Are you considering a career in the United Arab Emirates? If so, one of the first steps you'll need to take is obtaining a Dubai work visa.

Let's delve into this topic and provide you with important information:

Eligibility for Indians to Obtain a Dubai Work Visa: Yes, Indians are eligible for a Dubai work visa. However, eligibility requirements may vary depending on the type of work visa you are applying for.

Cost of a Dubai Work Visa: The cost of a Dubai work visa varies based on the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, it ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450, which is approximately INR 5,500 to INR 77,000.

Validity of a Dubai Work Visa: The validity of a Dubai work visa is determined by the UAE authorities and typically ranges from 1 to 3 years, depending on the visa granted.

Traveling to Dubai Without a Visa: No, Indians cannot travel to Dubai without a visa. Before your trip, you will need to obtain a visa such as a Dubai Tourist Visa to enter the country.

What is the process for obtaining a Dubai work visa for Indian citizens?

A Dubai work visa allows Indian citizens to work legally in Dubai or any Emirate in the UAE. It is obtained through a job offer from a UAE employer who will sponsor the visa application. The work permit is valid for 60 days, during which the UAE work visa must be applied for. The Dubai work visa is valid for one to three years and can be renewed. It is important to note that the visa is tied to a specific job and employer.

What are the eligibility criteria and requirements for a UAE work visa for Indian citizens?

To acquire a Dubai work visa, Indian citizens must fulfill certain eligibility requirements and possess the necessary documents for their visa application. This section provides a comprehensive overview of these criteria and documentation. Let's examine them in detail below.

Who is eligible to obtain a UAE work visa from India?

You are eligible to apply for a work visa in Dubai, depending on your educational background. The eligibility criteria are divided into three categories, each based on different educational levels. These categories are as follows:

Category 1: Bachelor's Degree or Higher

If you hold a bachelor's degree or a higher academic qualification, you meet the requirements for Category 1. This means you are eligible to apply for a work visa in Dubai.

Category 2: Diploma after High School

If you have successfully completed high school and obtained a diploma in any field, you fall under Category 2. Having this diploma qualifies you to apply for a work visa in Dubai.

Category 3: High School Diploma

For individuals who have completed high school and possess a high school diploma, Category 3 is applicable. If you meet this criterion, you are eligible to apply for a work visa in Dubai.

What are the eligibility criteria for a Dubai work visa?

To be eligible for a Dubai work visa, you need to meet specific criteria. These requirements encompass the following:

• Valid Passport: Your passport should have a minimum validity of six months.
• Legal Age: You must be 18 years or older.
• Job Offer and Sponsorship: You need a job offer from a UAE employer who will act as your sponsor for the visa application.
• Medical Examination: A medical examination is mandatory to ensure that you do not have any contagious diseases.
• Clean Criminal Record: You must have a clean criminal record and provide a police clearance certificate.
• No Existing Work Permit: If you currently hold a valid work permit or labor card from another company, you must cancel it before applying for a new work permit.
• Qualifications and Experience: You must possess the required qualifications and experience necessary to perform the job you are being hired for and align with the activities of the company.
• Valid Sponsor: The UAE government only approves visa applications from companies with valid licenses and no legal issues.
• Bank Guarantee: The ministry requires a bank guarantee of AED 3,000 for each sponsored employee.

Please note that the eligibility criteria may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, and additional requirements may be applicable based on your individual circumstances.

What are the visa requirements for Indian citizens applying for a UAE work visa?

In order to apply for a work visa for Dubai as an Indian citizen, it is important to ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements. The following documents are required:

• Valid Passport: Your passport should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into Dubai.
• Passport Size Photograph: Provide a recent passport-size photograph taken against a white background.
• Academic Qualifications: You must provide documents that validate your academic qualifications and demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills required for the job. These documents need to be verified and certified by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
• Business or Trade License Copy: The company that intends to employ you should provide a copy of their business or trade license, which serves as official permission to hire you.
• Employment Contract: Prepare three copies of the employment contract that outline the terms and conditions of your employment in Dubai.
• eSignature Card: Obtain an eSignature card from the firm. This digital signature card contains the personal data of the cardholder and serves as a means of authentication.
• Letter of Approval for Specific Jobs: If your profession falls under certain categories such as doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or teacher, you will need a letter of approval from the relevant authority in Dubai that pertains to your field of work. This letter confirms your eligibility to work in Dubai within your specific profession.
• Medical Certificate: Undergo medical tests in the UAE to ensure that you do not have any health-related issues. This certificate serves as confirmation of your good health.
• Health Insurance: Your employer will be able to assist you in obtaining the necessary health insurance coverage required during your employment in Dubai.

By ensuring that you have all the required documents and meet the specified criteria, you can proceed with your work visa application for Dubai.

