How to Apply for UAE Work Visa: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about moving to the UAE for work, you’ll need to get a work visa. The UAE is known for its booming economy and attracts people from all over the world, especially in industries like tech, healthcare, and engineering. Getting a work visa might sound complicated, but it’s easier than you think if you know what to expect.

This guide will help you break down the steps to applying for a work visa in the UAE, from getting your job offer to getting your visa stamped. We’ll also explain the different types of visas, the paperwork you need, how much it’ll cost, and how long everything takes. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to start your new adventure in the UAE.

UAE work visa process at a glance

What is a UAE Work Visa?

A UAE work visa is a legal document that lets you live and work in the United Emirates. The visa is usually sponsored by your employer and is required for anyone who wants to take up a job in the country. It allows you to stay in the UAE for a fixed period, usually between 1 to 3 years, and can be renewed as long as you continue working. The visa is stamped into your passport and acts as official proof that you're allowed to work in the UAE. You'll need to carry this visa for ID checks, job-related paperwork, and to access certain services.

Types of UAE Work Visas

In the UAE, there are different types of work visas depending on how you work and who you work for. If you’ve been hired by a company, you’ll likely get a Standard Work Visa. But if you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or an investor, you may qualify for a Green or Golden Visa. Each visa has its own rules, time limits, and benefits depending on your job type and lifestyle.

Standard Work Visa

The Standard Work Visa is the most common type of work visa in the UAE. You get this visa when you’re hired by a company that’s based in the UAE. The company is responsible for helping you apply for the visa and getting all the paperwork done.

Once you get this visa, you’re allowed to live and work in the UAE for 2 to 3 years. If you continue working or get a new job, you can renew the visa before it expires. It’s a good option for people starting a regular job with an employer.

Green & Golden Visas (Including Brilliant Visa)

The UAE also offers Green and Golden Visas, which are made for people who want to stay in the country longer or work in special kinds of jobs. These visas offer more freedom and don’t always require you to work for one company.

Green Visa

The Green Visa is perfect for freelancers, self-employed people, and skilled professionals who don’t work for a single company. You can stay in the UAE and work on your own, which gives you more independence and flexibility. You don’t need a sponsor (like a boss or company) to get this visa.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is for investors, business owners, doctors, engineers, scientists, and other highly skilled people. It lets you live and work in the UAE for up to 10 years without needing to renew it every couple of years. This visa is great for people who want to build a long-term life in the UAE.

One special type of Golden Visa is the Brilliant Work Visa. It’s for people who are really talented in areas like science, art, sports, or culture. If you’ve done something amazing in your field, you might be able to get this visa without needing a company to sponsor you. It’s a great choice for creative and skilled people who want to live and work in the UAE more freely.

Blue Visa

In 2024, the UAE launched the Blue Visa. This special visa lets people live in the UAE for 10 years if they have done important work to help the environment. It’s for people who care about nature, fight climate change, and support green projects.

Who Can Get it:

• People who work with international groups that protect the environment

• Employees of companies that focus on green or eco-friendly work

• Volunteers or workers at environmental non-profits or charities

• Winners of big awards for helping the environment

• Scientists, researchers, or activists who have done a lot to protect nature
  

This visa is a way for the UAE to thank and support people who are helping the planet — no matter where they are from or where they did their work.

Virtual Work Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)

The UAE also has a visa for remote workers, called the Virtual Work Visa. This is perfect for digital nomads — people who work online and want to live in the UAE while working for a company in another country.

This visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed. To apply, you must earn at least $3,500 per month (or $5,000 if you're applying through Dubai). It costs $287 to apply, and you can also bring your family on a dependent visa.

It’s a great option for people who work online and want to live in the UAE without needing a local job or company sponsor.

Step-by-Step UAE Work Visa Application Process

The UAE work visa application process involves several steps that need to be followed carefully to ensure a smooth and successful application. From securing a job offer to completing medical tests, each stage plays a crucial role in obtaining your work visa. In the sections below, we will break down the process step-by-step, making it easier for you to understand and follow along.

Step 1: Getting a Job Offer

The first step in getting your UAE work visa starts when you receive a job offer from an employer in the UAE. Once the offer is confirmed, your employer will apply for an entry permit for you. This entry permit (also known as the "pink visa") is a temporary visa that grants you permission to enter the UAE and start the visa application process.

