Visa Types
UAE Work Visa Criteria
Apply to work in UAE, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Apply to work in the UAE, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
MOL UAE stands for Ministry of Labor UAE. It is the government agency responsible for overseeing the workforce in the United Arab Emirates. MOL UAE regulates the employment process in the public and private sectors, and provides a range of services to employees and employers, including: Work permits, Visas, Labor disputes, Wages and working conditions, Occupational health and safety, Training and development.
Residence visa for working in the UAE
There are three cases to get a visa for work, which include standard work visa, green visa for work, and domestic worker visa. The standard work visa is issued for employees in government and private sectors. The green visa is issue for skilled employees for 5 years. The last type of visas is issued for domestic helpers.
Key Points for UAE Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to UAE?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to UAE
UAE visa application is made online or offline?
The UAE work visa application is made by the sponsor, which is typically the employer of the foreign worker.
Do I need to give biometrics?
No, Biometrics not required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a UAE visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a UAE visa.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?
The maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa in the UAE is typically 3 years. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, employees in the government sector or free zones may be eligible for longer-term visas. Additionally, certain professionals, such as doctors and engineers, may be eligible for renewable 5-year visas.
What kind of visa will we acquire from UAE?
The visa will be stamped in your passport by the UAE immigration authorities. The visa will contain your name, passport number, date of birth, and the purpose of your visit. It will also state the duration of your stay in the UAE.
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Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
The visa fees for the UAE for all categories from India are as follows: Visitor Visa:
- Single entry: AED 330 (approximately INR 7,400)
- Multiple entry: AED 800 (approximately INR 17,845)
- 60-day single entry: AED 650 (approximately INR 14,500)
- For undergraduate studies: AED 1,500 (approximately INR 35,690)
- For postgraduate studies: AED 2,000 (approximately INR 46,475)
- For PhD studies: AED 2,500 (approximately INR 57,260)
- For skilled workers: AED 3,000 (approximately INR 68,850)
- For unskilled workers: AED 2,000 (approximately INR 46,475)
- For investors: AED 500,000 (approximately INR 1.14 crore)
- For entrepreneurs: AED 250,000 (approximately INR 57,260,000)
- For highly skilled workers: AED 100,000 (approximately INR 2,294,250)
Step-By-Step Guidelines
Let us walk you through the process
The employer must apply for visa quota approval on your behalf from the Ministry of Labour (MOL). This step ensures that the employer has the permission to hire foreign workers.
Once the visa quota approval is obtained, the employer will submit an employment contract to the MOL. You, as the prospective employee, need to sign this contract.
The MOL will review and approve the work permit application. This approval is necessary before the employment entry visa can be issued.
After the work permit is approved, the Ministry will issue the employment entry visa, also known as a pink visa. This visa allows you to enter the UAE for employment purposes. You will have a period of two months to enter the UAE from the date of visa issuance.
Once you enter the UAE with the employment entry visa, you must begin the process of obtaining a residence visa and a formal work permit. This needs to be done within 60 days of your entry. The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining the residence visa and work permit may vary depending on the emirate and your employer.
As of February 2023, if you are unable to travel to the UAE within the first 60 days after obtaining the pink visa, you have the option to apply for an extension of an additional 60 days. This extension is available for all types of visas but can only be utilized once.
It’s important to note that the UAE’s immigration policies and procedures may change over time, so it’s advisable to consult with your employer or the relevant government authorities for the most up-to-date information and requirements
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a UAE employment visa, you typically need the following documents:
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Passport:
Your original passport along with a copy. The passport should have a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended entry date into the UAE. -
Passport-sized Photographs:
Recent passport-sized photographs that adhere to UAE requirements. -
Academic Qualifications:
Copies of your academic qualifications, such as degree certificates and transcripts. These documents must be attested by the UAE Embassy or consulate in your country, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country. -
Medical Certificate:
You will need to undergo a medical examination at a government-approved health center in the UAE to obtain a medical certificate. This certificate confirms that you are in good health and free from contagious diseases. -
Company Documents:
You will need to provide certain documents from the company that is employing you, including:- Commercial License: A copy of the company's commercial license, which indicates that the company is registered and authorized to operate in the UAE.
- Company Card: A copy of the company's card or establishment card, which provides further information about the company.
- Employment Contract: A copy of your employment contract, which outlines the terms and conditions of your employment, including salary, benefits, and job responsibilities.
- Labor Approval: The company should have obtained labor approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in the UAE. This approval confirms that the company is authorized to hire foreign employees.
There are three cases to get a visa for work, which include standard work visa, green visa for work, and domestic worker visa. The standard work visa is issued for employees in government and private sectors. The green visa is issue for skilled employees for 5 years. The last type of visas is issued for domestic helpers.
