Foreigners who want to live and work in the UAE must have a residence visa, namely a work visa. In addition, if you want to be allowed to work, you must also have a work permit in the United Arab Emirates.
However, first of all, you need an employer who is ready to hire you and start the necessary procedure to obtain a work visa and work permit in the UAE.
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In order to enter the UAE for employment purposes, all foreigners had to obtain a work visa, which was one of the UAE resident visas.
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Starting from April 11, the UAE government replaced the work visa (resident visa), which was pasted in foreign passports, with the Emirates ID card, which will serve as a single document for residence and work.
To submit new applications for residency or its extension, it is no longer necessary to go through two separate procedures for obtaining a visa and an ID card. The procedure is performed within one application. In addition, you no longer need to leave your passport at the immigration offices to paste the visa.
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Rules for obtaining a work permit (labor card) in the UAE
To obtain a work permit in the UAE, you, as well as the company that hires you, must meet the following conditions:
- You must be at least 18 years old;
- The license of the company that hires you must be valid;
- The company must not have any violations;
- The work you perform must be in line with the nature of the company that hires you.
Who is eligible for employment in the United Arab Emirates?
Any foreigner who is over 18 years of age can work in the UAE provided they meet the standards set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE). There is no maximum age for those who can be employed in the UAE, but for employees over 65, the company pays a higher contribution.
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Foreign workers are divided into three categories depending on their academic qualification/skill set:
- Category 1: if you have a bachelor's degree;
- Category 2: if you have a high school diploma in any field;
- Category 3: if you have a high school diploma.
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What documents do I need to obtain an Emirates-ID card in the United Arab Emirates?
To apply for a resident card you will need several supporting documents such as:
- Original passport along with a copy of your passport;
- Two passport size photographs as per UAE requirements;
- Copies of your academic qualifications. Your qualifications must be approved by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country;
- A medical certificate approved and issued by the government by a health center in the UAE;
- Documents from the company that hires you, such as the company's commercial license or company card.
- An entry permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).
According to the new rules, a certificate of good conduct is not required.
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How can I get a work permit (labor card) in the UAE?
Your employer must obtain a work permit on your behalf. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) is responsible for issuing work permits in the United Arab Emirates.
The process of applying for a work permit in the UAE:
1. The employer prints the work permit application on Tas'Heel, the online system of the Ministry of Manpower;
2. He submits the required documents:
- Your valid passport and its photocopy;
- 2 passport photos;
- Entry permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emigration (MoHRE);
- Medical examination results;
- Copy of the service card from the employer;
- Copy of the company's commercial license;
- Employment contract;
- Health insurance;
- Copies of your academic qualifications.
3. The Ministry reviews the application and asks to resubmit any documents or correct any irregularities they deem necessary;
4. The Ministry issues a work permit, which the employer can download on the Ministry's website.
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What is the cost of a work permit?
Request for initial approval of a new electronic work permit: 200 UAE dirhams for all categories/levels
Approval of a new e-work permit (recruitment and its employment card):
- Category 1: 300 UAE dirhams;
- Category 2:
Level A: 600 UAE dirhams
Level B: 1500 UAE dirhams
Level C: 2000 UAE dirhams
- Category 3: 5000 UAE dirhams.
For foreign workers aged 65 years and over: AED 5000 for all categories.
The second category is divided into levels depending on the ratio of skilled and unskilled workers that the company has.
In most cases, it is your employer who is responsible for covering the costs of obtaining a work permit in the United Arab Emirates.
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How long does it take to get a work permit in the UAE?
After submitting the documents to the Ministry, it usually takes about 5 working days to get a work permit.
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What is the validity period of a work permit in the UAE?
The work permit will be issued for 1-3 years, depending on the duration of your employment contract.
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How can I get an Emirates-ID card
After obtaining a work permit, your employer must arrange for you to obtain a UAE resident card: Resident Identity Card (Emirates ID).
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What is the procedure for obtaining a UAE resident card?
1. To apply for an Emirates ID, the employer must submit your original passport and the original entry permit to one of the authorized typing centers in the UAE - Typing Office, or apply online through the website of the Federal Department of Identification and Citizenship ICP.
2. Next, you need to contact one of the Emirates ID Authority centers, where you will be fingerprinted and a photo will be taken.
