How to apply for a UAE work visa step by step?

Moving to the vibrant employment landscape of the United Arab Emirates to embark on a new career adventure requires understanding its well-structured work visa application process, which can seem intricate but is remarkably efficient once navigated correctly. This comprehensive guide, meticulously compiled by the www.few.ae team, will demystify the steps involved in securing a UAE work visa, offering practical insights and essential details to ensure a smooth transition into your professional life in the Emirates.

The Foundation: Job Offer and Employer Sponsorship

Unlike some countries where you can apply for a work visa independently and then seek employment, the cornerstone of obtaining a work visa in the UAE is a valid job offer from a licensed employer. In nearly all cases, your employer acts as your sponsor, initiating and managing the bulk of the visa application process on your behalf. This is a crucial distinction; you cannot simply arrive in the UAE and expect to apply for a work visa without an employer. Once you accept a job offer, your prospective employer will handle the necessary paperwork with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, which ultimately issues the visa.

Types of Work Permits and Visas

The UAE offers several categories of work permits and visas, largely depending on the type of employment and whether it’s in the mainland or a free zone.

• Work Permit (Labour Card): This is issued by MOHRE for employees working in mainland companies. It specifies your profession, salary, and employer.
• Free Zone Work Permit: If your employer is based in one of the UAE’s numerous free zones (e.g., Dubai Internet City, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Abu Dhabi Global Market), your work permit will be issued by the respective free zone authority.
• Residence Visa: Once the work permit is approved, it allows you to apply for a residence visa, which is the actual permit to live and work in the UAE. Work visas are typically valid for one, two, or three years, depending on the employment contract and the employer’s preference, and are renewable.
• Green Visa: While primarily for freelancers and self-employed individuals (as discussed previously), the Green Visa also allows highly skilled individuals who meet specific criteria to self-sponsor their residence, removing the need for an employer to be the sole sponsor for residency purposes. However, if working for a company, a work permit is still required.

The Application Process: A Phased Approach

The work visa application process is generally divided into several stages, with your employer playing a central role in managing the applications.

1. Offer Letter and Initial Approval (Entry Permit):
   • Once you accept a job offer, your employer will issue an offer letter. Upon your acceptance, they’ll apply for initial approval from MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority.
   • If approved, MOHRE issues an entry permit (also known as an e-visa or pre-approval for a work permit). This document allows you to enter the UAE for employment purposes. For most nationalities, this permit is sent electronically and can be printed.
   • This entry permit is typically valid for 60 days and allows you to enter the country. If you are already in the UAE on a visit visa, your status will need to be changed without exiting the country, or you might need to exit and re-enter using the new entry permit.
   • The approximate cost for processing the entry permit can range from AED 250 to AED 1,000, usually covered by the employer.
2. Entry to UAE and Status Change:
   • Upon arriving in the UAE with your entry permit, or if you’re already in the country, your employer will proceed with the change of status.
   • Within the validity period of the entry permit, you must complete the next steps.
3. Medical Fitness Test:
   • This is a mandatory step for all long-term visa applicants. You will undergo a medical examination at a government-approved medical center.
   • The test typically involves a blood test (for HIV, Hepatitis B & C) and a chest X-ray (for Tuberculosis). If found positive for certain conditions, the visa application might be rejected, and you could be subject to deportation.
   • The approximate cost for a standard medical fitness test is around AED 250 in Abu Dhabi and AED 350 in Dubai.
4. Emirates ID Application and Biometrics:
   • Simultaneously or immediately after the medical test, you will apply for your Emirates ID card. This is your official identification card in the UAE and is essential for almost all transactions.
   • You’ll need to visit an ICP service center to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan).
   • The fee for the Emirates ID is typically integrated into the overall visa processing cost, but if separate, it’s approximately AED 200-400 for a two to three-year validity.
5. Work Permit (Labour Card) Issuance:
   • Once your medical test results are clear and Emirates ID biometrics are captured, MOHRE or the free zone authority will issue your official work permit (labour card). This document legally entitles you to work in the UAE for your sponsoring employer.
   • The cost for the work permit can range from approximately AED 300 to AED 3,500, depending on the skill level and the type of company (e.g., mainland vs. free zone). This fee is usually borne by the employer.
6. Residence Visa Stamping:
   • The final step is to get your residence visa stamped into your passport. This is handled by the GDRFA in Dubai or the ICP in other emirates. Your passport will be collected by your employer’s PRO (Public Relations Officer) and returned once the visa stamping is complete.
   • The residence visa fees can range from approximately AED 400 to AED 1,000, and again, are typically covered by the employer.

Required Documents: What You’ll Need

While your employer handles the majority of the paperwork, you will need to provide them with several key documents:

• Original Passport: With at least six months’ validity from your intended entry date.
• Passport-sized Photographs: Usually 4-6 recent, white-background passport-sized photos.
• Educational Certificates: Attested (legalized) copies of your highest educational qualifications (e.g., degree certificates, diplomas). The attestation process involves getting stamps from your home country’s foreign affairs ministry and the UAE embassy in your home country, and then from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation upon arrival. This process can be lengthy and costly, so it’s wise to start early.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume: An updated version.
• Experience Certificates/Letters: From previous employers, if required for your role or visa type.
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): This may be requested for certain professions or nationalities, showing no criminal record from your home country or previous country of residence.
• Medical Report: From an approved UAE medical center.
• Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance coverage (mandatory for visa issuance).
• Offer Letter/Employment Contract: Signed by both you and your employer.

Costs Associated with a Work Visa (Approximate and Employer Covered)

While the employer is legally responsible for bearing all costs associated with obtaining a work visa and permit, it’s good to be aware of the approximate figures:

• Entry Permit: Approximately AED 250 – AED 1,000.
• Medical Fitness Test: Approximately AED 250 – AED 350.
• Emirates ID: Approximately AED 200 – AED 400 (for 2-3 years).
• Work Permit/Labour Card: Approximately AED 300 – AED 3,500.
• Residence Visa Stamping: Approximately AED 400 – AED 1,000.
• Attestation of Certificates: This cost is borne by the employee in many cases, and can range from a few hundred to over a thousand AED per document, depending on the country of origin and attestation service used.
• Health Insurance: As a mandatory part of the visa, the employer must provide this (cost varies widely).

Post-Visa Arrival: Essential Steps

Once your work visa is stamped and you have your Emirates ID, there are a few more important steps:

• Open a Bank Account: You’ll need your Emirates ID and passport to open a local bank account, which is crucial for receiving your salary and managing finances.
• Get a Local Mobile Number: Obtain a local SIM card (Etisalat or Du) to stay connected.
• Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with UAE labor laws, especially regarding working hours, holidays, and termination clauses. The MOHRE website is a valuable resource.
• Accommodation: Begin your search for suitable accommodation. Rent prices vary drastically by emirate and area. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in a prime Dubai area like Downtown could be approximately AED 80,000 – AED 150,000 annually, while in a more affordable area like International City, it might be around AED 30,000 – AED 50,000 annually. In Abu Dhabi, similar apartments might range from AED 60,000 – AED 120,000. These are approximate figures and can change based on market conditions.

The UAE government has streamlined the visa application process to attract global talent, making it relatively efficient. By ensuring all your documents are in order and cooperating closely with your employer, you can look forward to a successful professional journey in the Emirates. Have you already secured a job offer in the UAE?