UAE Employment Visa Rules and Process
To legally work in the UAE, both the employer and the employee must meet specific requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the rules, eligibility criteria, and steps involved in obtaining a UAE work visa:
Eligibility for Working in the UAE
To work in the UAE, the following conditions must be met:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- The hiring company must have a valid trade license.
- The company must not have any outstanding legal or regulatory violations.
- Your job must align with the nature of the hiring company’s business.
Who Can Apply?
Foreign nationals aged 18 or above can apply for a UAE work visa if they meet the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) standards. There is no maximum age limit, but companies hiring individuals over 65 years old will pay higher fees.
Workers are categorized into three skill levels based on their qualifications:
- Category 1: Bachelor’s degree holders.
- Category 2: Post-secondary diploma holders.
- Category 3: High school diploma holders.
Required Documents for a UAE Employment Visa
To apply for an employment visa, you’ll need:
- Your original passport and a copy (valid for at least six months).
- A recent passport-sized photo that meets UAE standards.
- Copies of academic qualifications, authenticated by the UAE Embassy/Consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country.
- A medical certificate from a government-approved health center in the UAE.
- Documents from the hiring company, such as the commercial license and company card.
Note: As per the 2024 rules, a certificate of good conduct is currently not required.
How to Obtain a Work Permit in the UAE
The employer is responsible for applying for your work permit through the MoHRE.
Application Process:
- Submission: The employer submits the application via the Tas’Heel online portal and provides the required documents.
- Review: The Ministry reviews the application and may request additional information or corrections.
- Approval: Once approved, the employer can download the work permit from the Ministry’s website.
UAE Work Permit Fees
The fees for obtaining a UAE work permit vary based on the worker’s category and skill level:
- Initial approval of a new work permit: AED 200 (all categories).
- Approval for a new work permit:
- Category 1: AED 300.
- Category 2 (sub-divided into skill levels):
- Level A: AED 600.
- Level B: AED 1,500.
- Level C: AED 2,000.
- Category 3: AED 5,000.
- For workers over 65 years old (all categories): AED 5,000.
Note: Employers typically cover these costs.
Work Permit Validity and Processing Time
- Processing Time: The Ministry usually issues the work permit within 5 working days after receiving all required documents.
- Initial Validity: The work permit is valid for 30 days, with a one-time extension for another 30 days (total 60 days). During this time, the employer must arrange your Residence Visa, Emirates ID, and Labour Card.
Residence Visa and Employment Visa Process
Once the work permit is issued, it serves as an entry permit, allowing you to enter the UAE for employment.
Steps After Arrival:
- Your employer applies for a Residence Visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the relevant emirate.
- Once approved, the Residence Visa is stamped in your passport.
- You’ll receive:
- Emirates ID: Valid for the same duration as the visa.
- Labour Card: Confirms your authorization to work in the UAE.
Residence Visa Validity
Residence Visas in the UAE are typically valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the purpose of travel and the discretion of the UAE authorities.
GDRFA Websites by Emirate
For emirate-specific processes, you can visit the GDRFA website:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
By understanding these steps and requirements, you can ensure a smooth transition into working legally in the UAE.