Follow Us:

Best Accounting and Auditing firm in Dubai

Home UAE Employment Visa Process

UAE Employment Visa Process

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a top choice for expats seeking exciting job opportunities and a high quality of life. Its prime location, business-friendly atmosphere, and tax-free salaries make it a magnet for talented professionals from around the globe.

But before you can start working and living in the UAE, you need the right visa. With visa rules frequently changing, figuring out how to apply can be confusing.

This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting an employment visa in the UAE in 2024. We’ll cover:

  1. Different Types of Visas: Learn about the various employment visa options available.
  2. Eligibility Criteria: Find out if you meet the requirements to apply.
  3. Application Process: Get step-by-step instructions on how to apply for your visa.
  4. Checking Visa Status: Discover how to track the status of your application.
  5. Cancellation and Renewal Rules: Understand the rules for canceling or renewing your visa.

With the UAE employment visa process guide, you’ll have all the information you need to navigate the UAE’s visa system confidently and start your new journey in this exciting country.

What are the different types of UAE visas for employees?

UAE Employment Visas: A Quick Overview

If you’re looking to work in the UAE, here’s a handy guide to the three main types of employment visas:

1. Standard Work Visa

  • Description: The most common visa type, suitable for employment in the private sector, government, or free zones.
  • Key Features:
    • Validity: 2 years
    • Renewable: Yes
    • Sponsorship: Required from an employer
    • Restrictions: Work is limited to the sponsoring employer

2. Green Visa

  • Description: Launched in 2022 for skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Validity: 5 years
    • Sponsorship: Not required
    • Renewable: Yes, under the same terms
    • Flexibility: Greater freedom for work and residency
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Freelancers/Self-Employed:
      • Freelancing permit
      • Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma
      • Minimum annual income of AED 360,000 for the past two years
    • Skilled Employees:
      • Minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000
      • Skill level 1, 2, or 3
      • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

3. Golden Visa

  • Description: A 10-year visa for high-net-worth individuals, providing long-term residency without a sponsor.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Investors: AED 2 million in deposits
    • Real Estate Investors: Properties worth AED 2 million
    • Entrepreneurs: Projects valued at AED 500,000
    • Specialized Talents: Includes doctors, scientists, athletes, and Ph.D. holders

Employment Visa Basics

  1. Eligibility:
    • Must be 18 years or older
    • Must meet one of the following skill categories:
      • Category 1: Bachelor’s degree holders
      • Category 2: Post-secondary diploma holders
      • Category 3: High school diploma holders
  2. Key Requirements:
    • Valid passport (at least six months)
    • Passport photos
    • Entry permit from the Ministry of Labour
    • Signed employment contract
    • Medical screening clearance
    • Health insurance
  3. Rules:
    • Employees must be at least 18 years old
    • Sponsoring employers need a valid trade license
    • Job role must be in line with company activities
    • Employees are restricted to working only for the sponsoring employer

Step-by-Step UAE Employment Visa Process

  1. Entry Visa Quota Approval:  The employer applies for quota approval from the Ministry of Labour (MOL).
  2. Submit Employment Contract: Employer and employee sign and submit the contract to the MOL.
  3. Apply for Entry Permit and Work Visa: Employer applies online with required documents.
  4. Receive Entry Visa: Employee gets an entry visa to enter the UAE within 60 days.
  5. Enter UAE and Complete Medical Test: Employee undergoes medical tests and registers for Emirates ID.
  6. Apply for Residence Visa: The Employer applies for a residence visa on the ICA website.
  7. Submit Labor Contract: The contract is submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE).
  8. Get Health Insurance: Employer provides health insurance.
  9. Receive Residence Visa: A residence visa is issued by the ICA.
  10. Apply for Emirates ID: Apply within 15 days of arrival.
  11. Visa Stamping: Visa information is linked to Emirates ID; no separate passport stamping is required.

Visa Application Fees

Here are the visa fees for 2024:

 

PERMIT TYPE

APPLICATION

FEES

 INSURANCE FEES eChannel Fees
Government Sector AED 100 AED 100(PER YEAR) AED 150
Private Sector/ Free Zone AED 100 AED 100(PER YEAR) AED 150
Investor/ Partner Residence AED 100 AED 100(PER YEAR) AED 150

Cancellation of Employment Visa

Here are some key points about canceling an employment visa:

PERMIT REQUEST FEES eSERVICE FEES
Entry Permit AED 10 AED 50
Residency Permit AED 10 AED 50
Exit Permit AED 10 AED 50

Process

  1. Only the sponsoring employer can officially cancel the visa
  2. Employer applies to MOL, ICP and cancels work permit
  3. The employee gets dues cleared and signs cancellation consent

After Cancellation

  1. 28 days grace period to change status or exit the country
  2. No fines or penalties during the grace period

Checking Visa Status and Validity

You can easily check visa status and validity online:

Visa Status

https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/home

            

Visa Validity

Call the ICA helpline at 600522222 Or check:

  1. Dubai Visa Validity
  2. https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/home
  3. Other Emirates Validity

Processing time is typically 2-5 working days to update visa status.

Transferring from Visit Visa to Employment Visa

Steps to Transfer:

  1. Secure a Job Offer
    • Obtain a valid job offer and employment contract.
  2. Complete Medical and Security Checks
    • Undergo required medical tests and security clearances.
  3. Employer Actions
    • Employer submits applications for entry permit, work permit, and residence visa.
  4. Processing Time
    • The transfer process usually takes about 5 working days.

Avoiding Visa Frauds:

  1. Illegal Work: Ensure no work is done on a tourist visa.
  2. Extra Charges: Be wary of any additional fees beyond official costs.
  3. Verification: Confirm the company’s trade license and the legitimacy of the job offer.
  4. Report Fraud: Report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Working Hours and Benefits:

  1. Working Hours:
    • Max 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week.
    • Reduced by 2 hours/day during Ramadan.
    • Overtime: Up to 2 hours/day with pay.
  2. Leave:
    • Annual Leave: 30 days with full pay.
    • Sick Leave: Up to 90 days (15 days full pay, 30 days half pay).
  3. End of Service Benefits:
    • Gratuity for 1+ years of service.
    • Minimum AED 18,000, maximum AED 35,000.
    • Must be paid within 14 days after the contract ends.

In short, getting an employment visa in the UAE is now quicker and easier than before. This guide will help you understand the key steps and requirements, so you can start working legally and smoothly in the UAE.

For more details consult our FM Expert today.!!!

Quick Contact

    Need Help?

    Please Feel Free To Contact Us. We Will Get Back To You With 1-2 Business Days.

    info@example.com
    (888) 123-4567

    Download

    Company White Paper
    1.30 MB

    Company Media Kit
    1.22 MB