Individuals eligible to receive a Dubai work visa
Dubai Work Visa Supervised UAE Ministry of Human Resources Regulated by (MOHRE). Individuals over 18 years old who meet the necessary requirements can apply for a work visa and legally work in the UAE. There is no maximum age limit for applicants, but those over 65 must pay higher fees to obtain a work visa.
All foreign individuals over 18 years old can apply for a Dubai work visa. However, eligibility is categorized into several groups based on the type of educational degree and the individual's skills. These categories include:
- Individuals who hold at least a bachelor's degree from reputable universities approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- Individuals who hold at least an associate degree (diploma) in any field from accredited institutions approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
- Individuals with a high school diploma can also apply to work in the UAE.
Special conditions for Iranians: Iranians, like other applicants, are entitled to all these conditions and must go through the mentioned steps to obtain a work visa.
Which companies qualify as employers in the UAE?
To obtain a UAE work visa, you must Job Offer Have an Emirati employer. However, not all Emirati companies meet the necessary conditions to become an employer. Therefore, applicants must be from a company with Valid Work Permit receive a job offer with no history of any violations. Additionally, the company must hire you for a position that matches Your educational degree and skills Hiring.
Emirati companies seeking to hire foreign workers or employees usually provide all the necessary conditions for Dubai work visas to the selected candidates. Some of these companies even offer family accompaniment services during the employment period.
Recommended Reading: Company registration guide in Dubai
Types of Dubai Work Visas and Different Paths to Obtain Them
The Dubai work visa is a comprehensive program designed by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources to attract skilled and unskilled foreign labor. This visa generally includes 12 different types of work permits, each intended for specific groups of individuals with varying skills and needs. Here are the types of UAE work permits:
- Work permit for recruiting skilled foreign workers from outside the UAE
- Work permit for hiring a foreign individual residing in the UAE under family sponsorship
- Work permit for transferring foreign workers from one Emirati company to another
- Work permit for hiring foreign workers for temporary assignments or specific projects
- Work permit for hiring foreign labor for temporary and limited jobs
- Work permit for hiring foreign labor for part-time activities
- Work permit for hiring interns or student workers
- Work permit for hiring adolescent workers (ages 15-18) in permitted jobs
- Work permit for hiring foreign workers by individuals holding a Golden Visa
- Work permit for hiring labor based on the UAE National and Gulf Cooperation Council permit
- Work permit for teachers or skilled personnel to train Emirati nationals
- Work permit for recruiting foreign freelancers without the need for an Emirati employer sponsorship
These types of visas are issued through official and legal companies in the UAE. Additionally, the UAE offers other options for attracting foreign labor, including business visas, self-employment visas, and outstanding talent visas:
Business Visa
This visa is for individuals who can contribute to the UAE's economic development. Those skilled in specific business fields can enter the UAE through this visa.
Self-Employment Visa
This type of visa is for individuals who have established their own business in the UAE. Those who do not fall under freelancer work standards can use this visa for their independent activities.
For more information on this topic, see the article Dubai Freelance Visa Read it.
Outstanding Talent Visa
This visa is designed to attract highly skilled professionals in scientific, research, and technological fields. Researchers, doctors, scientists, inventors, and managers can use this visa to work in the UAE. Holders of this visa, in addition to being able to work, are also allowed to start independent businesses in the UAE.
Given the variety of work permits, individuals can obtain the appropriate visa based on their expertise and needs.
Required Documents for Obtaining a Dubai Work Visa
The documents for a Dubai work visa to prove professional skills, educational certificates, and securing an Emirati sponsor must be submitted to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources. The documents for a UAE work visa for all job categories and foreign workforce recruitment in the country are as follows:
- Original passport along with a certified true copy
- Copies of educational certificates that have been certified and apostilled by the UAE embassy or consulate in Iran as well as by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Medical certificate issued by a health center approved by the UAE embassy.
- Job offer documents from the UAE proving that you have been hired by an Emirati company for a job matching your educational qualifications and skills.
