The UAE serves as a center for international business operations thanks to its strategic initiatives and dynamic economy. Due to the government’s dedication to innovation and development, the business environment is thriving, which attracts multinational corporations seeking to grow their workforce.

Ensuring legal compliance is crucial for foreign employers and employees thinking about working together in the United Arab Emirates.

The purpose of this article is to explain the steps involved in getting a work permit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), explain the different types of work permits that are available to people who want to relocate there, and go over the particular requirements related to work permits in this dynamic and multicultural country.

Types of Work Permits and Visas

Here’s a more fluid presentation of common types of work permits and visas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE):

1. Employment Visa:
   Issued to individuals sponsored by a UAE-based employer for long-term work.
2. Investor Visa:
   Granted to entrepreneurs and investors contributing to the UAE economy.
3. Freelancer Permit:
   Allows self-employed professionals and freelancers to work independently.
4. Mission Visa:
   For individuals involved in short-term projects or missions in the UAE.
5. Family Sponsorship Visa:
   Enables expatriates to sponsor family members for residency.
6. Student Visa:
   Permits students to study in the UAE, with potential part-time work options.
7. Golden Visa:
   Long-term residency for investors, professionals, and outstanding students.
8. Retirement Visa:
   Allows retirees to reside in the UAE, subject to age and financial criteria.
9. Specialist Permit (Doctor, Engineer, Scientist):
   Issued to specialists and professionals in specific fields.
10. Domestic Worker Visa:
    Permits sponsors to bring domestic workers for household support.

Understanding the nuances of each visa or permit type is essential for individuals and employers navigating the diverse and dynamic landscape of the UAE. Selecting the most suitable option depends on specific needs, job roles, and the desired duration of stay.

UAE work visa and permits requirements

Selecting to employ individuals residing abroad offers employers significant advantages, such as cultivating a diverse workforce and tapping into top-tier talent, regardless of their chosen place of residence.

However, these advantages come with the responsibility of ensuring that the employee possesses the legal entitlement to reside in their chosen country, especially if it differs from their country of origin. This obligation is a shared responsibility between the employer and the employee.

To secure a UAE work permit, meeting eligibility criteria is paramount, and substantiating this to the government requires the submission of requisite documentation corresponding to the specific UAE work visa sought (e.g., Employment Visa, Investor Visa).

Though the work permit UAE requirements fluctuate depending on the work visa classification, they may encompass the following elements:

1. Personal Documentation:
   • Valid passport and a copy of the passport.
   • Passport-sized color photographs meeting specified criteria.
   • Dimensions: As per UAE visa photo specifications.
   • White background, full face visible, neutral facial expression.
2. Professional Credentials:
   • Resume demonstrating relevant work experience.
   • Proof of qualifications for the job (e.g., educational credentials, professional licenses), if applicable.
3. Immigration Status (if applicable):
   • Proof of immigration status if the applicant is already residing in the UAE.
4. Application Form:
   • A completed and signed visa application form provided by the UAE immigration authorities.
5. Medical Fitness Test:
   • A medical fitness test certificate obtained from an approved health center in the UAE.
6. Security Clearance:
   • Security clearance from UAE authorities, ensuring the applicant poses no security threat.
7. Employment Contract:
   • A copy of the employment contract specifying terms and conditions, salary, and other relevant details.
8. Proof of Accommodation:
   • Providing proof of accommodation in the UAE, which may include a tenancy contract or a letter from the employer if accommodation is provided.
9. Emirates ID Application:
   • After arriving in the UAE, individuals typically need to apply for an Emirates ID, which serves as an official identification document.
10. Biometrics and Eye Scan:
    • Applicants may be required to undergo biometric data collection and eye scanning as part of the immigration process.
11. Health Insurance:
    • Some emirates in the UAE may require individuals to have health insurance coverage during their stay.
12. Entry Permit:
    • Once all requirements are met, individuals receive an entry permit, allowing them to enter the UAE for employment purposes.
13. Residence Visa Stamping:
    • Upon arrival in the UAE, individuals need to undergo the process of residence visa stamping, which involves submitting documents to the immigration authorities.

How to apply for UAE work permits

Embarking on international relocation or expanding your business globally brings forth the necessity to navigate local tax and labor laws intricately. For companies engaging individuals across multiple countries, understanding and complying with the nuanced requirements of each jurisdiction become paramount.

In the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the application process for work permits requires active involvement from both the employer and the employee. Moreover, the employer must possess the legal authority to hire individuals residing in the UAE.

Prospective foreign nationals seeking to live and work in the UAE must secure the appropriate work permit to comply with legal regulations. While the intricacies of this process vary based on factors such as the employee’s origin and the type of visa, the general application procedure involves the following steps:

1. eVisa Account Creation:
   Establish an account on the UAE’s official immigration website or eVisa portal.
2. Online Application Form:
   Complete the relevant online application form(s). Both employer and employee engagement in the application process is essential, necessitating both parties to fill out the required forms accurately.
3. Submission of Information:
   Provide any additional individual or company information as requested during the application process.
4. Payment of Application Fee:
   Electronically pay the application fee associated with the specific type of UAE work visa being sought. Cash payments are typically not accepted.
5. Regular Portal Check:
   Consistently monitor the online portal for updates, notifications of changes, progress, or any issues that may arise during the processing of the work permit application.

Application Processing Time:

• The processing duration for a UAE work visa application is contingent on factors such as the workload of the immigration authorities and any potential issues during the evaluation process.
• While the processing time may vary, anticipate a timeframe of several weeks for the approval or rejection of your visa application.

Early Submission Considerations:

• As employees are not legally permitted to work in the UAE until their work permit application is sanctioned, it is advisable to submit the application well in advance of the intended start date. This proactive approach ensures a seamless transition without jeopardizing the ability to engage in employment upon arrival.

Employer Entitlements:

• For an employee’s visa application to gain approval, employers must possess the requisite entitlements to operate and hire in the UAE. This may involve establishing a legal entity in the UAE, a process that may require significant time and financial investment, or opting for an employer of record to streamline the application process.

Planning to hire or work in the UAE? Here's how Marzuna can help

The idea of relocating overseas and taking advantage of job opportunities can present a wealth of opportunities for both employers and employees. When an employee relocates to a foreign nation, it is imperative that both parties follow local laws and regulations.

Employers must make sure they can easily hire new employees when they relocate to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and employees must obtain the required work visa before considering living and working there.

This is where Marzuna can help. With its extensive Employer of Record (EOR) services, it can make hiring employees in the UAE easier for companies. We have experience offering EOR services to a number of different countries, so we can help you grow and manage your workforce internationally.