For foreign nationals, obtaining a residence visa is the first step. By having this, they can live and work in the UAE. It permits them to work in the UAE legally. However, you must secure a work permit. This process involves several steps. Including documents, and requirements. This ensures the rights of workers and employers are protected. Understanding the various available work permits is important. It ensures you follow the correct procedures. Begin your journey to live and work in the UAE. Explore:
- Types of Work Permits in the UAE
- UAE Employment Visa Rules
- Who is Eligible for a UAE Work Visa?
- Documents Required for a UAE Employment Visa
- How to Obtain a Work Permit in the UAE
- UAE Work Permit Fees
- Processing Time for a UAE Work Permit
- Validity of a UAE Work Permit
- Steps to Obtain a UAE Work Visa
- UAE Work Visa Renewal
- Getting a Work Visa for Dubai
- Costs of an Employment Visa in Dubai
- Employment Visa Renewal in Dubai
- Connect Staff: Your Easy Gateway to UAE Work Permits
- How many types of work permits
- Eligibility criteria, document required
- It’s cost and process to obtain them.
Types of Work Permits in the UAE
The MoHRE has introduced 12 distinct work permit types. These permits enable registered establishments to select the type for hiring employees. Recruiting from within the UAE or abroad. Among these are permits for bringing in workers from outside the country, transferring non-national workers to and from facilities, and those that allow employees who are on a relative’s residency to be employed.
Other types include temporary work permits, for workers needed for a specific period to complete certain tasks, and important work permits, granted to establishments bringing in workers for short-term projects with fixed durations. The part-time work permit allows companies to hire employees for reduced working hours or days, and the worker may work for multiple employers with the ministry’s approval.
There are also juvenile work permits, which allow employment for workers aged 15 to 18, in accordance with the law’s approved regulations. The student training and employment permit provides a framework. A framework for employing or training students aged 15 and above. Particularly in a safe and regulated environment. Further, there’s the work permit for GCC nationals. It allows employers to hire citizens or residents from GCC countries.
Golden Residency holders can also obtain a work permit through their employer. It enables them to work within the UAE. Another type is the work permit for national trainees, given to establishments seeking to train UAE nationals with approved academic qualifications.
The self-employment permit is available to individuals. Ones who wish to work independently without being tied to a specific employer. This type of permit allows people to offer services or complete tasks for others, generating income without a formal work contract, either for individuals or businesses.
The work permit goal is to ensure businesses have access to the right workforce. Both for short-term and long-term needs. Meanwhile, complying with the UAE’s regulations. This initiative aims to foster greater flexibility. Especially in employment practices. It helps employers and employees adapt to the diverse work landscape in the country.
UAE Employment Visa Rules
You and your employer must meet the criteria. This allows you to work in the UAE. Below are the key requirements:
- Age Requirement: The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid Employer License: The company that hires you holds a business license.
- Compliance Record: The hiring company should not have any violations on record.
- Job Role: The work nature must match the company’s business scope.
Who is Eligible for a UAE Work Visa?
Any foreign national meeting the MoHRE standards. He/she can apply for a UAE work visa. The applicant must be over the age of 18. There is no upper age limit for employment. Over 65 age workers will require the employer to pay a higher fee.
Foreign workers are classified into three categories. It is based on their qualifications and skill sets:
| Category | Qualification |
| Category 1 | Bachelor’s degree or higher |
| Category 2 | Post-secondary diploma in any field |
| Category 3 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Documents Required for a UAE Employment Visa
Provide several documents when applying for a UAE employment visa. These include:
- Original Passport: Along with a copy of the passport.
- Passport-size Photograph: As per the specifications set by the UAE.
- Academic Qualifications: Educational credentials copies. They must attested by the UAE Embassy. Particularly in your home country and your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Medical Certificate: Issued by a government-approved UAE health center.
- Employer Documents: The hiring company’s commercial license or company card.
In 2018, the UAE Employment Visa rules were updated. Now, a certificate of good conduct is not required until further notice.
How to Obtain a Work Permit in the UAE
The UAE work permits obtaining process is simple. It is managed by your employer. For instance, the MoHRE is responsible for issuing work permits.
