Work and Residence Permits in Dubai

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Work and Residence Permits in Dubai

Individuals who are not United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens need to obtain a residence permit or visa in Dubai in order to be able to apply afterwards for a work permit in Dubai. Most employees move to Dubai after securing a job here and, in this case, the employer is responsible for applying for a visa for the new employee. Our company formation experts in Dubai can help you if you are considering working and living in Dubai.

Residence permits in Dubai

Anyone living in the UAE must apply for a residence permit (or visa) within 30 days after his/her arrival in Dubai. This also applies to spouses and children. The residence permit is valid for three years and residents can receive a National Identification Card after registering with the relevant authorities. However, this ID card is only issued for residents who are at least 15 years old.

Residence visas in Dubai can be issued for various reasons and have different validity periods. The types of residence visas available are:

  • Employment (for the private and public sectors)
  • Family
  • Students
  • Investors

The employers generally handle the application process for employees who come to work in Dubai. They submit all the relevant documentation to the authorities and handle the costs.

When applying for a residence permit in Dubai, individuals must have a valid passport and undergo a medical assessment. Our company incorporation experts in Dubai can help you prepare all the necessary documentation for the residence permit.

Work permits in Dubai

After securing a residence visa, individuals who want to work in Dubai can apply for a work visa in the Emirates. The most important documents that need to be submitted for a work permit (labour card) in Dubai are:

  • A residence permit (visa)
  • Proof that the applicant has a qualification needed in the UAE
  • A valid passport (with a validity period of at least six months)

The employment contract (if the applicant has already secured a job) as well as other documents must be written in Arabic. Employees who are hired in Dubai for a short period of time may apply for a short-term work visa.