Dreams of setting up life and crafting a thriving career in Dubai, UAE, are common. However, the pathway to that dream requires you to obtain a valid employment visa. The process, while relatively straightforward, warrants a comprehensive understanding of the visa proceedings in the UAE.

The UAE is renowned for its vibrant and diverse expatriate population. According to recent studies, foreign expatriates constitute nearly 80% of the UAE’s total population. A substantial chunk of this expat population hails from South Asia, making the UAE one of the most sought-after employment destinations in Asia. The UAE government plays an essential role in streamlining employment and visa-related procedures, ensuring a smooth and efficient official formalities process.

Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, shares a common procedure for obtaining an employment visa as its counterparts. Employment visas, also known as work visas in the UAE, are allocated to skilled and qualified professionals employed by businesses, organizations, institutions, and enterprises. These professionals range from technicians and engineers to technical experts and senior executives.

For any foreign national seeking to work and live in the UAE, it is mandatory to obtain a valid residency visa. Following the issuance of this residency visa, the work visa can be obtained. The UAE Ministry of Labour is responsible for issuing the Labour Card or Employment Work visa.

Typically, foreign nationals secure a job offer before they step foot in the UAE. This means that they are not responsible for handling the formalities related to work visa issuance after their arrival. The hiring company undertakes the entire visa-related procedures. It’s worth noting that UAE law requires the employer to bear all expenses involved in obtaining the employee’s work visa.

The type of work visa issued in Dubai, UAE, can vary depending on the nature and duration of the job. The application process for the visa involves a series of documentations and legal procedures, outlined in a step-by-step process below.

It’s important to note that a foreign expat must first obtain a residency visa, which has a validity of three years, before procuring a work visa. The documents required for the residency visa include:

1. Duly filled application form
2. Passport size photographs
3. Original passport of the employee and its copy
4. Copy of the company’s legal card
5. Trade license of the business
6. Health certificate
7. Entry visa allotted by the Ministry of Labour

PW offers comprehensive services covering essential requirements such as visa processing, document drafting, government liaising, bank account opening, and more. Our team of business setup consultants, PRO service executives, and compliance advisers ensures a hassle-free process in Dubai, UAE.