UAE Visa for Work

These days, many people are traveling to the UAE on business or vacation. However, some of them are not aware that they need a work visa to be able to work in this country. This article aims to help you with this visa as quickly and accurately as possible so you can be economically active in the UAE.

UAE Visa for Work is one of the best ways to enter into the UAE, whether on holiday or for work. The special visa program offers a tremendous number of benefits and has been in place since 1973. The UAE Visa for Work or Visa for Employment is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. You need to pass a test that covers topics like ‘Introduction to the legal system’, ‘Anti-corruption’, ‘Administrative procedures’ and ‘Business etiquette’. Once you pass this test, you will receive a confirmation letter of your visa decision.

In the UAE, a visa issued by the Abu Dhabi, UAE Embassy is required for anyone who wants to work in the country. The requirements for a visa for work are not that complicated. In fact, there are only three documents that need to be presented. These documents include your passport, proof of state insurance and government health insurance if working in dangerous situations or any other type of hazardous conditions, and a photocopy of photo ID for each applicant.

The United Arab Emirates, also referred to as the UAE or the Emirates, is a popular destination for expatriates due to its relatively simple visa requirements compared to the surrounding countries in the Middle East. This makes the country an excellent choice for companies that are expanding internationally. However, like any other country, there are specific requirements that must be followed regarding immigration, residence visas, and work permits.

Types of Work Visas in the United Arab Emirates

In the UAE, there is one type of work permit. This work permit is often referred to as a labor card. However, employees will need to obtain an entry visa, a residence visa, and an Emirate ID card before they can apply for a work permit.

Requirements to Obtain UAE Work Visas

To obtain a residence visa in the UAE, employees will need the following documents:

• A valid passport and a photocopy
• Passport photos
• An Emirates ID card
• An entry permit from the Ministry of Labor
• The results of a medical screening
• A copy of a company card from the employer
• A copy of the company’s commercial license

The employee may apply for a work permit after obtaining a residence visa. To get a work permit, the employee will need all of the documents listed above as well as a work permit application form, which must be completed in Arabic, and an employment contract or job offer from a company in the UAE.

Application Process

It may be helpful to think of the process of obtaining a UAE work permit in three stages: getting an employment entry visa, getting an Emirates ID card (also known as a Resident Identity Card), and obtaining a residence visa and work permit.

How to Get an Entry Visa for the UAE

An employment entry visa in the UAE is also referred to as a pink visa. To begin the process of obtaining this permit, the employer must apply for visa quota approval on behalf of the employee. This approval will be obtained through the Ministry of Labour (MOL).

Next, the employer will submit an employment contract to the MOL. The prospective employee must sign this contract.

The Ministry must approve the work permit application before issuing an employment entry visa. With the approval and visa secured, the employee will have two months to enter the UAE.

Upon entering the UAE with a pink visa, the employee has a period of 60 days to obtain a residence visa and formal work permit.

Getting an Emirates ID

An Emirates ID is required for the medical screening employees will need to apply for a residence visa. To apply for an ID, the employee must provide their entry visa along with an original passport and a copy. Employees will need to apply in person at the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) center, where they will provide biometrics including fingerprints and a photograph.

Obtaining a Residence Visa and Work Permit

To apply for a residence visa, the employee will need all of the required documents listed in the previous section. A residence visa in the UAE is valid for one to three years and can be renewed. The employee’s work permit will be listed as part of the residency visa.

Once the work permit is approved, the employee can officially begin working.

UAE Employment Visa Rules

To be allowed to work in the UAE, you as well as the company hiring you must fulfill the following conditions:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• The license of the company hiring you has to be valid
• The company must not have any violations
• The work you do must correspond to the nature of the company hiring you

Who is Eligible for a UAE Work Visa?

Any foreigner who is over the age of 18 can work in the UAE, provided that they meet the standards set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). There is no maximum age for who can be employed in the UAE, but for workers over the age of 65, the company pays a higher fee.

Foreign workers are divided into three categories, based on their academic qualifications/skill sets:

• Category 1: If you have at least a bachelor’s degree
• Category 2: If you have a post-secondary diploma in any field
• Category 3: If you have a high school diploma

What documents do I need for a UAE employment visa?

When applying for an employment visa for UAE, you need several supporting documents, such as:

• Your original passport along with a copy of your passport
• A passport-size picture, in line with UAE requirements
• Copies of your academic qualifications. Your qualifications have to be authorized by the UAE Embassy or consulate in your country as well as from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
• Medical certificate, issued by a government-approved health center in the UAE.
• Documents from the company hiring you, such as the commercial license of the company or the company card

As per the new employment visa rules in UAE for 2018, a certificate of good conduct is not required, until further notice.

How can I get a Work Permit in UAE?

Your employer has to obtain the work permit on your behalf. It is the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) that’s in charge of issuing work permits for the UAE. The application process for a UAE work permit is:

1. The employer prints the application for the work permit at the Tas’Heel website, the Ministry of Labour’s online system
2. They submit the required documents (see below)
3. The Ministry reviews their application, and asks to resubmit any documents or correct any irregularities they think are necessary
4. The Ministry issues the approval, which the employer can download from the Ministry website.

Conclusion

One of the unique considerations of working in the UAE is that work permits must be sponsored by an entity that is locally licensed and incorporated in the UAE. This requirement can complicate the process for companies that are in the early stages of global expansion. If your company does not have an established presence in the UAE, you can work with a global PEO as the Employer of Record in the UAE.

Some employees may also wish to bring family members with them to the UAE. Employees can sponsor residency visas for family members once they’ve received their own resident visa.