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Working in the UAE for expats: pros and cons, required permits and career prospects

Work
Popular
Residence permit
Expats
Employment
United Arab Emirates
Working in the UAE for expats: pros and cons, required permits and career prospects

The United Arab Emirates is a country in the Middle East that successfully combines tradition and modernity. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer expats a cosmopolitan lifestyle, as well as economic prospects and a fairly liberal environment. These factors make the UAE one of the best destinations to relocate to. Find out where foreigners work in the UAE, what are the conditions and what package of documents is required to move

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside your home country
An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside your home country
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The United Arab Emirates is a country that offers expats great opportunities to build a decent career and earn good earnings. The region does not stop developing, and therefore attracts foreigners with a high standard of living, lack of income taxes, a variety of jobs, incredible infrastructure, modern technologies, fabulous landscapes and much more.

The UAE authorities are interested in increasing the number of qualified workers, so moving to the country to work is quite possible. What is needed for this, read in our new material.


Advantages and disadvantages of moving to the UAE for expats


Every year, thousands of citizens from other countries come to the UAE in search of prospects and a new life. According to estimates, about 85% of the population in the Emirates today are expats, the vast majority of whom are migrant workers.


The advantages of living in the UAE include:


1. Economic stability

One of the main reasons people are drawn to the UAE is its economic prosperity. Known for its oil wealth, the country has diversified its economy, creating numerous opportunities in sectors such as real estate, tourism, finance and technology. Economic stability and growth offer lucrative job prospects, especially for professionals in these industries.


2. Strategic location of the UAE

Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, the country is a global business center. That is why it is an ideal place to work in various sectors and international markets.


3. High standard of living

The UAE is known for its luxurious lifestyle, state-of-the-art infrastructure and world-class amenities.


4. Liberal society

Socially and culturally, the UAE is more liberal than some of its neighbors. Although it is still deeply rooted in Arabic and Islamic traditions, the country offers a certain social freedom that attracts people from different cultural backgrounds.


5. High level of education and health care

The country boasts a number of international schools and universities, as well as world-class medical facilities.


Disadvantages of moving to the United Arab Emirates:


1. High cost of living

The cost of living in the UAE can be high, especially in cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Housing, tuition, and general living expenses can take up a significant portion of your income.


2. Adverse climatic conditions

Extreme heat in the summer months can be uncomfortable and limit outdoor activities.


3. Culture shock

Some of the strict laws and regulations of the UAE, which are based on Islamic traditions, can be shocking, especially to those who come from liberal countries.




To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.




Visa to the United Arab Emirates


To move to the UAE for work, a foreigner must apply for one of the following visas:

- A work visa is the most common type of work permit in the UAE. It is usually quite easy to get a permit if you have a job offer from a local employer. In this case, the employer is responsible for drawing up all the necessary documents.

- Investor visa - suitable for foreigners who have decided to open a business in the country. Obtaining it requires considerable financial investment, but it can lead to obtaining a long-term residence permit.




Read on how players, content creators, game developers, designers and programmers can get a permanent residence permit in Dubai.




Where to start moving to the UAE?


Given that visas are issued by employers, the process of moving to the country should begin with job search. There are many sites with current vacancies in the UAE. It is also appropriate to visit the websites of local or international companies. You can search for a job on the following portals: Akhtaboot, BAC Middle East, Dubizzle, GNcareers.com and GulfTalent.com.

Despite the large number of labor migrants, there is a constant need for specialists in many sectors of the country. Therefore, it is quite possible to pick up something for yourself here.

You usually have to go through an interview and a medical before you are offered a job. As soon as you receive confirmation of employment, the employer will apply for a residence permit on your behalf. After which you will have a legal permit to work in the Emirates. Such permission is usually valid from one to ten years.


List of documents for obtaining a visa to the UAE


To obtain a work visa in the UAE, an expat must submit the following package of documents:

- confirmation of medical examination;

- passport;

- color photos;

- diploma of higher education.

Documents must be legalized. Legalization includes translation into English or Arabic and notarization.


The level of wages in the UAE


If you compare the labor market or the level of income in the UAE and other countries of the world, the difference will be significant. For example, managers earn from 2,500 thousand dollars, and a qualified teacher in private institutions - even up to 25 thousand dollars per month.

In general, the average salary of foreigners in the country starts from approximately 4500-4600 thousand dollars and beyond. The amount of earnings depends on the industry where a person works, qualifications, education, experience, personal qualities, skills, etc.


Where do expats work in the UAE?


In 2024, there will be a significant shortage of the following specialists:

1. Information technology (IT) specialists.

2. Engineers

3. Data scientist

4. Specialists in artificial intelligence and machine learning

5. Cyber ​​security experts

6. Blockchain developers

7. Doctors and nurses

8. Business professionals

9. Teachers

10. Sales and marketing specialists

11. Hospitality workers

12. Construction workers

13. Oil and gas workers

The UAE government is also investing heavily in renewable energy and eco-technologies, creating new jobs in these sectors.


So, in order to get a visa to this country of wealth and opportunities, of course, you will have to make a lot of effort, as well as be patient. However, in the end, hard work will lead you to the job you have always dreamed of.


We will remind you! Choosing a country and city to move to is one of the most important stages of migration. Finding the best place to live can be quite difficult, because the choice is influenced by many factors - the cost of living, working conditions, the quality of the social sphere, etc. The rating of the best cities for employment of highly qualified specialists in 2024 by link.





Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department


To simplify moving abroad, as well as facilitate the employment procedure, consult a migration specialist. We help solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any corner of the world.



Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in UAE;

Legal advice on immigration to UAE;

Travel insurance for foreigners in UAE;

Medical insurance all over the world.




We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.

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