How To Get A Working Visa In Dubai

Dubai has become a magnet for global talent, and it's easy to see why. With its tax-free income, world-class infrastructure, and thriving business environment, the city attracts millions of professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads every year. In fact, expats make up about 88% of the UAE's population, which is a testament to how welcoming it is to international talent.

But before you can start working in Dubai, you'll need the right visa. Whether you are a professional with a job offer in hand, a freelancer looking to base yourself in Dubai, or an entrepreneur ready to launch your venture, understanding the visa process is important.

Types of work visas in Dubai

Standard employment visa

The most common option is the standard employment visa, which is sponsored by your employer. This visa is valid for two to three years and requires a valid employment contract and approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

This visa works for employees in both the private sector and government positions. Your employer initiates the process by applying for an employment visa quota approval from the Ministry of Labour, and there are quotas limiting the number of foreign employees a company can hire.

Who it's for: Traditional employees with a confirmed job offer from a UAE-based company.

Green visa

The green visa was launched in 2022 in the UAE with the aim of attracting skilled entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors. This renewable visa has no sponsorship requirements, and it is valid for five years. This is a game-changer for self-employed professionals and freelancers who want the freedom to work without being tied to a specific employer. Digital nomads and remote workers often find this option particularly attractive.

Who it's for: Freelancers, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs who want flexibility and self-sponsorship.

Virtual working programme (Digital nomad visa)

Dubai's virtual working programme, often called the Dubai digital nomad visa, lets you live in Dubai while working remotely for an employer or running a business that's registered outside the UAE. Remote employees need a minimum monthly income of USD $5,000 (or equivalent), while business owners or freelancers with international clients need proof that their company has been operating for at least one year.

This one-year renewable visa is perfect for remote workers who want to experience Dubai's lifestyle while maintaining their current employment or business abroad.

Who it's for: Remote employees and entrepreneurs working for companies registered outside the UAE.

Golden visa

The golden visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. Some of these benefits include an entry visa for six months with multiple entries, not needing a sponsor, the ability to sponsor their family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their ages, and a long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years.

Most applicants will need to meet the basic requirements of a minimum investment of AED 2 million (for investors), a fixed deposit in UAE banks with a letter showing the deposit is for at least one year. Alternatively, applicants must have a basic salary of 30,000 AED to qualify, with only the basic salary counted. Allowances like housing and transport are not included.

Who it's for: High-earning professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents.

Basic eligibility requirements

• Age: You must be 18 years or older.
• Health: You need proof of medical fitness from UAE-authorized health centers.
• Criminal record: You must have a clean criminal record.
• Passport validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months validity.
• Job offer: You need a job offer or employment contract from a Dubai-based company (for standard employment visas).
• Qualifications: Educational and professional qualifications relevant to the job.

Step-by-step application process

Step 1: Secure your job offer

Everything starts with a valid job offer from a UAE-based employer. Your employer must be properly registered and not involved in any labour law violations. The employee and employer sign a standardized employment contract that outlines salaries, benefits, allowances, probation period, etc. This contract must be submitted to the MOL for approval within 14 days.

Step 2: Employer applies for work permit

Your employer takes the lead here. They'll apply for your work permit through MoHRE or the relevant free zone authority. The MOL reviews the contract to ensure compliance with labour regulations regarding minimum wages, working hours, leaves, etc.

Step 3: Entry permit application

Once the work permit is approved, you'll receive an entry permit (also called an employment entry visa). This work visa gives you 60 days to complete several important steps toward obtaining residency, including health insurance, medical checks, and more. This permit allows you to enter the UAE to begin the visa formalization process legally.

Step 4: Medical fitness test

After arriving in Dubai, you'll need to complete a mandatory medical fitness test. After arrival, you complete a medical fitness test (blood test and X-ray). This screening checks for conditions like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.

Step 5: Residence visa and Emirates ID

Then, apply for the residence visa and labour card. Finally, get your Emirates ID card. The Emirates ID serves as your official identification in the UAE and is required for everything from opening a bank account to accessing healthcare services.

The entire process typically takes 1 to 2 months, as actual timelines vary by company category, nationality, and seasonal demand.

What does it cost?

The application process typically requires 1-2 months and costs between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000, including visa fees, medical examinations, and Emirates ID processing.

Here's a breakdown of typical costs:

• Work permit fee: AED 250–3,450 (approximately $70–$940)
• Visa application fees: AED 3,000–7,000 (approximately $800–$1,900) for a 2-year visa
• Medical test: AED 250–750 (approximately $70–$200)
• Emirates ID: AED 100 per year
• Visa stamping: AED 300–800 (approximately $80–$220)

For those applying for the Virtual Working Programme, the base visa application fee is USD $287, which covers the review and processing of your application, with total costs ranging from $800 to over $3,000 depending on insurance and other factors.

Managing your finances as an expat in Dubai

Once you've secured your visa and started working in Dubai, you'll likely need to send money back home or manage finances across multiple countries. This is where smart financial planning becomes essential, and where Pesa can help.

From supporting family back home, paying off student loans, managing investments in your home country, to simply saving money across borders, Pesa offers a reliable, affordable way to send money internationally. With competitive exchange rates and transparent fees, you can ensure more of your hard-earned money reaches its destination.

For digital nomads and remote workers on the Virtual Working Programme, managing multiple currencies becomes part of daily life. Pesa's platform makes it easy to handle cross-border transactions without the hassle and high fees associated with traditional banks.

Tips for a smooth visa application

Start early

Begin the visa process as soon as you accept a job offer. The earlier you start, the more time you have to address any unexpected delays.

Keep documents organized 

Employers are responsible for submitting all relevant documentation to MOHRE for a UAE work permit visa. Make sure all your documents are authentic, properly attested, and translated into Arabic if necessary.

Understand your category 

Foreign workers are categorized into three distinct skill levels based on their academic qualifications. Category 1 includes individuals with at least a bachelor's degree, Category 2, those with post-secondary diplomas, and Category 3 covers high school diploma holders. Your category can influence processing times and requirements.

Health insurance is mandatory 

All visa applicants must have health insurance that covers medical services in the UAE. Don't cut corners here. Adequate coverage is both legally required and practically important.

Stay within your grace period 

This work visa gives you 60 days to complete several key steps toward obtaining residency. Make sure you complete all requirements within this timeframe to avoid complications.

Consider professional help 

If you're unfamiliar with UAE immigration procedures, working with a visa consultant or having your employer's HR department manage the process can save time and reduce stress.

Conclusion

Getting a working visa in Dubai is more accessible than ever, thanks to streamlined processes and multiple visa categories designed to attract global talent. Whether you're a traditional employee, freelancer, remote worker, or investor, there's a visa pathway that fits your situation. The key is understanding which visa type suits your needs, preparing your documents thoroughly, and allowing sufficient time for processing.

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Disclaimer: Visa requirements and regulations are subject to change. Always verify the latest information with official UAE government sources or consult with a licensed immigration professional before applying.

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