Green visa for work
What is the UAE’s Green visa?
The UAE’s Green visa is a type of residence visa, that allows its holder to sponsor himself/herself for 5 years, eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor his/her visa.
Who can apply for a Green visa?
Freelancers, self-employed and skilled employees can apply for a Green visa.
1-Freelancers and/or self-employed people
Freelancers and/or self-employed people who wish to apply for a Green visa need to submit:
a freelance/self-employment permit from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years amounting to not less than AED 360,000, or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
2-Skilled employees
To apply for a Green visa, skilled employees must:
have a valid employment contract
be classified in the first, second or third occupational level as per Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
hold a minimum of bachelor’s degree or equivalent
have a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month.
Renewing the visa
The visa is renewable for the same term upon its expiry.
Read related news coverage on WAM.
For more information on the Green visa, contact:
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
Standard work visa
A foreigner can get a normal employment visa, usually for two years, if he/she is:
Employed in the private sector
Apply for a residency visa for a person working in the private sector – GDRFAD Dubai
Employed in the government sector or a free zone
Apply for a residency visa for an individual in (free zone) – GDRFAD Dubai
The employer must apply for the standard residence visa.
Golden visa
Read about golden visa.
Domestic worker’s visa
Read about domestic workers’ recruitment.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
If you want to live in the UAE for a long time, you need a Residence Visa. And if you want to work there, you also need a work permit. But first, you have to find a job and an employer who is ready to hire you. They will take care of getting you the employment visa and work permit for the UAE.
To work in the UAE, there are three types of work visas: standard work visa, green visa, and domestic worker visa. The standard work visa is for employees in government and private sectors. The green visa is for skilled workers and lasts for 5 years. The domestic worker visa is specifically for domestic helpers.
What is the UAE’s Green visa?
The UAE's Green visa is a special type of residence visa that enables individuals to sponsor themselves for a duration of 5 years. It eliminates the requirement for sponsorship from a UAE national or employer.
Standard work visa- The employer must apply for the standard residence visa.
A foreigner can get a normal employment visa, usually for two years, if he/she is:
Employed in the private sector
Employed in gov- semi-gov sector
Domestic worker’s visa
A UAE Domestic Work Permit is a document that allows individuals to work as domestic helpers in the UAE. It is specifically designed for those who provide services such as cleaning, cooking, childcare, and other household tasks.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
In order to work in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), individuals need to obtain a work visa. There are three main types of work visas available: the standard work visa, the green visa, and the domestic worker visa.
- The standard work visa is intended for individuals employed in both government and private sectors. It allows them to work in the UAE for the duration of their employment contract.
- The green visa is specifically designed for skilled workers. It grants them the opportunity to work in the UAE for a period of 5 years. This visa is suitable for professionals with specialized skills or expertise.
- The domestic worker visa is exclusively for individuals employed as domestic helpers, such as housemaids, cooks, or caregivers. This visa is specific to the domestic service industry and enables individuals to legally work in private households.
- Each type of work visa serves a different purpose and has specific eligibility criteria. It is important for individuals to apply for the appropriate visa category based on their employment sector and job role.
To obtain a work permit in the UAE, you need to follow these steps:
Employer's Responsibility:
The employer or sponsoring company in the UAE is responsible for initiating and obtaining the work permit on your behalf. They will handle the application process with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Application Submission:
The employer will access the Tas'Heel online system, which is the Ministry of Labour's online platform, to submit the application for the work permit. They will need to provide the necessary information and upload the required documents.
Required Documents:
- The specific documents required for a work permit application may vary depending on the job position, company, and other factors. However, the typical documents include:
- Passport copies: Your passport copy, along with copies of any dependents (if applicable).
- Education Qualifications: Copies of your academic qualifications, such as degree certificates and transcripts.
- Employment Contract: A copy of the employment contract signed between you and the employer, which outlines the terms and conditions of your employment.
- Medical Examination: You may be required to undergo a medical examination at an approved medical center in the UAE. The employer will provide you with the necessary instructions and guidance for the medical test.
- Company Documents: The employer will need to submit various company documents, including their commercial license, establishment card, and labor approval from MOHRE.
Application Review:
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will review the application submitted by your employer. They may request additional documents or ask for any necessary corrections or clarifications.
Approval and Download:
Once the application is reviewed and approved, the Ministry will issue the work permit approval. Your employer can download the approval document from the Ministry's website or the Tas'Heel online system.
It's important to note that the process and requirements for obtaining a work permit in the UAE may be subject to change and can vary depending on the specific circumstances. It's advisable to consult with your employer and the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the work permit application process