What are the medical visa requirements for a Dubai work visa?

When applying for a residency permit, undergoing a medical test is a requirement, which includes blood tests and an X-ray. You might be curious about the purpose behind this medical screening. The primary objective is to verify that you do not harbor any contagious diseases and are physically capable of working in the UAE.

To comply with the regulations, it is necessary to undergo testing and vaccination at clinics approved by the UAE. The specific screenings and vaccinations include:

• HIV and AIDS screening
• Pulmonary tuberculosis assessment
• Syphilis testing
• Leprosy examination
• Hepatitis B screening and vaccination
• Hepatitis C screening and vaccination
• Pregnancy test (for female applicants)

By adhering to these medical procedures, the authorities can ensure the overall well-being of individuals seeking residency in the UAE, maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all residents.

How can Indian citizens apply for a Dubai work visa?

Obtaining a work permit for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), specifically in Dubai, may seem daunting due to its slightly complex application process. However, we aim to provide you with a clear and concise understanding of the steps involved. Let's break it down:

How to apply for an employment entry permit for Indian citizens?

To begin the process of securing your job and obtaining an entry permit for Dubai, follow these steps:

• Obtain an Entry Permit: The first step is to acquire an entry permit, which will allow you to travel to Dubai for the purpose of applying for a work visa. This permit is necessary to initiate the visa application process and obtain a valid work visa.
• Visa Quota Approval: Your employer is responsible for applying for the visa quota approval on your behalf. This approval is obtained through the Ministry of Labour, also known as the labor card. It signifies the commencement of the work visa application process in Dubai.
• Employment Contract Submission: Your employer will submit your employment contract to the Ministry of Labour. Before the submission, you must sign the contract. The labor ministry will review and approve the work permit application, which is a prerequisite for issuing the employment entry visa.

Here are the steps your employer needs to take to initiate the entry permit application process:

• Access the GDRFAD website.
• Register as a new user (if you are a first-time user) or log in using existing credentials.
• Choose the employment entry permit option.
• Attach the required documents.
• Pay the employment entry permit fee.
• Submit the employment entry application.

Upon approval, the entry permit will remain valid for 60 days. Within this period, you must travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to complete the remaining steps and obtain your UAE work visa.

Once you arrive in the UAE with your Dubai work visa, you have 60 days to obtain the residence visa and formal work permit. These documents are necessary to legally work and reside in Dubai.

What is the process to obtain the Emirates Identity Document, residence visa, and labor card?

Upon your arrival in Dubai, there are several important steps that must be completed within 60 days to ensure compliance with the country's regulations.

Step 1: Obtaining the Emirates ID

The first step is to undergo a medical fitness check to verify your overall health and ability to work. Following this, you must proceed with the application for your Emirates ID, which is a government-issued identification card. This card is a mandatory requirement for various activities in the UAE, such as opening a bank account or signing a lease agreement.

Step 2: Obtaining the Labor Card

In addition to the Emirates ID, you need to obtain your labor card number from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The labor card serves as a crucial document that confirms your legal status as an employee in the UAE and validates your ability to work for the sponsoring company.

Step 3: Obtaining the Residence Visa

After successfully completing the previous steps, a residence permit will be stamped on your passport. This permit signifies that you have been sponsored by a business entity and grants you the legal right to reside and work in the UAE for a specific duration.

The validity period of the residence visa depends on the type of visa obtained. Typically, UAE residence visas are valid for one to three years and can be renewed upon expiration.

It is important to note that the sponsoring company is responsible for paying the necessary fees and providing a bank guarantee for each sponsored employee. Failure to fulfill these financial obligations within the designated 60-day period will result in automatic cancellation of the permit. In such cases, the employer must reapply for the work permit and restart the entire process.

Important information to know about UAE work visas

Now that you have gained a better understanding of the Dubai work visa and its application process, let's delve into some additional crucial details you should be aware of.

What is the cost of a Dubai work visa for Indian citizens?

The cost of work visas in Dubai can vary between AED 250 and AED 3,450, which is approximately INR 5,500 to INR 77,000. It's important to note that in most cases, your Dubai work visa will be sponsored by your employer or the company you will be working for in the UAE. As a result, you typically won't have to pay any fees for your Dubai work visa, as it will be covered by your employer.

However, it's worth mentioning that visa fees may vary depending on factors such as the type of visa, the Emirate in the UAE, and the specific industry you will be working in.

What is the processing time for a Dubai work permit for Indians?

The UAE government does not provide specific information regarding the processing time for Dubai working visas for Indian citizens. However, it is generally estimated that the Dubai entry permit processing time for Indians would range from approximately 5 to 7 working days.