3. After you have completed all the procedures, you will receive a text message containing a number that will allow you to track the status of your Emirates-ID application on the ICP website.
4. Once your application is successfully processed, you will be notified that your Emirates ID card is ready and you can collect it at the post office. Depending on your job profile and employment contract, the resident card will be issued with a validity period of 1-3 years.
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Can I replace/renew my Emirates-ID?
Yes, in accordance with local legislation, Emirati citizens and residents are required to apply for a replacement Emirates ID within 30 days. Otherwise, a fine of AED 20 will be charged for each day of delay.
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The procedure for replacing your resident card is similar to when you first received it.
What is a UAE business visa?
A business visa is part of the Golden Visa system, under which foreigners can obtain a long-term visa for themselves and their dependents. It aims to create an attractive environment for the business and economic growth of the UAE.
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Who can get a business visa?
Professionals from any country with business experience have the right to apply for a business visa.
To obtain a visa, you must:
- Be able to justify your experience as an entrepreneur;
- Having been the majority shareholder of the startup or a member of its senior management;
- Be ready to move to the UAE and legally open a business in one of the seven emirates;
- Have a business idea or business plan that you want to implement in the UAE.
In addition, applicants must successfully pass the requirements of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, including case review and health assessment.
Compliance with the requirements for obtaining a business visa does not guarantee that the applicant will receive it. Specialized commissions consider the application and the documents attached to it and, accordingly, give approval. Once approved, the applicant will have to comply with the requirements of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security to obtain a visa.
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How to apply for a business visa?
To apply for a business visa, you will need to approve your candidacy in an incubator (workspace) supported by the UAE government (currently AREA2071 in Dubai and HUB71 in Abu Dhabi). Once your application has been approved, you will be asked to apply for a visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
Note:
- If your candidacy is successful, you will receive a link to download the necessary documents and fill out a visa application form;
- If your candidacy is not approved, apply again in 90 days.
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Obtaining a visa
Once your candidacy has been approved, you will be asked to complete a visa application on the Federal Authority's website for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
Upon completion, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to obtain a visa.
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If you live outside the UAE, you will be granted a six-month visa to enter the UAE, explore opportunities and settle. Before your temporary visa expires, you will need to convert it into a residence permit.
If you currently reside in the UAE, you will be issued a temporary one-month visa and you need to convert it into a residence permit before it expires.
In both cases, you can quickly and conveniently convert your visa into a residency visa in SERVICES1 in Emirates Towers, Dubai, or directly through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
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What are the benefits of a business visa?
After issuing a business visa, the applicant is allowed to:
- enter the country for six months on a multiple-entry visa to facilitate the procedure for starting a business;
- appoint up to three of the best employees of your business to obtain resident status.
All visa holders will be allowed to sponsor their dependents in accordance with the conditions and requirements established by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
To attract talent and experience from around the world, the UAE Cabinet approved a new remote work scheme to allow employees from all over the world to work remotely from the UAE. The annual visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE on the condition of self-employment and work in accordance with the conditions.
This provides entrepreneurs and talent with the opportunity to innovate in a safe and attractive UAE business environment, with access to all necessary services, including world-class utilities and telecommunications.
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For more information on a remote work visa, please contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
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Dubai Virtual Work Program
Under the virtual work program, you can move to Dubai (from outside the UAE) and continue working in the organization in which you are already working, remotely.
Who is the virtual work program for?
The virtual work program is designed for people living and working outside the UAE, for start-ups and entrepreneurs who meet eligibility criteria. If your application for accommodation in Dubai is approved by the UAE authorities, you can also bring your family with you.
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The duration of the virtual work program
The program is valid for one year with the possibility of extension upon reapplying.
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How to apply for the program?
To apply for the program, you need to have a passport with a validity of a minimum of six months and valid health insurance that covers your residence in the UAE.
If you are an employee, you need to:
- provide proof of employment with a contract with your current employer for one year;
- receive a salary of at least 5,000 USD per month;
- provide a salary receipt for the last month and an extract from the bank for the previous three months.
If you are the owner of the company, you need to:
- confirm ownership of the company for one year or more;
- have an average monthly income of 5,000 USD per month;
- provide bank statements from the company's account for the previous three months.
Learn more about the benefits of working remotely in Dubai.
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