Types Of UAE Employment Visas

The UAE offers different types of employment visas based on the nature and length of employment:

Short-Term Employment Visa: Valid for up to 90 days, typically used for temporary or project-based jobs.
Long-Term Employment Visa: Valid for 2-3 years, renewable based on the employment contract and sponsorship by the employer.
Free Zone Employment Visa: Specific to companies operating in one of the UAE’s free zones. These visas offer different regulations, including full business ownership without a local sponsor.

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Key Requirements for UAE Employment Visa

To successfully obtain a UAE employment visa, both the employer and employee must meet specific requirements. These include eligibility criteria, required documentation, and adherence to UAE labor laws.

1. Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for an employment visa, the following eligibility conditions must be met:

Offer of Employment: The expatriate must have a formal job offer from a company based in the UAE.
Employer Sponsorship: The UAE-based company (employer) must act as the sponsor and initiate the visa process.
Medical Fitness: Applicants must pass a mandatory medical examination conducted in the UAE. The tests screen for communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
Clear Criminal Record: Applicants must not have any criminal record or pending cases either in their home country or the UAE.
Age Requirement: For employment purposes, the minimum age to apply for a work visa is 18 years old.

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2. Required Documents

When applying for an employment visa, the following documents are typically required:

Passport Copy: The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.
Passport-Sized Photos: Recent photographs meeting UAE’s photo guidelines.
Job Offer Letter or Employment Contract: A signed offer letter from the hiring company or a formal employment contract.
Academic Certificates: Verified copies of educational qualifications (if applicable). These may need to be attested by relevant authorities.
Medical Fitness Certificate: This certificate must be obtained from an authorized medical center in the UAE after completing the medical test.
Entry Permit: Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), this permit allows entry into the UAE for work purposes.
Emirates ID Application Form: This form is required for processing the residence visa and acquiring the Emirates ID.
Labor Card: Issued by the MoHRE, the labor card is proof of the worker’s legal employment status in the UAE.

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3. Steps to Obtain a UAE Employment Visa

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the UAE employment visa application process:

Step 1: Job Offer and Acceptance

The applicant must secure a job offer from a UAE-based company. After accepting the offer, the employer will begin the visa application process.

Step 2: Work Permit Application (Pre-Approval)

The employer applies for a work permit from the MoHRE. Once the permit is issued, the applicant can enter the UAE.

Step 3: Entry Permit

After the work permit is approved, the employer applies for an Entry Permit, also known as an employment entry visa. This allows the worker to enter the UAE legally for work purposes.

Step 4: Medical Test and Biometrics

Upon arrival in the UAE, the applicant must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized medical center. After passing the test, the applicant submits biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, for the Emirates ID application.

Step 5: Residency Visa Application

Once the medical tests are completed, the employer applies for a residence visa on behalf of the employee. This visa is usually valid for 2 or 3 years and can be renewed based on the employment contract.

Step 6: Emirates ID Issuance

The final step is acquiring the Emirates ID, which serves as an official identification document for the expatriate during their stay in the UAE.

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Additional Considerations

1. Processing Time

The time required to process a UAE employment visa varies based on the employer’s efficiency and the visa type. The initial work permit can be issued within a few days, while the entire visa and residency process may take between 1 to 3 weeks.

2. Visa Costs

The cost of obtaining an employment visa in the UAE is generally covered by the employer. Visa fees vary based on the type and duration of the visa. Employers are responsible for covering the costs of the entry permit, medical examination, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.

3. Employment in Free Zones

If you are employed by a company in one of the UAE’s free zones, the visa application process may be handled by the Free Zone Authority (FZA). Free zone visas often provide additional benefits, such as easier procedures and more flexible employment terms.

4. Residence and Dependent Visas

Once an individual receives their UAE employment visa and residency status, they are eligible to sponsor their immediate family members (spouse, children) for residency in the UAE. This process requires additional documentation and proof of income.

5. Job Change or Termination

If the employee changes jobs within the UAE or is terminated, the current employment visa will be canceled by the employer. However, the individual is typically granted a grace period (up to 30 days) to find new employment or exit the country.

6. Validity and Renewal

UAE employment visas are usually valid for 2 to 3 years, depending on the employment contract. The visa is renewable, provided the employment contract is extended or renewed. Renewal procedures must be initiated by the employer before the visa expiration.

The UAE employment visa is a key document that enables expatriates to work and reside legally in the UAE. Understanding the application process and requirements is essential for a smooth transition to living and working in the country.

By meeting the eligibility criteria, submitting the necessary documents, and working with your employer, you can successfully obtain an employment visa and begin your professional journey in the UAE.

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