Securing your dream job in the United Arab Emirates is something to get excited about. Still, you can’t completely relax until you have all the official paperwork, ensuring you are legally authorised to work in the UAE.
The employment visa process in the UAE can be confusing, especially for first-time applicants. Although company employees can usually rely on their HR departments to handle most of the paperwork, it’s still important to understand the process to stay informed about work permit requirements.
For freelancers and self-employed workers, you will need to do it all yourself, particularly if you’re applying for a freelance visa in Dubai or a freelance visa in Abu Dhabi. Read the detailed guide on the work visa UAE process, including how to apply, the costs involved, and the various visa options available.
Legally, a Work Visa Is Mandatory
Working in the UAE without a valid UAE work permit is illegal and considered a violation of labour laws.
Without a Dubai work permit, you also will not be able to open a bank account, which means you cannot legally receive your salary.
What Are The Options?
The UAE offers two different categories of employment visas, which are dependent on individual circumstances. Below are the types of visas people can obtain to work in the UAE:
- Standard Work Visa
- Green Visa
- Virtual Work Visa Dubai
- Free Zone Employment Visa
- Domestic Worker Visa
- Temporary Work Permit
- Freelancer Permit
- Investor/Partner Visa
1. Employment-Sponsored Visas
These visas are granted to individuals who are employed by a UAE-based company or sponsored by a household. They are typically initiated and paid for by the employer or sponsor and require a valid job contract or sponsorship agreement.
Standard Work Visa (Two-Year Validity)
This applies to foreign workers with a full-time employment contract in the UAE. Also known as the two-year employment visa.
- Permitted to stay in the UAE for 60 days while residency is processed
- Valid for government, private sector, or domestic service workers
- Requirement
- Personal Photo
- Passport copy (at least six months validity)
- Fees
- Work visa fee: AED 200 + 5% VAT
- Additional fees (if the sponsored person is inside the country):
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Fee inside the country: AED 500
Free Zone Employment Visa (1 TO 3 YEARS)
Issued to individuals working for companies registered in the UAE Free Zones.
- Valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the Free Zone authority
- Permitted to stay in the UAE while residency is processed
- Requirement:
- Passport (valid for six months or longer)
- Passport photo
- Employment contract from a Free Zone company
- Fees:
- Varies by Free Zone. Typically covered by the employer.
Domestic Worker Visa (1 TO 2 YEARS)
For household staff such as nannies, drivers, cooks, and cleaners sponsored by UAE families.
- Valid for 1 to 2 years
- Must reside with the sponsor
- Requirements:
• Passport (valid for six months or longer)
• Passport photo
• Proof of sponsor eligibility - Fees:
• Approximately AED 2,000–2,500. Usually paid by the household sponsor.
Temporary Work Permit (90 TO 180 Days)
Issued for short-term or project-based employment in the UAE.
- Valid for 3 to 6 months
- Requires proof of a temporary contract
- Requirements:
• Passport
• Temporary job offer or contract
• Approval from MOHRE - Fees:
• Varies based on employer type and contract duration.
2. Self-Sponsored Visas
These visas do not require a UAE-based sponsor and are ideal for freelancers, remote workers, and investors. They offer flexibility and are typically granted based on proof of income, professional qualifications, or business ownership.
GREEN VISA (FIVE-YEAR VALIDITY)
For freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled professionals. No company sponsor is required.
For Freelancers/Self-Employed People
- Must hold a valid freelance permit from MOHRE
For Skilled Workers:
- Must have a valid job offer and MOHRE approval
- Applicable to roles in government, semi-government, and Free Zones
- Requirement
- Personal photo
- Passport copy (at least six-month validity)
- Self-employed permit from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- Fees
- Work visa fee: AED 200 + 5% VAT
- Additional fees (if the sponsored person is inside the Country):
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- Fee inside the Country: AED 50
- AED 520 for skilled workers applying from inside the UAE
Freelancer Permit (1-Year, Renewable)
Allows self-employed individuals to work with multiple clients in the UAE legally.
