Documents And Visas: Working In Dubai

Dubai's thriving economy has led to a surge in demand for labour, attracting expats from all over the world. However, working in Dubai requires careful planning and adherence to legal requirements. Firstly, expats need to secure a job offer, as this is crucial for obtaining a work visa. The process of obtaining a work visa involves several steps, including choosing the appropriate visa type, acquiring an entry visa, applying for an Emirates ID, and undergoing medical examinations. Dubai offers different types of work visas, such as the standard work visa, Green visa, and Golden visa, each with its own requirements and benefits. The standard work visa is the most common option, requiring employer sponsorship and allowing expats to live and work in Dubai for two to three years. The Green visa, on the other hand, targets freelancers and self-employed individuals, offering a five-year residency without the need for a sponsor. Lastly, the Golden visa is designed for professionals with exceptional qualifications, providing them with a 10-year residence permit and various exclusive benefits.

Visa requirements

To work in Dubai, you must have a valid passport from your country of citizenship with an expiry date of at least six months after the date you arrive in Dubai. If you have a residence permit, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your arrival.

You will also need a visa to enter Dubai. You can obtain a visitor or tourist visa for free when you arrive in Dubai, which will be valid for up to 40 days. However, if you intend to work in Dubai, you will need a work visa.

To obtain a work visa, you must first have a job offer from a Dubai-based company. The employer will act as your sponsor and handle the visa application process. You will need to meet specific requirements, including:

• Educational qualifications: You must possess the necessary educational background or qualifications specified by the Dubai authorities or the employer.
• Experience and skillset: Ensure you meet the work experience and skillset criteria outlined by the Dubai authorities or the employer.
• Medical fitness certificate: Undergo a medical examination at an approved medical centre or hospital. The medical fitness certificate will include tests for infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
• Good conduct certificate: Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country or any country you have resided in for the past five years.
• Proof of sufficient funds: Provide bank statements, paychecks, or other financial documents demonstrating your ability to support yourself during your stay.

Once you have secured a job offer and a sponsor, you will need to sign an employment contract outlining the terms and conditions of your employment. You must also undergo a medical fitness test at an authorised medical centre approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

The next step is to collect the required documents for your visa application, including:

• A valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond your intended entry date to Dubai.
• Recent passport-sized photographs.
• A signed employment contract.
• Attested educational certificates.
• Experience certificates (if applicable).
• A medical fitness certificate.
• Relevant sponsor's documents (trade licence, establishment card, NOC from the Ministry of Labour).

You can then proceed with the online application through the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. After submitting the application, you will be directed to pay the visa processing fee. Keep the payment receipt for future reference.

Finally, submit your original passport along with the application and supporting documents to the designated visa processing centre. The visa processing time varies but typically takes a few weeks. If approved, you will receive an eVisa or a visa sticker in your passport, depending on the visa type.

It is important to note that the visa application process and requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific visa type and any updated regulations. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official GDRFA website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Work permits

To work in Dubai, expats need a valid work permit and work visa. The work visa is provided by the employer, and the employee does not need to apply for it themselves. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issues work permits in Dubai, which are then converted into residency visas. This residency visa acts as evidence that the individual is sponsored by an organisation and that the organisation has paid for their work permit, medical testing, and Emirates ID.

The work permit is valid for two months, during which the employer must arrange formalities such as medical testing, Emirates ID, Labour Card, and residency visa. The residency visa allows individuals to legally reside and work in the UAE for the stipulated period, which is typically one, two, or three years. It is possible to renew the work visa before it expires or within the visa expiry grace period.

To obtain a work permit in Dubai, individuals must provide the following documents:

• A recent photograph against a white background
• A copy of their passport, valid for at least six months
• Education certificates required for the job, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in their country
• Medical fitness test results from government-approved health centres in Dubai, including a blood test and a chest X-ray to screen for pulmonary tuberculosis
• Additional tests for Hepatitis B and syphilis for certain occupations

The work permit fee is AED 100, and it typically takes about a week to receive the permit.

Residence visas

To live and work in Dubai, you will need a Residence Visa and an Emirates ID. This is a sticker placed in your passport, with the Emirates ID being a credit card-sized ID card.

