The UAE offers five types of work visas, including standard work visas for individuals working in the private sector, government departments and free zones, and long-term residency visas such as green visas and golden visas. In the UAE, residency visas for Dubai are issued by the Dubai General Directorate of Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).
1. Company sponsored employment visa
If you have been offered a job by a company in the UAE, you can come to the UAE on a visa sponsored by that company. Such visas are valid for two to three years. Then your sponsor renews it. Once you accept and sign a job offer letter, the company will issue an entry permit. You can travel to UAE with it. Once you arrive in the UAE, your employer will begin the visa application process. The next steps are to undergo a medical fitness test, provide fingerprint biometric information for Emirates ID, and then obtain a residency permit and Emirates ID. It is the employer’s responsibility to pay for the worker’s residency permit application and recruitment and visa-related costs.
2. Green visa for five years
A green visa is a residency permit that allows you to stay in the UAE for five years without the need for a sponsor. Green visa holders can sponsor first-degree relatives in the UAE and stay in the country without penalty for an additional six months after the visa is canceled and expires. Skilled workers, freelancers and investors can apply for green visa subject to conditions.
– Expert staff
To apply for a green visa, skilled workers must meet four conditions. The conditions are to have a valid employment contract, to be in the first three job categories according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s occupational classification list, to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, and to have a monthly salary of not less than 15,000 dirhams.
– Those who do freelance work
Self-employed individuals and freelancers can apply for a green visa only if they fulfill three conditions. The three requirements are a freelancer permit from the UAE Ministry of Human Resource Naturalization, a bachelor’s degree or diploma, and proof of an income of at least AED 360,000 in the past two years.
3. Golden Visa
Golden visa is for those who want long term residency facilities. Golden visa holders are allowed to live, work and study in the UAE on a ten-year visa without a sponsor. Health workers such as doctors and nurses, outstanding high school students, college graduates, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, philanthropists, and artists are eligible for Golden Visa.
Golden Visa holders can sponsor an unlimited number of family members, including their spouses, children and support staff. Those who meet the conditions can also renew their visa for as many years as they wish. Another benefit for golden visa holders is that they can stay outside the UAE for as long as they want. Unlike other visas, golden visa holders do not have to stay outside the country for more than six months. If you are not sure if you are eligible for a 10-year visa, you can find out if you are eligible in two minutes by answering questions on the Ministry’s website.
4. Freelance Visa
If you do not meet the requirements of the green visa, you can apply for the regular freelance visa. This visa is valid for two years. To become a freelancer in the UAE, you need a freelance work permit and a freelance visa unless your family member is sponsored by a family visa.
5. Domestic worker visa
UAE provides special visa for domestic helpers. It is sponsored by the employer. According to the law related to domestic workers in the UAE, UAE residents cannot hire a domestic worker unless they have a valid domestic worker license. Detailed legal provisions on the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers are available on the Ministry’s website.