Dubai work visas for Indians
A Dubai work visa is a crucial document that allows Indian citizens to legally work and reside in Dubai, a vibrant city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It provides individuals with the opportunity to explore the flourishing job market, gain valuable international work experience, and build a rewarding career in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
Possessing a valid work visa is not only a legal requirement but also comes with numerous benefits. It ensures job security and safeguards workers' rights by establishing a formal contract between the employer and the employee. Additionally, a work visa grants individuals access to various amenities, including healthcare, education, and banking services, available to residents in Dubai.
Types of work visas available for Indian citizens in Dubai:
Employment Visa :- Sponsored by Dubai-based companies
- Requires a job offer from a Dubai company.
- The employer sponsors and handles the visa application.
- For Indian nationals starting a business or investing in Dubai.
- Requires meeting specific investment criteria set by the Dubai government.
- Allows Indian citizens to work and manage their own businesses.
- For Indian freelancers working independently in Dubai.
- Allows working with multiple clients without a single employer.
- Requires showcasing professional skills through a portfolio or testimonials.
- Issued to Indian citizens employed by foreign missions (embassies, consulates) in Dubai.
- Sponsored by the respective foreign missions.
- Valid for the duration of the individual's employment with the mission.
- Allows Indian citizens to work as household helpers in Dubai.
- Typically sponsored by the employer or head of the household.
- Regulations and requirements may vary, and individuals must comply with Dubai authorities' rules.
Eligibility for Dubai Work Visa:
Age Requirement :- Applicants must be at least 18 years old. For applicants over the age of 65, the company may incur a higher Dubai visa cost.
- Skilled workers should possess a Bachelor’s Degree, while unskilled workers must have Trade Qualifications.
- Individuals applying for the visa should have 2-3 years of relevant experience in their field.
- A job offer from the employer is necessary. The employer must hold a valid business license and should not have any legal violations.
- Applicants must meet the specified medical requirements for the visa.
Dubai Work Visa Categories :
Based on the education qualifications and skill sets, applicants are divided into 3 categories of Dubai work visa:
Category 1 :-Individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree.
Category 2 :-Individuals with a Post-Secondary Diploma.
Category 3 :- Individuals with a High-School Diploma.
Steps to Apply for a Dubai Work Visa :
Sponsorship by Employer :-Your employer in Dubai will act as the sponsor for your work visa application, initiating the process through the Ministry of Labour.
Entry Permit Approval :- The sponsor or employer obtains an approved entry permit on your behalf, allowing you to enter the country legally for employment purposes.
Entry Permit Validity :- The entry permit is valid for two months. During this period, you must apply for a residence visa and work permit to extend your stay.
Document Attestation :- Have your legal documents attested by the relevant State Government authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Dubai embassy in India. Attestation confirms the authenticity of your documents for use outside your home country.
Arrival in Dubai :- Once the work visa is obtained, enter Dubai within seven days to comply with the visa regulations.
Essential Applications in Dubai :- Apply for a labour card, free zone employment, and an ID card in Dubai. These are mandatory for expatriates working in the city.
Residence Visa Application :- Apply for a residence visa by submitting a completed application form, entry permit, and original passport to immigration authorities and the Emirates ID service centre.
Medical Checkup :- Undergo a comprehensive medical checkup at the health centre, similar to the one conducted upon your arrival in Dubai, to demonstrate your health and absence of contagious diseases.
Visa Stamping :- With a medical certificate and supporting documents, visit the Department of Naturalisation and Residency Dubai (DNRD) to have the visa stamped on your passport.
Compliance and Stay :- Ensure compliance with all rules for expatriates in Dubai, maintain a positive relationship with your employer, and stay informed about immigration policies in Dubai.
By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the process of obtaining a Dubai work visa and ensure a smooth transition for your employment in the city. :
Documents Required for Dubai Work Visa for Indians :
When applying for a job in Dubai and subsequently for the Dubai work visa, you'll need various documents to support your application. Some documents are used twice – first when your employer applies for the work visa, and second when you land in Dubai and apply for a residency visa. Here's the list of essential documents:
Indian Passport :- Ensure your Indian passport has a minimum validity of six months from the date you arrive in Dubai.
Police Clearance Certificate :- Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Dubai embassy.
Medical Certificates :- Secure medical certificates attested by the MEA and the Dubai embassy. These certificates should be issued by a UAE-approved medical center in India
Passport-size Photos :- Provide recent passport-size photos with a white background. These photos will be used in both the initial work visa application and later for the residency visa application upon arrival in Dubai.
These documents play a crucial role in both stages of the Dubai work visa application process, and ensuring their accuracy and validity is essential for a successful and smooth transition to working in Dubai.
Benefits of Dubai Work Permit
The following are the benefits you get from a Dubai work permit.
- You earn a tax-free income in Dirham.
- The Dubai government will consider you a resident as long as you are employed.
- You can be a sponsor of your parents, spouse, and children.