Guide to Employment Visa Processes in Different Emirates
UAE has emerged as one of the most popular relocation locations for foreigners seeking employment and a higher standard of living. The UAE draws top talent from around the world with its advantageous location, business-friendly atmosphere, and tax-free wages.
Moving to the UAE for work is an exciting opportunity but it’s highly confusing to navigate visa requirements across emirates. This guide breaks down the Dubai work visa requirements, Abu Dhabi employment visa guide, Sharjah work permit process, and how the UAE residence visa travel benefits work. Also, we’ll explain how to get a job in UAE as an expat and how Cominc Consulting can help you through every step.
Types of employment visas in UAE
Standards work visa or employer sponsored visa:
Standard work visas in Dubai and the UAE are sponsored by employers and permit foreign nationals to reside and work in the UAE for two to three years. The employer is required to either renew or terminate the permit after this period.
Green visa:
The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year, self-sponsored residency permit for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors, allowing them to live in the UAE without a traditional employer or local sponsor. The Green visa does not require employer sponsorship, in contrast to the standard UAE work visa, and it provides its holders residency for a period of five years.
Golden visa:
The Golden visa is a comprehensive residence permit that permits experts with outstanding qualifications to live, study and work in the UAE for ten years without a local sponsor. The Golden visa is typically granted to medical professionals, scientists, sports, innovators, artists, healthcare workers, and others with specific skills.
Why is a UAE residence visa valuable?
A valid UAE residence visa is more than piece of paper it unlocks many benefits for expats:
- You can open a bank account; get loans, and access financial services.
- It allows you to apply for a driving license.
- Government health services and mandatory or subsidised health insurance become accessible.
- You can enroll your children in government or private schools.
- Travel advantages: visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.
Also Read: What Is the Virtual Work Residency Visa?
Dubai Work Visa Requirements
Dubai is one of the most popular emirates for foreign professionals and it’s crucial to understand the following Dubai work visa requirements.
- Job offer & employer sponsorship: You need a confirmed job offer from a company based in Dubai and the employer must be registered with MOHRE.
- Valid passport: You need a valid passport (Min 6 month).
- Required documents: Signed Employment contract, Educational certificates, duly attested by relevant bodies, Passport-size photographs, medical fitness test, and potentially police clearance.
- Medical fitness & health screening: Must pass certain medical tests for communicable diseases. It applies to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
- Emirates ID & residency stamping: After your visa is approved, undergo stamping of your residency visa and get your Emirates ID.
- Fees & costs: Costs include entry permit, medical exam, visa stamping, Emirates ID. Total cost depends on your job category, length of visa, company type.
Abu Dhabi Employment Visa Guide
Abu Dhabi employment visa guide by Cominc consulting helps professionals know the exact steps from employer sponsorship to medical testing so you can transition smoothly into your new role in the capital.
Abu Dhabi follows similar but slightly distinct rules from Dubai. Here’s a concise guide.
- Validity of passport & attestation: Like Dubai, passports must usually be valid for at least six months. Any foreign degree or certificate should be attested by your home country authorities and UAE‐recognised bodies.
- Employer role: The employer needs to sponsor you for both work permit and residence visa. Without a proper permit, working is illegal.
- Health screening: Medical fitness tests in approved centres are mandatory.
Residence visa process: After entry permit, medical, Emirates ID registration, visa stamping. The steps are standard, though processing times and specific local authority requirements may vary.
Sharjah Work Permit Process
Sharjah has made expansions to simplify the work permit / visa process for foreigners:
- > Through the Work in UAE digital platform, the UAE government has launched the Work Bundle targeting residency and work permit procedures for private sector individuals.
- > The work permit process in Sharjah is being streamlined, with some services eliminated for bureaucratic ease.
- > For freelancers, Sharjah freelancing visas are options with specific authorities like Shams (Sharjah Media City) and Sharjah Free Zone Authority. Those include both work permit and residency, but don’t always allow sponsoring other employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
UAE residence visa allows you to open a bank account, access healthcare, sponsor family, and enjoy visa-free travel to several countries.
You need an employer sponsor, valid passport (6+ months), attested certificates, medical fitness test, and Emirates ID registration.
It involves employer sponsorship, attested qualifications, medical screening, and visa stamping after Emirates ID registration.
Sharjah has simplified its work permit and residency procedures through the new Work in UAE platform, making processing faster.
Conclusion
Gaining the UAE employment visa implies that the applicant has comprehended the variations between the emirates Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah and has also been able to evaluate the door-opening benefits of the UAE residence visa. No matter if you are an expert, contractor, or stepping into the UAE job market for the first time, you still need to get your documents ready, be aware of the charges, and find the right sponsor.
At Cominc Consulting, we specialise in guiding expats through every step from identifying which emirate’s visa and work permit process fits best for your profile, to assisting with document attestation, liaising with employers, ensuring medical and legal compliance, and helping you land a job in UAE as an expat smoothly.
“Cominc Consulting: Simplifying UAE employment visa journeys, one expat at a time.”
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