Follow a step-by-step process to apply for a work permit:
- Employer Application: The employer applies for the work permit on your behalf. It can be done through the MoHRE’s online system. The online portal is called Tas’Heel.
- Document Submission: Required documents (listed earlier) are submitted to the Ministry.
- Review Process: The Ministry reviews the application and may request additional documents or corrections.
- Approval Issued: Once approved, your employer can download the approval from the MoHRE website.
UAE Work Permit Fees
The fees associated with work permits vary. It is based on your category and the skill level required for the position. Here’s an overview of the costs:
| Category | Fee for Initial Approval | Fee for New Electronic Work Permit |
| Category 1 | AED 200 | AED 300 |
| Category 2 | AED 200 | Varies (Level A: AED 600, Level B: AED 1,500, Level C: AED 2,000) |
| Category 3 | AED 200 | AED 5,000 |
| Workers Over 65 | AED 5,000 | AED 5,000 |
Note: The employer covers the work permit cost and visa fees.
Processing Time for a UAE Work Permit
It takes 5 working days. All the documents have been submitted beforehand. The MOHRE issues a work permit.
Validity of a UAE Work Permit
A work permit is valid for 30 days initially. It can be extended for another 30 days. This gives you 60 days to stay in the UAE. Your employer must arrange for your:
- Residence Visa
- Emirates ID, and
- Labour Card
These are required to work and live in the UAE. The Residence Visa can be issued for 1, 2, or 3 years. It depends on the work nature and the UAE authorities discretion.
Steps to Obtain a UAE Work Visa
It acts as an entry permit after your work permit is approved. It allows you to enter the UAE based on employment. The procedure for a work visa after entering the UAE is as follows:
Employer Submits Residence Visa Application:
Your employer must apply for a Residence Visa on your behalf at the GDRFA. It can be done once in the UAE.
Visa Approval and Affixing:
If approved, the GDRFA will affix the employment visa. Also called a Residence Visa to your passport.
Labour Card and Emirates ID:
Receive an Emirates ID and a Labour Card. Get it when a Residence Visa is granted. This authorizes you to live and work in the UAE.
The GDRFA has branches in each emirate. Find more information about their services through their respective websites:
UAE Work Visa Renewal
You can renew your UAE work visa. The renewal process is similar to the initial application:
- Your employer must apply for the renewal. Done through the GDRFA within 30 days before your visa expires.
- Your employer can renew it if your visa expires. They do so within the grace period allowed by the UAE authorities.
Getting a Work Visa for Dubai
Dubai is part of the UAE. The procedure for obtaining a work visa is identical to other emirates. A detailed breakdown of the steps is as follows:
- Find a Job: In Dubai, apply for jobs on a tourist visa/job portals.
- Employer Applies for Work Permit: Your employer applies for a work permit. They do so on your behalf.
- Entry to Dubai: Use your work permit to enter Dubai after approval.
- Residence Visa Application: Your employer arranges for you to undergo a medical exam. Then, apply for a Residence Visa at the GDRFA.
- Labour Card and Emirates ID: Receive your Labour Card and Emirates ID on visa approval.
Costs of an Employment Visa in Dubai
Dubai employment visa fees are consistent. Especially with other emirate’s fees. The employer covers the visa cost and work permit.
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Initial Approval | AED 200 |
| New Work Permit | Varies (Depends on Category) |
Employment Visa Renewal in Dubai
Just like other emirates, Dubai offers visa renewal. Your employer will handle the renewal process by applying for it at the GDRFA in Dubai.
Hire a specialized agency for work permit outsourcing. Easily get a work permit and start work in the UAE with their assistance.
Connect Staff: Your Easy Gateway to UAE Work Permits
Understanding the types of work permits and their fees is essential. For this, get professional assistance from Connect Staff. Their support also aids in the entire process of obtaining a UAE work visa. In turn, it helps you have a smooth transition to work in the UAE. With their guidance, be sure about your eligibility. Their team helps you gather the necessary documents. This way, you can work with your employer stress-free.
Connect Staff ensures that you meet all requirements for a successful application. For foreign workers, the UAE offers great opportunities. Being informed about the visa and permit processes will guarantee a hassle-free experience!
