healthcare in the UAE, with significantly shorter wait times. Furthermore, expat health insurance provides comprehensive coverage for a wide array of medical services, whether inpatient, outpatient, or specialist treatment.
Expat health insurance offers the following benefits:
- Global coverage (Optional: Including the United States)
- Inpatient and outpatient coverage
- Direct billing
- Access to the best private hospitals and doctors
- Unlimited claims
- English-speaking customer support
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation services
- Lifetime renewability
- Maternity coverage
- Preventative care
- Dental and optical coverage (Optional)
UAE Residence Visa Document Requirements
Applying for a UAE residence visa requires a number of supporting documents that prove your identity, nationality, medical fitness test, insurance coverage, and any employment contracts.
The list of documents required for submission is as follows:
- A recent colored personal photo with a white background for the dependent
- A copy of the passport of the dependent
- Emirates ID application receipt
- Housing lease contract (certified) or proof of owning a residence
- A copy of the sponsor’s passport with a valid residence permit
- Job contract of the sponsor
- A medical fitness certificate (for dependents above 18 years)
- Entry permit
- Attested birth certificate of the dependent (children)
- Mother’s residence photo (for the newborn)
- Medical insurance or health card
- Divorce or death certificate (for divorced women and widows)
- Proof of housing (for divorced women and widows)
- A proof of the woman’s ability to earn a living (for divorced women and widows)
- A certificate issued by the university or institute specifying the duration of the study (for students)
Contact a Broker
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for an expat in Dubai. Although employers are responsible for providing minimum health coverage to their employees, it is not adequate for long-term living and wellbeing. This is why the expertise of a broker is needed to help you receive the best healthcare.
Pacific Prime is a renown insurance broker with decades of experience. To make sure you get the health care that fits your individual needs and budget, our experts can make tailored recommendations and guide you every step of the way during your time as an expat.
If you’re in the stage of consideration, it is worth reading up on Dubai laws for expats and moving to Dubai from the United States to get you up to speed. These materials will provide you with all the information you need to know about living and working in the UAE.
Contact us today to receive a consultation or compare plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a UAE work permit last?
Upon receiving a UAE work permit, it is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30. The 60 days you are within the UAE provide you and your employer with adequate time to arrange and apply for a Residence Visa, UAE Card, and labor Card.
Do I have to renew my work visa myself?
All types of work visas in Dubai are typically issued for 1-3 years and can be renewed. However, your employer is strictly responsible for the renewal of your UAE work visa within 30 days prior to its expiration.
How long does it take to apply for and receive a UAE work permit?
Upon submission of the required documents, you will have to wait an average of 5 working days for the UAE ministry to issue the work permit.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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What has been your experience with finding affordable housing in Dubai as an expat? What are some tips for building a social network in Dubai as a newcomer?
Finding affordable housing in Dubai as an expat can be challenging due to high rental costs in popular areas, but exploring neighborhoods like Al Barsha or Discovery Gardens may provide more budget-friendly options. To build a social network, newcomers can join expat groups on platforms like Meetup or Facebook, attend networking events, or participate in local sports and hobby clubs. These strategies help you connect with like-minded individuals and adapt more quickly to Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle.
If you’re relocating to Dubai, having the right health insurance is essential for peace of mind. Visit our Contact Us page for expert advice on securing a plan tailored to your needs.
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