- One passport-sized photo meeting the requirements of the United Arab Emirates
Of course, the order or type of document submission and the arrangement of educational documents may vary depending on the job type or the Emirati employer. However, currently and until 2025, a police clearance certificate is not required to obtain a Dubai work visa.
Steps to Obtain a UAE Work Visa
Obtaining a UAE work visa is a simple and fast process that allows you to reside long-term in the country. The key to getting this visa is finding an Emirati employer who has an official work permit and intends to hire you. The employer must obtain your work permit from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources. These steps are the same for everyone, including Iranians .
Obtaining a work permit from the employer
First, you need to gain the approval of an Emirati employer. After that, the employer will apply for a work permit from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources. This permit is usually issued within a few working days and will be sent to you via the website. Tasheel It will be sent to you.
Preparing and submitting the required documents
At this stage, you must prepare the required documents as requested by the employer and send them to him. The employer will then submit these documents to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources to complete the final steps for obtaining the work visa.
Review of the application by the Ministry of Human Resources
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources will review your application. They may request additional documents from you, which could extend the review process. If you are approved, the employer's application to hire you will reach the approval stage, and this approval will be sent to the employer.
Final employer actions for obtaining the work visa
After receiving the work permit, the employer will take the final steps for your entry into the UAE and will contact you. You must work for this employer during the validity of your Dubai work visa, unless you want to find another job through a freelance visa or a work permit transfer.
Final steps to obtain a work visa after arriving in the UAE
After arriving in the UAE and starting work, you will have a 30-day period (with the possibility of a 30-day extension) to complete the final procedures for obtaining your work visa. During this time, your employer will submit your work visa application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the UAE.
Issuance of Work Visa
After the application is reviewed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, your work visa will be issued and affixed to your passport. At this stage, you will receive an Emirates ID whose validity period matches that of your work visa.
Receiving Identification Card
In the final step, you will receive an identification card used to present yourself and your work permit status to the UAE authorities.
Cost of a Dubai Work Visa
The costs of obtaining a Dubai work visa vary depending on the type of visa and the method of job acquisition. There are two main ways to get a Dubai work visa:
- Emirati Job Offer: In this method, you find a job through Emirati online job portals, and the Emirati employer obtains your entry permit and work visa.
- Job Seeker Visa: In this method, you travel to the UAE and look for a job there.
Below, you can see the costs related to each of these methods:
| Type of Work Visa | Visa Application Costs |
|---|---|
| General Work Visa via Emirati Job Offer | 200 AED application fee + 500 AED file processing fee |
| 60-Day Job Seeker Visa | 100 AED application fee + 1455 AED additional costs |
| 90-Day Job Seeker Visa | 100 AED application fee + 1575 AED additional costs |
| 120-Day Job Seeker Visa | 100 AED application fee + 1695 AED additional costs |
Important notes:
- General Work Visa: You apply for a job offer while in Iran, and the costs include application and file processing fees.
- Job Seeker VisaYou have traveled to the UAE and are looking for a job. In this case, the duration of your stay in the UAE is important, and the fees vary for each period.
UAE Work Permit Fees
The Emirati employer will follow up on your work permit application, but the payment of the related fees is your responsibility as the applicant. All individuals intending to work in the UAE must pay the initial fee for the electronic work permit. This fee is currently 200 AED (equivalent to 81 USD). In addition, other fees are set based on the applicant's educational qualifications for the work permit, categorized into four groups as follows:
- Category One: Individuals with a high school diploma must pay between 2000 to 2500 AED (equivalent to 550 to 680 USD).
- Category Two: Individuals with a bachelor's degree must pay 300 AED (equivalent to 81 USD).
- Category Three: Applicants with postgraduate degrees fall into three different levels. Each level has a different fee and is classified based on the type of specialization and experience of the individual:
- Level A: For individuals with higher degrees or specializations (e.g., master's or doctorate) who hold specific and higher-level jobs. The fee for this category is 600 AED (equivalent to 163 USD).
- Level B: This level is for individuals with intermediate degrees such as master's or similar qualifications seeking specialized jobs. The fee for this category is 1500 AED (equivalent to 408 USD).
