Getting a work visa in the United Arab Emirates

Expats moving to the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi must secure a work permit; this ultimately forms part of the Emirati residency visa. This guide includes the following information:

What’s the difference between a work visa and a work permit in the UAE?

In the UAE, the terms ‘visa’ and ‘permit’ are often used interchangeably. Generally, you’ll require a visa (or entry permit) to enter the country, a work permit (or labor card) to work, and a residency visa (or permit) to stay in the country.

Employers generally apply for entry permits, Labor Cards, and residency visas on behalf of their employees. Self-employed people apply for their own.

The residency visa and Emirates ID application are handled by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), while the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) issues work permits.

Who needs a visa and/or work permit in the UAE?

Whether you need an entry visa for the UAE depends on your nationality. However, all foreign nationals who intend to work in the UAE require a labor card and residency visa.

How easy is it to get a work visa for the UAE?

It’s quite easy to get a work visa for the UAE if you already have a job offer from an employer based in the country. That’s because they handle the application. Furthermore, there is no labor market test – employers do not have to prove there was no qualified worker locally.

However, there are several important considerations:

• Emiratisation: The UAE government has several policies to increase the number of Emirati workers in the labor force.
• Quotas: There are limits on the number of visas available for businesses to employ foreign workers.
• Complex processes: You will likely need to undergo medical tests to receive your visa and permit.
• Salary requirements: Some visas require a certain income.

Generally, the process is easier for skilled workers in high-demand industries.

It is possible to move to the UAE without a job lined up – the country offers Jobseeker visit visas for candidates looking for work in certain professions. Furthermore, Green and Gold Visas offer different routes to residency, including self-employment and investment.

Types of UAE work visa

In the UAE, work visas offer entry, residency, or both.

Visa type	Does it provide entry?	Does it provide residency?	Notes
Standard Work Visa	Yes	No	You also require a work permit and residency visa.
Green Visa	Yes	Yes	If you are employed, your employer must apply for a work permit.
Golden Visa	Yes	Yes	If you are employed, your employer must apply for a work permit.
Jobseeker Visit Visa	Yes	No	You can only get a residency visa after finding work – your employer will handle the process.
Blue Visa	Yes	Yes	If you are employed, your employer must apply for a work permit.
Virtual Work Residence Visa	Yes	Yes

Not all visas are available for every Emirate, and requirements vary, so it’s worth checking with the GDRFA website of the state where you will be living:

• Abu Dhabi
• Ajman
• Dubai
• Fujairah
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Sharjah

UAE Standard Work Visa

A Standard Work Visa is for foreign nationals with a job offer from an employer in the UAE. This visa is valid for 60 days, during which time you must obtain a work permit and residency visa to stay longer.

Employers apply for the Standard Work Visa – in Dubai, it costs AED 200 plus 5% value-added tax (VAT). There are additional charges for sponsored workers already in the country.

The Standard Work Visa allows you to stay in the country while you organize your documents. It does not allow you to work until you have the Labor Card and Residency Visa.

Green Visa

The UAE’s Green Visa is for the following workers:

• Freelancers and self-employed people
• Skilled employees

It’s valid for five years, renewable, and allows you to live and work in the UAE without employer sponsorship. You can also bring your family members to the UAE with you.

UAE Golden Visa

Golden Visas in the UAE allow foreigners to live, work, and study in the country without a sponsor. This permit includes a residence visa valid for five or 10 years. Furthermore, you can stay outside the UAE for longer than six months and still retain your right to residency.

It also allows you to sponsor both family members and domestic helpers.

This visa is for the following people:

Golden visa type	Requirements
Investors in public investments	A deposit of at least AED 2 million in an accredited UAE investment fund OR A commercial or industrial license and no less than AED 2 million in capital
Real estate investors	Ownership of properties valued at more than AED 2 million
Entrepreneurs	Ownership of an economic project of a ‘technical or future nature based on risk and innovation’ with a value of more than AED 500,000
Outstanding specialised talents	People working in several highly qualified positions, including doctors, engineers, inventors, creatives, and athletes
Outstanding students	High school or university students with excellent grades
Pioneers of humanitarian work	Five years working for an international or regional organization OR Five years’ employment in a civil association or institution of public interest OR An appreciation award from a local, regional, or international organization focusing on humanitarian work OR Have provided at least AED 2 million in funding for humanitarian work
Frontline heroes	Workers such as nurses, medical assistants, and other medical workers who have made extraordinary efforts during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic

Jobseeker visit visa for the UAE

The UAE offers visas to highly skilled professionals who want to find work in the country. The jobseeker visa provides a single entry to the country to explore job opportunities for 60, 90, or 120 days.

The costs are as follows:

• 60 days: AED 200
• 90 days: AED 300
• 120 days: AED 400

You’ll also need to pay 5% VAT, and the ICP may charge additional fees and security deposits.

Once you find a job in the UAE, your employer will apply for a work visa and residence visa on your behalf so that you can remain in the country.