Once you have arrived in the UAE, you can initiate the application process for your working permit. This step is expected to take approximately 5 to 7 working days to complete.

The Dubai entry permit allows you to enter Dubai and reside there for a duration of 2 months. During this time, your UAE employer will handle the remaining aspects of your working permit application, which typically takes around 60 days to finalize.

What is the validity of a Dubai employment visa?

The Dubai entry permit has a validity of 60 days starting from the day it is issued. Within this timeframe, it is necessary for you to travel to Dubai and complete the remaining procedures to obtain your UAE work permit, labor card, and Emirate ID.

Once you have successfully obtained your UAE visa, work permit, and Emirates ID, their duration of validity will depend on the type of visa you have been granted. Generally, the visas can be valid for a period of 1, 2, or 3 years.

What are the different types of UAE work permits available?

In the UAE, companies can obtain different types of work permits to hire employees based on their specific needs. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issues 12 types of work permits to registered companies. These permits include:

• Hiring from abroad: Allows companies to bring in employees from other countries.
• Transfer of workers: Enables employees to switch to a new company without leaving the UAE.
• Hiring residents: Permits companies to hire individuals already living in the UAE with their families.
• Temporary work permit: Allows companies to hire individuals for specific projects or time periods.
• One-mission work permit: Enables companies to hire individuals from other countries for limited-duration projects.
• Part-time work permit: Allows companies to hire individuals for fewer hours than full-time employees.
• Juvenile permit: Permits companies to employ individuals aged 15 to 18.
• Student training and employment permit: Allows companies to hire 15-year-old students already present in the UAE.
• UAE/GCC national permit: Enables companies to hire UAE or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens.
• Golden visa holder permit: Allows companies to hire individuals with the UAE's Golden Residence visa.
• National trainee permit: Enables companies to provide training to UAE citizens.
• Freelance permit for UAE: Allows individuals to self-sponsor their work without a specific employer or employment contract.

These permits cater to various hiring scenarios and provide flexibility for companies and individuals in the UAE job market.

Other types of UAE visas for Indian citizens.

UAE offers various visa options for Indians, including:

• Dubai Tourist Visa
• Dubai Transit Visa
• Dubai Freelance Visa
• Dubai Golden Visa
• Dubai Visa On Arrival

For more details, refer to our comprehensive UAE visa guide.

FAQ

What types of jobs are available in Dubai, United Arab Emirates?

Dubai offers a diverse range of job opportunities across various industries. Some major sectors in Dubai include:

• Aluminum industry
• Fishing industry
• Boat building and ship repair
• Petroleum and petrochemicals
• Construction sector
• Handicrafts and textiles

Do Indian citizens require a tourist visa for Dubai?

Yes, Indian citizens planning to visit Dubai or any other emirate in the UAE need to apply for a UAE visa or Dubai Tourist Visa specifically for Indians.

Can Indian citizens obtain a Dubai visa on arrival?

Yes, Indian citizens with a valid USA visa or a green card issued by the USA, or those with a residence issued by the UK or the European Union can avail of Dubai Visa on Arrival. For more details, you can refer to our blog post on Dubai Visa On Arrival for Indians.

How can I cancel my Dubai work visa as an Indian citizen?

You cannot cancel your Dubai work visa yourself. Your employer is responsible for filing the cancellation upon your request.

What are the employment visa rules in Dubai?

To work in Dubai, you must meet certain eligibility criteria outlined in the Dubai Employment Visa Rules. These rules include:

• Minimum age requirement of 18 years.
• The company hiring you must have a valid license.
• The company must not have any violations.
• Your job role must align with the nature of the hiring company.

Who is eligible for a work visa in the UAE?

Foreign nationals above 18 years of age who fulfill the requirements set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) are eligible to work in the UAE. There is no upper age limit for employment; however, employers may have to pay more for employees over 65. Eligibility is determined based on academic background and skill levels, categorized as follows:

• Category 1: Possessing a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Category 2: Holding a post-secondary diploma in any field.
• Category 3: Having a high school diploma.

Is it possible to renew a Dubai work visa?

Yes, you can renew all types of Residence Visas for the UAE, including work visas. The duration of these visas is usually 1-3 years, and they can be renewed. Your sponsor must initiate the renewal process within 30 days before the visa expires. The renewal procedure is similar to the initial application process, where your sponsor applies at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the relevant emirate. Additionally, your sponsor may also renew your visa if it has expired but still falls within the UAE residence visa expiry grace period.

When is the ideal time to apply for a Dubai work visa?

It is advisable to apply for a Dubai work visa at least 3 months before your intended travel date. This is because three months prior is the earliest you can submit your application for a work visa in Dubai. For the 96-hour visa, it is recommended to apply approximately 2 weeks before your travel date.