Dubai, renowned for its man-made wonders and shopping paradise, is a prime destination for many Indians seeking solo trips, romantic getaways, or family vacations. Additionally, Dubai offers excellent opportunities for those looking to work in the UAE and improve their quality of life. With its high standard of living, top-class luxuries, and tax-free status, Dubai attracts many expats interested in working and living in the UAE. The Dubai Golden Visa scheme further enhances this appeal, allowing expats to invest in and own businesses while residing in the UAE.
If you wish to work in the UAE, you must first secure a job in Dubai through online job portals, job fairs, or reliable recruitment agencies before leaving your country. Alternatively, you can apply for a 14-day, 30-day, or 60-day tourist visa to Dubai from India and go job-hunting in Dubai itself.
Jobs in UAE
An oil-rich country, the UAE has faced fluctuating oil prices and global oversupply, but its economy remains strong and has seen rapid growth in recent years. Major industries in the UAE include:
- Oil and Gas
- Boat Building and Ship Repair
- Engineering and Construction
- Education
- Information Technology
- Steel Industry
- Retail
- Marketing and Advertising
- Petroleum and Petrochemicals
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
Eligibility for Dubai Work Visa
- Must be 18 years old (applicants over 65 require the company to pay higher visa costs).
- Skilled workers must have a Bachelor’s Degree; unskilled workers must have trade qualifications.
- 2-3 years of experience in a relevant field.
- Must have a job offer from an employer with a valid business license and no legal violations.
- Must meet medical requirements.
Dubai Work Visa Categories
Applicants are categorized based on education and skill sets:
- Category 1: Bachelor’s Degree
- Category 2: Post-Secondary Diploma
- Category 3: High-School Diploma
Dubai Work Visa Validity
- Short-Term Visa: For work less than 30 days, applied by the employer.
- 60-Day Visa: Multiple-entry visa for a few months.
- General Work Visa: Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the employer and employment nature.
- Student Visa: Allows work in relevant positions like internships without a new permit.
Documents Required for Dubai Work Visa
The exact documents vary by job, but generally include:
- Valid original passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Duly filled application form
- Passport-sized photograph
- Application fee (paid by the employer)
- Entry Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour
- Valid health certificate from a UAE-authorized hospital or health center
- Three copies of the employment contract
- Education certificates, authenticated by the UAE embassy or consulate and Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Professional qualification certificates (e.g., pay slips, experience letters)
- Sponsoring company’s valid trade license
Procedure to Obtain Dubai Work Visa for Indians
- Secure a Job in Dubai: Your employer applies and pays for your work visa at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), allowing a 30-day stay with an additional 30-day grace period.
- Visa Run (if necessary): Travel to a neighboring country like Oman and re-enter Dubai with your work visa.
- Residence Visa and Work Permit: Your employer visits the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to apply for your residence visa and work permit (Labour Card).
- Emirates ID: Obtain an Emirates ID by visiting a service center with your passport and work visa.
- Medical Examination: Undergo a medical examination for specific job roles.
- Submit Documents: Provide all relevant documents to the Department of Naturalisation and Residency Dubai (DNRD).
- Start Working: After receiving your residence visa and work permit, you can begin working in Dubai.
Additional Information
- Remote Work Visa: Allows visa holders to live in the UAE and work for their current non-UAE-based employer.
- Sponsoring Family: Dubai residence visa holders can sponsor parents, spouses, children, and house help under certain conditions, requiring proof of relationship (e.g., birth and marriage certificates).
Processing Time
Depending on your application, work category, and submitted documents, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) may issue your Dubai work visa within two weeks to a month.
For professional and swift visa processing, our experienced Visa Experts can assist you throughout the application process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.