- Valid for 1 year, renewable annually.
- Requirement
- Personal photo.
- Passport copy (at least six months ‘ validity)
- Freelance license (from Free Zone or MOHRE)
- Proof of relevant experience or qualifications
- Fees
- Typically starts at AED 7,500–15,000 depending on the emirate and issuing authority.
Virtual Work Visa (For Remote Workers)
Allows individuals to live in the UAE while working remotely for a company abroad.
- Permitted to stay in the UAE for 60 days while residency is processed
- Requirement
- Personal photo.
- Passport copy (at least six months ‘ validity)
- Proof of remote employment
- Monthly income of at least USD 3,500 or equivalent
- Health insurance
- Fees
- AED 200 + 5% VAT (plus AED 520 if applying from inside the UAE)
Investor/Partner Visa
Issued to individuals who invest in or own a business in the UAE.
- Valid for up to 10 years, depending on investment type and value
- Requirement
- Personal photo.
- Passport copy (at least six months ‘ validity)
- Trade license
- Shareholder or investment documents
- Fees
- Starts at AED 3,000–5,000 depending on the emirate and investment structure.
How To Apply For A Work Visa UAE
Online
- Log in to Dubai Smart Services using your UAE Pass or username.
- Submit your details.
- Upload documents
- Pay fees
In-person:
- Visit an Amer or Customer Happiness Centre
- Submit your documents
- Pay fees
For those seeking Dubai jobs with a visa or transitioning from a job search visa in Dubai, this step is essential.
Work Visa UAE Help Centres
The contact details for the visa centres are:
1. Amer Centre
- Location: 24 Seven Government Transaction Centre, LLC17 A Street, Al Khabaisi, Deira, Dubai, UAE
- Contact: +971 4 230 0500
2. Customer Service Centres
Eagle Management Services LLC Dubai Branch
- Location: 137 Al Ittihad Road, Al Khabaisi, Dubai, UAE
- Contact: +971 60 050 0105
- Time: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) |
- Friday: 08:00 am to 12:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm |
- Saturday: 09:00 am to 03:00 pm
The Creek Government Transactions
- Location: Hala Business Centre, Dubai, UAE
- Contact: +971 4 883 8884
- Time: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) |
- Friday: 08:00 am to 12:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm |
- Saturday: 09:00 am to 03:00 pm
FAQs
If you are not a citizen or resident of the UAE and wish to work in the country legally, you require a work visa UAE.
No, you must have a valid employment visa UAE to be employed in the country.
The Dubai working visa process typically takes anywhere from three to four weeks.
A standard work visa has a two-year validity and can be renewed upon expiration (Dubai employment visa duration).
If you are working for and are sponsored by a company, they will generally provide a health insurance package. However, freelance visa applicants in Dubai will need to arrange their own.
The company you are leaving will cancel your visa, and the new employer you are joining will provide a new one.
In the event of an overstay on a visa, you can inquire about fines and legal penalties (charges for an employment visa in Dubai).
Key Takeaways
Navigating the UAE work visa process is crucial for anyone planning to live and work legally in the country. Whether you’re switching jobs, freelancing, or arriving on a job seeker visa UAE, understanding your visa options helps ensure a smooth transition.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- A valid Dubai employment visa or UAE work permit is legally required to work and receive a salary
- Visa types include: Standard Work Visa, Green Visa, Freelancer Permit, Free Zone Visa, Domestic Worker Visa, and the Virtual Work Visa.
- A temporary work permit UAE is available for short-term or project-based roles, lasting 90 to 180 days.
- Freelancers and self-employed individuals can apply for a freelance visa through approved channels like MOHRE or Free Zones.
- Applicants on a job seeker visa UAE must convert to a valid employment visa before starting any paid wor.k
- Most company-sponsored visas cover fees, while freelance and investor routes are self-funded
- Applications can be submitted online or through in-person service centres like Amer.
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