How to Get Work Visa in UAE? Different Types of Work Visa Available in UAE

Looking to work in UAE? Here are five types of work visa available for you to consider

If you’re planning to work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), then you’re probably aware of the vast array of opportunities available in this rapidly growing country. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is able to draw in highly skilled individuals from other countries due to its attractive job prospects, secure environment, and multicultural society. No details are left out in this paraphrased version.

Before taking any steps, it is very much essential to know about the various work visa options that are available to work in UAE.  

In UAE, The residency visas are issued by:

1. General Directorate of Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) – The immigratioan authority that issues visa in the emirate of Dubai
2. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) – The immigration authority that issues visas in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain

Here, we’ll go through five of the work visa types that you can apply for when considering a move to the UAE.

1. Company-sponsored work visa

In case you have been offered a job in the UAE, you can make a move to the country with the help of a visa sponsored by the company (employment visa). The visa can be valid for a period of up to three years and it will be the responsibility of your sponsor to renew it after that. Once you have accepted the job offer and signed the offer letter, the company will issue an entry permit which will enable you to travel to the UAE. On arrival, your employer will initiate the visa application process which will include a medical fitness test, fingerprint biometric for Emirates ID, and issuance of residency permit and Emirates ID.

In this case all the visa formalities and processes including the cost are handled by the employer .

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2. Green visa

The UAE Green Visa is a five year residency permit  which does not require a sponsor . Green visa holders can sponsor first-degree relatives in the UAE and have a six-month grace period after visa cancellation and expiry.

Skilled employees, freelancers and investors can apply for the Green Visa, only if they meet certain requirements.

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3. Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is a suitable option for those who are interested in long-term residency in the UAE. It enables expats to live, work, and study without the need for a sponsor for up to ten years.

Eligible individuals include doctors, nurses, outstanding high school students and college graduates, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and humanitarian workers.

Holders of the Golden Visa can sponsor their family members, including spouses, children, and support staff without any restrictions. The visa is renewable, provided that the necessary requirements are met, and there are no limitations on the maximum period of stay outside the UAE to maintain the validity of the Golden Residency.

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4. Freelance visa

If you are not able to meet the requirements of the Green Visa you can opt for applying for the standard freelance visa. The standard freelance visa is issued for two years . To become a  freelancer in UAE, you will need a freelance work permit and a freelance visa if you do not have a family visa, sponsored by your family member.

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5. Domestic worker visa

The UAE also issues a visa for domestic helpers, and it is sponsored by the employer. UAE residents cannot hire a domestic worker, unless he or she has a valid domestic worker licence, as per the UAE’s domestic workers’ law – Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022.