Types of Residence Visas

• Family Visa: Available for those with close family living in the UAE.
• Investment Visa: 5 or 10-year visas offered to foreign nationals who make a substantial donation or investment in the UAE.
• Retirement Visa: Issued to elderly foreigners who wish to retire in the UAE.
• Self-employment Visa: Available for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors.
• Student Visa: Available for foreign students accepted into an educational institution in the UAE.
• Work Visa: Issued to individuals who have secured employment in the UAE and obtained a work permit.
• Work Remotely from Dubai Visa: Also called the Digital Nomad visa, this is for remote workers who wish to work from Dubai.
• Golden Visa: Issued for 10 years to individuals with specialist talent and knowledge.

Requirements for a Residence Visa

• The UAE Visa Application Form, obtained online or through the relevant typing centre.
• Your original passport.
• Two passport-size pictures, in line with UAE visa photo requirements.
• Proof of your sponsor's legal residency/UAE citizenship.
• Proof of passing a medical fitness test.
• Proof of UAE health insurance plan.

Application Process

Firstly, your sponsor must obtain an Entry Permit for you from one of the following:

• The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
• The ICA's eChanel portal.
• The mobile apps for Apple and Android.
• The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) either online or in person.

Once you are in the country, your sponsor must apply for your Residence Visa at the GDRFA of the relevant Emirate in which you will live. They will pay a UAE Residence Visa fee, depending on the validity of your visa.

Once your application is approved, the GDRFA will affix a Residence Visa to your passport, and you will receive an Emirates ID, valid for the same duration as the visa.

Medical examinations

Foreign nationals seeking to work in Dubai must undergo a compulsory medical fitness screening service provided by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This examination is a prerequisite for obtaining a work/residence permit and aims to ensure that individuals are free from communicable diseases. The DHA has authority over licensing in the Emirate of Dubai, excluding the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) free zone.

The medical test screens for various diseases, including HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis, leprosy, syphilis, and pregnancy. It is mandatory for specific worker categories, such as those in nurseries, domestic work, food handling, salons, and health clubs. Additionally, female domestic workers must test negative for pregnancy.

The tests must be conducted at governmental medical facilities, and results from other countries will not be accepted. In the case of a positive test result, the visa permission will be denied, and the individual will be deported to their home country.

The process for the medical fitness test begins upon arrival at the UAE airport, where the employing company will explain the procedure, including the required documents and the designated medical test centres. The necessary documents include the original passport with a valid entry visa and its copies, recent passport-sized photographs, and the government health card or its number.

The DHA website provides detailed information on the test centres and their restrictions. Some centres cater to specific groups, such as Dubai Airport staff, housemaids, or employees of particular organisations. The centres tend to be busiest in the mornings and less crowded in the afternoons.

While the official information does not mention drug, alcohol, or DNA analysis, it is advisable to refrain from substance abuse as DNA analysis may be conducted.

After completing the test, it is essential to obtain a copy of the test results for future reference, as the employer will retain the original copy. The test results play a crucial role in obtaining a work visa and ensuring compliance with health requirements for residing and working in Dubai.

Travel insurance

When travelling to Dubai, it is important to consider the various benefits of investing in travel insurance. While it is no longer a mandatory requirement for most visitors, it is strongly recommended for all tourists.

Healthcare in Dubai

Healthcare is not free in Dubai, and medical expenses can be high. In the event of an accident or sickness, your international travel insurance will cover medical expenses, including hospitalisation and ambulance charges. Furthermore, if you have unpaid medical bills, your passport could be seized, and you will not be permitted to leave the country until they are handled.

Trip Cancellation and Delays

Lost or Delayed Baggage

COVID-19 Benefits

Many travel insurance plans offer COVID-19 benefits, including medical costs and quarantine expenses caused by infection.

Personal Liability

Other Benefits

Other benefits of travel insurance include personal accident coverage, loss of passport, missed connection flights, flight hijacking, and more.

When choosing a travel insurance plan, it is important to consider the duration and frequency of your trip, as well as your age. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase travel insurance as soon as you make a hotel reservation to ensure coverage in case of any trip postponements or cancellations.

Frequently asked questions