Requirements for the jobseeker visit visa

The following professionals can apply for the jobseeker visit visa in the UAE:

• Legislators, managers, and business executives
• Professionals in scientific, technical, and human fields
• Technicians in scientific, technical, and humanitarian fields
• Graduates from one of the MOHRE’s top 500 universities (must have graduated within the past two years)

The minimum qualification requirement is a bachelor’s degree.

UAE Blue visa

In 2024, the UAE announced a new visa for people who have made substantial contributions to environmental and sustainability-related causes inside or outside the UAE.

This Blue Visa provides 10 years of residence.

Blue visa requirements

The following people can apply for the Blue visa:

• Members of international organizations
• International companies
• Associations and NGOs
• Global award winners
• Distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work

Virtual work residence visa in the UAE

The UAE also offers a one-year, renewable work visa for digital nomads: the Virtual Work residence visa. It has a minimum income of $3,500 per month ($5,000 per month in Dubai). Employees of foreign companies and self-employed people can apply for it. It costs $287, and you can bring family members on a dependent family member visa.

Gaining residency in the UAE for work

Holders of Golden, Green, Blue, and Virtual Work Residence Visas have residency included. On the other hand, if you come to the UAE with a Standard Work Visa, you’ll need a residence visa.

A residence visa allows you to stay in the UAE for two years, and is renewable. Your employer should apply for it for you.

Do student visas and family visas allow you to work in the UAE?

It is possible to work in the UAE on a student or family visa, but you’ll require a work permit. You can read more about the different types below.

Types of work permit in the UAE

The UAE has a large number of work permits. Employers apply for these through the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) online platform.

Please note: fees can vary according to the profession and company, and there may be additional fees involved in the application and issue of permits.

Work permit – Overseas

• Who it’s for: Employers recruiting workers from outside the UAE
• Requirements:
  • Employee must be over 18.
  • They must not already hold an active permit.
• Valid for: Two years
• Cost:
  • Application fee: AED 50
  • Issuance fee: AED 250 for category 1 companies, AED 1,200 for category 2 companies, and AED 3,450 for category 3 companies.

You can read more about the different classifications for companies on the MOHRE website.

Work permit – Dependents sponsored by family members

• Who it’s for: Workers already residing in the UAE on a family-sponsored residence visa working in any profession at any skill level.
• Requirements:
  • The worker must be over 18.
  • They must not already have an active work permit.
  • They must already be living in the UAE through family member sponsorship.
• Valid for: Two years
• Cost:
  • Application: AED 50
  • Issue: AED 250

UAE temporary work permit

• Who it’s for: employees working for a specific, short-term duration
• Requirements:
  • The worker must be over 18.
  • They must have a residence visa that lasts longer than the temporary work permit (if not a UAE or GCC citizen).
• Valid for: Six months
• Cost:
  • Application: AED 50
  • Issue: Varies according to the company classification and worker’s skill level

Training and work permit for students in the UAE

• Who it’s for: students engaging in training or part-time work
• Requirements:
  • The worker must be over 15.
  • The job must not be prohibited for juvenile students.
  • The student must not already have a work permit.
• Valid for: Three months
• Cost:
  • Application: AED 50
  • Issuance fee: AED 50

Work permit – Domestic Workers

• Who it’s for: domestic workers in household and personal service roles
• Requirements:
  • The worker must be 18–60 years old.
  • The employer must have a valid insurance policy.
• Valid for: Up to two years if the employer is a UAE/GCC citizen or diplomat, up to one year for other employers.
• Cost:
  • Depends on the employer’s nationality, location, and length of permit. Check the MOHRE website for details.

Private tutor licensing

• Who it’s for: People who plan to offer private tutoring service, such as registered teachers, unemployed people, university students, and high school students
• Requirements:
  • Valid residence visa.
  • High school students must be aged 15–18.
• Valid for: up to two years
• Cost: Free of charge

Work permit for UAE Golden Visa holders

• Who it’s for: Workers with UAE golden visas
• Requirements:
  • The worker must be over 18.
  • The worker must already have a Golden Visa.
• Valid for: two years
• Cost:
  • Application: AED 50
  • Issuance fee: AED 250

How to apply for UAE work permits and visas

As discussed above, you require the following to work in the UAE:

• Entry (employment) visa
• Residency visa
• Work permit (Labor card)

Here is the application process in more detail. Bear in mind that the process is different if you are moving to the UAE as a jobseeker.

Before starting the process, double-check with your employer which documents are necessary for your application.

Appeals and complaints for UAE work visas and permits

If you experience difficulties during the work permit or visa application process, you can file an appeal or complaint with the relevant authority:

• MOHRE – handles complaints to do with work permits and employment
• GDRFA (Dubai only) – for issues relating to entry permits and visas
• ICP – for problems with residency visas and the Emirates ID

You can usually file a complaint online through the portals. Keep your details on hand, such as passport copy, visa details with application number/reference, and supporting documents.

Some platforms allow you to track the status, so make a note of any reference numbers they send you. Typically, it takes one week to a month to review complaints.

Should you need to escalate the issue or are unhappy with the outcome, it’s a good idea to contact a registered immigration lawyer or legal advisor.

Useful resources

• UAE consulate in London
• Dubai Naturalisation and Residency department
• MOHRE: Job offers and contracts services
• Golden visas in the UAE