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UAE Work Visa

If you intend to work in UAE, you need to apply for temporary employment / Job seeker visa.   

Work Visa 

A UAE work visa (Employment Residence Visa) is an official permit that allows foreign nationals to .legally live and work in the UAE. It is sponsored by your UAE-based employer and usually acts as your residence permit 

How to Apply for Work Visa? 

The entire visa and work permit process is driven by the employer. You cannot apply for a standard work visa on your own without a formal job offer. The duration of the visa is typically two (2) years, renewable for a similar period or periods in accordance with the same conditions under which it was granted. 

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

  • You must receive a formal job offer from a UAE-based company. The employer must provide an offer letter outlining the terms of employment, which you must review and sign. 

Step 2: Employer Applies for Quota and Work Permit

  • Your employer applies for visa quota approval and submits an initial work permit application on your behalf via the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) portal (or the respective Free Zone authority) 

Step 3: Obtain the Entry Permit

  • Once the work permit is approved, an Employment Entry Permit (also known as a “pink visa”) will be issued. This permits you to legally enter the UAE. 

Step 4: Enter the UAE and Complete Medical Testing

  • Upon arrival in the UAE, you usually have 60 days to complete the residency process. You must undergo a mandatory medical fitness examination (blood test and X-ray) at an approved medical center. 

Step 5: Apply for Emirates ID and Residence Visa

  • Your employer will use your medical clearance certificate, entry permit, and passport to apply for your Emirates ID and formally stamp the Residence Visa onto your passport.  

Documents required for Work visa: 

  • A valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months. 
  • Work entry permit received from your employer. 
  • Attested Educational Certificates: University degrees or diplomas must be verified by your home country’s education and foreign affairs departments, as well as the UAE Embassy. 
  • Passport--sized Photographs: Sized according to UAE visa specifications. 
  • Medical fitness report after arrival 
  • Medical Insurance: Health insurance documentation valid in the UAE. 

Job Seeker Visa 

A specific entry permit that allows individuals to come and explore job opportunities in the UAE without a prior sponsor.  

Who qualifies for Job Seeker visa? 

To qualify, you must fulfill specific criteria across one of the two applicant tracks, plus general requirements:  

Professional or Graduate Track (Choose One): 

  • Skilled Professionals: Employed or experienced in the first, second, or third professional levels as per MOHRE classifications (includes fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare). 
  • Fresh Graduates: Graduated within the last 2 years from one of the World’s Top 500  

General Requirements: 

  • Education: Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or its attested equivalent. 
  • Financial Stability: Must show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. 
  • Passport & Age: Be at least 18 years old and hold a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months.  

How to Apply for Job Seeker Visa? 

When you meet the requirements, you can begin the application process through official government platforms.  You can apply for a job-seeker visa with a validity of either 60, 90 or 120 days.  

 

Check out the UAE Government Portal for complete details on the job seeker entry visa. Local Dubai applications can be processed directly via the GDRFA.