Your employer will handle the application through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) ensuring that your job offer complies with UAE labor laws, including salary and skill requirements. Once the entry permit is approved, it typically allows you to enter the UAE for up to 60 days, during which you’ll need to complete the final steps of your visa application.

Step 2: Tracking Your Visa Application Status

Once your employer has submitted your entry permit application, you can track its status online.

• If your visa is being processed in Dubai: Visit the GDRFA website or use the DubaiNow app.

• If it’s from another emirate: Go to the ICP website.

You’ll need your application number, reference number, or passport details. Keep an eye on the progress so you're ready to move forward once your permit is approved.

Step 3: Gathering All the Necessary Documents

To apply for a UAE work visa, you'll need to provide several important documents that will help the authorities process your visa application quickly and efficiently. The specific documents required may vary depending on your job and nationality. In the sections below, we'll go into more detail about the exact paperwork you'll need to prepare.

A table with required documents for UAE work visa application

Personal Documents

To apply for a UAE work visa, you will need to provide a valid passport. Your passport should have at least six months of validity left from the date you plan to enter the UAE. You’ll also need passport-size photos with a white background. These photos should be recent and meet the specific size and style requirements set by the UAE authorities. Make sure that your passport and photos are ready before you begin the application process.

Professional & Legal Documents

One of the most important documents you will need is a signed job offer or employment contract from your UAE employer. This proves that you have been hired and are eligible to apply for the work visa. In addition to this, you will also need to provide your educational certificates, such as your degree or diploma.

However, these certificates need to be attested in your home country first. Afterward, they must be authenticated by the UAE embassy or consulate. This step ensures that your qualifications are recognized and valid in the UAE.

Additional Documentation (if applicable)

In some cases, you may need to provide additional documents depending on your situation. For example, if you plan to bring your family with you, you will need to submit a marriage certificate for your spouse and birth certificates for any children. If you’ve worked in the UAE before and need to cancel your old visa, you may also need to provide the visa cancellation letter. These extra documents help complete your application and show that you meet all the requirements for living and working in the UAE.

Step 4: Medical Tests & ID Processing

After you arrive in the UAE, one of the first things you’ll need to do is take a medical fitness test. This test is required to make sure you’re healthy and fit for work. You’ll visit a government-approved medical center to complete the test, which includes a physical checkup and blood tests. 

In addition to the medical test, you will also need to provide biometrics—your fingerprints and a photo—so you can get your Emirates ID. The Emirates ID is a special identification card that allows you to live and work in the UAE, and it’s an important part of the visa process.

Step 5: Residency Visa Stamping

Once your medical results come back and your biometrics are taken, you’re almost finished with the process! The final step is getting your residency visa stamped in your passport. This is the official approval that allows you to live and work in the UAE for the duration of your visa. 

With this residency visa, you will be able to fully settle into life in the UAE and enjoy the benefits that come with working and living there. The residency visa is usually valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the terms of your employment.

Timeline and Costs Involved

To get a work visa for the UAE, the first thing you need is a job offer from a company in the UAE. This company will help you through the visa process by becoming your sponsor. After you get the job, your employer will apply for a work permit from the UAE government. 

Once it’s approved, you’ll get a visa that lets you enter the country. When you arrive, you’ll need to take a medical test, apply for an Emirates ID (a national ID card), and get the work visa stamped in your passport. The whole process usually takes a few weeks, depending on how fast everything is done.

Typical Timeframes

The UAE work visa process involves several steps, each with its own timeline. Here’s a general idea of how long each stage usually takes:

• Entry permit issuance: 5–10 business days

• Medical and ID processing: 1–3 days

• Residency visa stamping: 2–5 business days

These timeframes can vary slightly depending on how quickly your documents are submitted and approved. Delays can also happen during busy seasons, so it's a good idea to start the process early and stay in touch with your employer or HR department for updates.

Once people get their visa stamped, the next thing they’re usually thinking about is where to live. That’s where Kredium’s Area Guides come in — they help you get to know different parts of the UAE, so you can decide which area fits your lifestyle best.

Breakdown of Expected Costs

Here’s a rough idea of what each part of the work visa process might cost. Keep in mind, these prices can vary a little depending on the type of job and location in the UAE. 

A table with estimated costs for UAE work visa process

Cost Coverage by Employers

In most cases, UAE employers cover the full cost of work visa processing. However, it's wise to confirm this in your contract or offer letter. Some of the costs, like medical tests or Emirates ID fees, may occasionally be passed on to the employee depending on company policy, so it's best to clarify everything before accepting the job.

