Get your UAE Work Visa With RelocateUAE, it’s Easy

The United Arab Emirates is home to a population that is nearly 90 percent expat, and that’s because of the quality of life, unique location, and strong economy. Businesses and workers from around the world move to the UAE by the thousands every year because the country is actively incentivising new industries to take root in the Emirates, creating jobs, opportunities, and variety with every new resident. Whether you want a Dubai work visa, need to know more about UAE work visa requirements, or simply want to start moving you and your business to the United Arab Emirates,
RelocateUAE can help make your application process and relocation as easy and seamless as possible. We started by helping explain Dubai work visa requirements to select countries, but as demand increased, quickly transitioned to helping anyone who wants to move anywhere in the UAE. If you’re ready to experience something new, lucrative, and ever-changing, contact us today for a free consultation.

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UAE Work Visa Requirements

The UAE has liberalized its work visa programs but there are still requirements that must be observed. UAE work visa criteria are largely the same for most people, but can change slightly depending on where you’re from. The UAE work visa requirements will be different for citizens of every country, so be sure to contact us when you decide to move.

Green Visa for Work

The UAE Green Visa is a self-sponsored visa that allows a person to live in the UAE for up to five years. This visa is designed for freelancers and other self-employed people (including investors) as well as skilled employees looking for work in the Emirates. Freelancers will need to apply for a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, produce proof of a bachelor’s degree or higher, and show evidence of an annual income of no less than AED 360,000 (£77,000) for the past two years. Skilled employees must check to see if they qualify for first, second, or third occupational level, have a valid employment contract, hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and have a salary of no less than AED 15,000 (£3,200) per month.

Standard UAE Work Visa

The standard UAE work visa is for people that are invited to work in either the private sector by an individual company, in the government sector, or in a freezone. In this case, you as an employee don’t have to worry about starting the process for your residence; your employer must apply for your residence visa on your behalf. They must apply for a residency visa through GDRFAD Dubai. If you need assistance at any step of this process, contact RelocateUAE for a free consultation. We’ll take care of the paperwork and contact the necessary parties so you can focus on your move.

Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows you to work, study, or simply live in the UAE for either five or ten years depending on factors such as investment value, savings amount, or preferred profession. For example, if you’re in the science, engineering, healthcare, education, or IT fields and have proof of your contributions to the field, you are eligible for a Golden Visa. If you’ve invested over AED 1 million to a business in the UAE, you are also eligible for a Golden Visa. If you’re interested in moving to the UAE and you already have an established profession, business, or want to study, contact RelocateUAE and we can facilitate your move without delay.

How to Get a UAE Work Visa

Getting a work visa in the UAE is a structured process that usually involves a sponsor, such as an employer, who invites you to live in the country. There are additional steps that you will likely have to observe, but RelocateUAE can help you organize, fill out, and file these steps at your convenience.
1. Collect Documents - you will make frequent use of your passport, passport-sized photos, and educational certificates, so make sure you have them on hand. Get a Job Offer - getting a job offer is the easiest way to get a work visa in the UAE. Pass a
2. Medical Exam - the UAE typically requires you pass certain medical tests before getting residency. It typically screens for tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other diseases.
3. Apply for an Emirate ID Card - Part of living in the UAE is having an ID card that has your fingerprints and other biometric information. Get a Labor Card - The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) will issue your labor card, which is linked to your residency.

How Long Does it Take to Get a UAE Work Visa

The time required to get a work visa in the UAE depends on multiple factors but there are averages for each step. In general, you should expect to spend two to four weeks if you’re applying outside the UAE and between one and three weeks if you’re applying inside the country.
1. The processing time for an employer-sponsored work permit is usually between five and ten days while the employer files the necessary paperwork at the MOHRE.
2. Getting a 60-day entry permit to the country, which is usually necessary before getting a long-term visa, can take between three and seven days.
3. The medical examination is relatively quick and will usually only take one or two days.
4. Getting an Emirates ID with biometrics will usually take around three days but can sometimes process in as little as one.
5. Getting your residency visa stamp is the final step but can still take between seven and and ten working days to process.
6. In total, expect to spend one to three weeks if you’re applying inside the country and two to four weeks if you’re applying outside the country.