Everything You Need to Know About the UAE Employment Visa
If you are an expatriate looking to build your career in the Middle East, securing a UAE employment visa is not just a formality but a vital necessity. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a diverse and dynamic hub, attracting expats from all corners of the globe for various reasons. However, a substantial number of these expats have a common goal: to seize opportunities and establish a prosperous livelihood. To make this dream a reality, one crucial requirement stands out – the UAE employment visa.
Employment Visa
In the UAE, where opportunities abound, the employment visa is not just a piece of paperwork; it’s your gateway to a world of possibilities. Like any other document in the UAE, the employment visa is subject to specific regulations and requirements, but the allure of the UAE job market remains unparalleled. This is what makes obtaining an employment visa a top priority for expatriates seeking a better life and career prospects.
What is a UAE Employment Visa?
An employment visa is a mandatory document required by individuals who are employed in the UAE. The employment visa becomes optional if you have already been sponsored by a parent, or spouse, or through other means such as freelance permits. The UAE employment visa, also commonly known as a UAE work visa which serves the purpose of a residency stamp, is valid for 2 years – as is your UAE work permit.
What is a UAE Employment Visa?
An employment visa is a mandatory document required by individuals who are employed in the UAE. The employment visa becomes optional if you have already been sponsored by a parent, or spouse, or through other means such as freelance permits. The UAE employment visa, also commonly known as a UAE work visa which serves the purpose of a residency stamp, is valid for 2 years – as is your UAE work permit.
Requirements to obtain a UAE work visa
While your employment visa is provided to you by your employer, there still are some prerequisites you must fulfill on your end to move ahead in the process. These pre-requisites are:
Age
If you plan to work in the country with a UAE work visa, you are required to be 18 years old or above. As it is the legal age for anyone requiring a work visa – the government holds this rule in the highest regard.
Hold a valid job offer
A requirement that is obvious – as someone looking to obtain a work visa, it is necessary for you to have a valid job offer or a valid job contract on hand. This is crucial since your employer is the party that oversees applying for your UAE work permit and visa.
Medical fitness test
As per the regulations set by the UAE Government, you are required to clear certain tests at government-approved medical centers. These tests are a requirement to avoid spreading any form of communicable disease within the UAE.
The tests to take are pre-defined by the government, and these include tests ranging from normal blood tests to chest x-rays, pulmonary tuberculosis, hepatitis, syphilis, and more. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all those looking to obtain a UAE work permit are required to test for all the above diseases. Some tests are catered specifically to workers in certain industries.
Applicants are advised to get tested in their home country if they have not already arrived in the UAE. This is because in the case where they test positive – the applicant will be deported immediately.
Documents required to obtain a UAE work visa
Applying for an employment visa requires you to submit certain documents to be able to obtain
your visa successfully. These documents are:
- Your passport photographs
- Original passport and a photocopy
- The entry permit with which you arrived in the country (if it fits your case)
- Report your medical fitness test
- Employer’s valid business license
The process to obtain a UAE Employment visa
The process of obtaining your work visa entails a process that is managed by your employer and the HR team.
- The first step requires you to have successfully secured a job within the UAE. A valid job offer or signed contract is crucial for your employer to begin this process.
- Once this is sorted, your employer will then apply to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE). This application will be supported by other necessary paperwork. Keep in mind, that all expenses related to your work visa and permit are borne by your employer.
- Once this is submitted and your documents are assessed, the MoHRE will issue a two-month entry permit to you which you can use to enter the country to then proceed with the remaining formalities.
- After arriving in the UAE, the remaining documents are submitted such as your employment contract, passport copies, your employer’s business license, an application form, and so on. Along with this, you may also complete your medical fitness test if you did not complete it prior to flying into the UAE.
- Upon the assessment of your documents, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) will issue your visa, while the MoHRE will issue your work permit.
Other Work Visas in UAE
The most commonly found work visa in UAE is the employment visa. However, UAE offers other types of visas as well that cater to certain groups. These are:
Business visa
UAE has long been home to laws and initiatives that attract foreign investment to the country. The business visa was introduced with the same idea in mind. Made for entrepreneurs who are committed to contributing positively to the economy of the UAE – the business visa has become a highly desirable one among business owners and investors.
Mission visa
The mission visa is a 90-day short-term visa usually preferred by those wanting to work for just as long. However, those wanting to experience the working environment of UAE before relocating officially too opt for this type.
As a business consultancy, we have assisted several businesses in applying for and renewing their employees’ visas. With our powerful force of PROs by your side, you can manage your employee visas with ease as well.
Whether you are a business owner looking for visa services for your employees or are an individual looking to obtain a business or mission visa; Business Link has your back through and through. Get in touch!