- Level C: This category includes individuals with qualifications lower than levels A and B. It is usually intended for jobs with fewer skills or more general specializations. The fee for this level is 2000 AED (equivalent to 544 USD).
- Category Four: Workers over 65 years old (regardless of educational qualification) must pay between 2000 to 2500 AED (equivalent to 550 to 680 USD).
Ultimately, the UAE work permit fees depend on the applicant's educational qualification and level of expertise. These fees must be accurately paid for each applicant based on their education level and job type.
Processing Time for UAE Work Visa
The issuance of a UAE work permit usually takes about 5 working days. After receiving the job offer and submitting documents by the employer, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources issues this permit. This permit only allows entry into the UAE, and the subsequent steps for obtaining a work visa and residence continue.
For more information about UAE residency, refer to the comprehensive article UAE Residency Guide Please visit.
Dubai Work Visa Renewal
The validity period of the Dubai work visa is usually 3 years and can be extended upon agreement with the employer. The employer must submit the renewal request at least 30 days before the visa expires. In case of visa expiration, renewal is still possible with the employer’s approval.
UAE Embassy Interview for Work Visa
The UAE work visa interview is usually conducted by phone and is very brief (about 15 minutes). The purpose of this interview is to assess your motivation and interest in working in the UAE, and in most cases, the result is positive.
- Conditions for Obtaining Dependent Visas for Employees’ Families in the UAE
- Individuals holding a UAE work visa can obtain dependent visas for their family members.
- Male Applicants Can bring their spouse and children to the UAE under certain conditions. Sons under 18 years old and unmarried daughters of any age are eligible without restrictions.
- Female Applicants Under specific conditions, can have custody of their children. These conditions usually include having a stable job, sufficient income, and a specialized job position. Additionally, some women working in medical, educational, or engineering fields can bring their spouse as a dependent to the UAE, provided they meet the minimum income requirement.
For more information on this topic, refer to the guide article UAE Family Sponsorship Visa Please visit.
Required Documents for Dependent Visa
- Passports and photos of family members
- Marriage certificate with official translation
- Salary certificate and employment contract
- Health certificate from approved centers
Remote Work Visa for the UAE
The UAE has designated a special visa for freelance and remote jobs. The applicant must:
- Have a passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Obtain UAE health insurance.
- Have a job offer with a minimum income of $5,000 per month.
- Submit their application through official Dubai websites.
Benefits of the UAE Work Visa
- Health insurance and housing allowance
- Work bonuses and standard working hours
- Annual travel to the home country covered by the employer
- Children’s education with financial assistance
Average Salary in Dubai
The average annual salary in Dubai is about 192,000 AED (52,200 USD). Income depends on education, expertise, and job type. Living costs in Dubai are high, but the income usually justifies working migration.
Is working in the UAE worthwhile?
Considering the high income, standard working conditions, and the possibility of family accompaniment, working in the UAE is an ideal opportunity for career advancement and savings. The UAE’s proximity to Iran also makes travel easy and helps maintain family connections.
Difference Between Work Visa and Dubai Green Visa
Both the Dubai Work Visa and Green Visa are issued for residence and work in the UAE, but there are fundamental differences in their conditions and uses. Below are the key differences between these two types of visas:
Dubai Work Visa:
- Requires sponsorship and support from an employer.
- Usually for government, private sector, and free zone jobs.
- The individual is dependent on the employer and cannot change their job.
- They need the employer's support to renew and continue their residency.
Dubai Green Visa:
- Allows self-employed individuals, freelancers, and skilled employees to live and work without the need for a sponsor.
- Issued for a duration of 5 years.
- The individual can freely start their own business or change their job.
- Enables individuals to bring their family members to the UAE as well.
Getting a Green Visa allows you to live, work, invest or do business in the UAE. Unlike the standard work visa, the Green Visa doesn’t require the holder to be sponsored by a UAE national or employer.
Persian Translation
Obtaining a Green Visa allows you to live, work, invest, or start a business in the UAE. Unlike a regular work visa, the Green Visa does not require sponsorship from a UAE citizen or employer.
For more information on this topic, you can refer to the article "Comprehensive Guide to Dubai Green Visa."
