Are you planning to move to Dubai for work? If so, one of the first things you will need is a Dubai employment visa. This document is essential for any foreign national looking to work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and without it, you may not be able to legally live and work in Dubai.
If you are applying for Dubai employment visa, following the correct procedures ensures that employees receive approval to work legally in the city without unnecessary delays.
Entry permit application:
Before arriving in Dubai for work, an entry permit is required. The employer submits the application to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Once approved, the entry permit allows the employee to enter Dubai and proceed with the next steps of the visa process.
Medical fitness test:
All employees must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorised health centre. The test includes screening for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis. A medical fitness certificate is issued once the results are clear, which is necessary for further visa processing.
Emirates ID registration:
After the medical test, the employee applies for an Emirates ID, which works as an official identification document in the UAE. Biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, is collected at an approved service centre. The Emirates ID is issued once the residency visa is stamped.
Residency visa stamping:
The final step in the process is obtaining a residency visa, which is stamped into the employee’s passport. The employer submits the required documents to the GDRFA for approval. Once the visa is stamped, the employee is legally allowed to work and reside in Dubai.
Visa renewal and cancellation:
Employment visas are issued for a limited period and require renewal before they expire. If an employee changes jobs or leaves the country, the visa must be officially cancelled to avoid legal issues. The employer is responsible for handling both renewal and cancellation processes.
Family sponsorship is possible:
Employees who meet the minimum salary requirement (usually AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation) can sponsor their immediate family members for residency in Dubai. The process involves submitting salary certificates, tenancy contracts, and relationship proof.
Getting a Dubai employment visa involves multiple steps, including obtaining an entry permit, passing a medical test, registering for an Emirates ID, and securing a residency visa. Completing these procedures properly ensures that employees can work legally and avoid unnecessary delays.