Who is Eligible for a UAE Work Visa?

Getting a work visa in the UAE depends on a few key things, like your job offer, background, and health. While many people apply each year, only those who meet the rules can get approved. In the next sections, you’ll learn exactly what the UAE looks for when deciding if someone is eligible.

1. You Must Have a Job Offer from a UAE Company

To get a work visa, you must have a job offer from a company in the UAE. This company will sponsor your visa, which means they’ll help you apply and make sure all your documents are in order. Without a job offer, you can’t apply for the visa. The company will also make sure that the job and salary meet the UAE's rules, and they’ll handle most of the paperwork for you.

2. You Need The Right Skills and Qualifications

Your skills and qualifications must align with the job you're applying for. The UAE focuses on attracting skilled professionals, especially in fields such as healthcare, technology, education, and engineering. Holding recognized certifications or degrees from reputable institutions can improve your chances of visa approval.

3. You Must Pass a Medical Examination

Before getting your work visa, you must take a medical exam. This is to make sure you don’t have any serious diseases that could spread. The test checks for things like tuberculosis or HIV. If you’re applying from outside the UAE, your employer will help you find an approved medical center to do the test. You must pass this exam to move forward with your visa application.

4. You Need a Clean Criminal Record

You need to have a clean criminal record to get a UAE work visa. The UAE government will check to make sure you haven’t been involved in serious crimes like violence, stealing, or fraud. This helps make sure that only people with good behavior are allowed to work in the country. 

If you're applying from outside the UAE, you may need to show a police certificate from your home country. This certificate proves that you don’t have a criminal history. Sometimes, the UAE might ask for extra documents depending on where you’re applying from.

5. You Should Show Financial Stability

You need to show that you can support yourself while living and working in the UAE. This usually means proving that you have a steady income or enough savings. If you plan to bring your family with you, you’ll need to show you can afford to support them too. Your employer usually pays for most of the visa costs, but you still need to have enough money to live comfortably.

6. Age Limit May Apply

There isn’t a strict age limit for getting a work visa, but the UAE generally prefers younger workers, especially those between 21 and 45 years old. This is because they expect younger workers to stay for longer and contribute to the workforce. However, older workers with a lot of experience are still welcome, especially if they have special skills or are in high-demand industries.

FAQs About UAE Work Visas

Many people have questions about the UAE work visa process, from eligibility to specific requirements. Here, we've compiled the most common queries to help you find quick answers and understand the application steps better.

1. Is the UAE work visa open for Pakistani citizens?

Yes, Pakistani citizens can apply for a UAE work visa. There are no restrictions based on nationality if you have a valid job offer from a UAE-based employer. Once you get the offer, your employer will start the visa process and sponsor you for a work permit.

2. Can a wife work in the UAE while on her husband’s visa?

Yes, a wife can work in the UAE while on her husband’s (family) visa, but she must get a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The employer will apply for this permit, and once approved, she can legally work.

3. Can you work in the UAE with a student or family visa?

Yes, you can work in the UAE if you’re on a student visa or a family visa, but you’ll need to get a work permit first. This permit gives you legal permission to have a job while studying or living with your family in the UAE.

4. How to apply for a Luxembourg work visa from the UAE?

To apply for a Luxembourg work visa from the UAE, you need to:

1. Get a job offer from a company in Luxembourg.

2. Your employer will apply for a temporary work authorization from Luxembourg’s immigration authorities.

3. Once approved, you can apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) at the Luxembourg Embassy or VFS Global in the UAE.

4. After arriving in Luxembourg, you’ll need to complete further steps to get your residence permit.

Make sure your documents are in order, and check the most up-to-date requirements from the official Luxembourg immigration site or embassy.

5. Is there a UAE work visa ban for Pakistan?

No, there is currently no official ban on UAE work visas for Pakistani citizens. Pakistani nationals can still apply for work visas if they have a valid job offer from a UAE-based employer

Conclusion

Getting your UAE work visa doesn’t have to be stressful. By following the steps and having all your documents in order, you’ll be ready to start your new job in no time. Whether you’re applying for a regular work visa or one of the special visas, it’s all about understanding the requirements and making sure you’re prepared.

Got your work visa? Awesome! Now let’s find your new home. Kredium has real estate experts to help you buy or invest in property in the UAE. Check out the properties page to explore homes and real estate options.

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