In order to gain entry into Dubai, a valid passport and visa is required. Moreover, there are multiple types of visas. Each grants entry into the country, yet each befits a specific purpose. If the applicant is visiting Dubai either as a tourist or for another short stay, then there are two types of visas that they can obtain upon arrival: a 30-day visit visa that is free of charge and a 90-day multiple entry visa that is valid for six months from the date of issuance.

The type of visa that can be obtained is dependent on the applicant’s country of origin, rather than the selection of their choosing. Citizens of countries from one list, e.g. Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, will be given a 30-day visit visa, while nationals of countries from another list, particularly those in the European Union, will be granted the 90-day visa.

If the applicant is a resident of one of the six GCC countries, then they do not need a visa or a sponsor to visit the UAE. This does not, however, include foreigners accompanying a GCC national, or a GCC expatriate resident. If the applicant falls into one of these two categories, the UAE government offers application access on its site.

In the event an applicant is moving to Dubai for a new job, they will need a work permit. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) is responsible for issuing work permits to foreigners. The local sponsoring employer will need to apply for the work permit through the United Arab Emirates government website.

Once the sponsoring company applies for a work permit, it will be valid for two months from the date of issuance. Once the employee enters the UAE on the newly obtained work permit, the sponsoring company will have to arrange the necessary requirements to officiate the sponsorship of the employee. These include medical testing, obtaining a UAE employment visa, resident Identity Card, Labor Card, and stamping the work residency permit on the new employee’s passport within 60 days.

The next step is sending the job offer contract for the employee’s signature, and having them return it to the employer. It must be in both English and Arabic, as well as the employee’s native language (if that is different).  This confirms that the employee is arriving for a valid work position, and the offer letter will be reviewed by the MOL.

Required Documents

• Sponsor / PRO Emirates ID
• E-Signature Card
• Trade License
• Establishment / Immigration Card
• Ejari (Dubai) Tenancy Contract (Other Emirates ) Attested by Municipality
• Dewa Bill
• Location Map

Before the Entry Visa is issued, the work permit application must be approved. During this approval process, the Ministry of Labour usually bases its decision on whether there are no unemployed UAE citizens who could perform the job, and that the sponsor is a registered UAE corporate entity. Otherwise, the approval should be granted.

Required Documents

• Sponsor / PRO Emirates ID
• E-Signature Card
• Trade License
• Establishment / Immigration Card
• Ejari (Dubai) Tenancy Contract (Other Emirates ) Attested by Municipality
• Dewa Bill
• Location Map

Upon receipt of work permit approval, the Ministry issues an Employment Entry Visa also known as a pink visa) which allows applicants to legally enter the UAE. This permit is valid for 2 months from the date of issue and allows the holder to remain in the UAE for a period of 30 days, extendable twice while the formal work permit is being approved.

Required Documents

• Sponsor / PRO Emirates ID
• E-Signature Card
• Trade License
• Establishment / Immigration Card
• Ejari (Dubai) Tenancy Contract (Other Emirates ) Attested by Municipality
• Dewa Bill
• Location Map

There are two options to enter the country and begin the work permit process. If the Entry Visa was ready prior to arrival, then the employee picks it up on arrival at the airport. If the employee was already in the UAE on another type of visa, they will have to apply for a visa ‘change of status’ after the entry visa is issued (or they can leave and re-enter the country with the Entry Visa).
Once the employee enters the country, they have sixty days in which to complete all the formalities required to get a work permit and residence visa. It is advisable to get these procedures done as soon as possible rather than waiting till the last moment.

Required Documents

• Sponsor / PRO Emirates ID
• E-Signature Card
• Trade License
• Establishment / Immigration Card
• Ejari (Dubai) Tenancy Contract (Other Emirates ) Attested by Municipality
• Dewa Bill
• Location Map

The next step is sending the job offer contract for the employee’s signature, and having them return it to the employer. It must be in both English and Arabic, as well as the employee’s native language (if that is different).  This confirms that the employee is arriving for a valid work position, and the offer letter will be reviewed by the MOL.

Required Documents

• Sponsor / PRO Emirates ID
• E-Signature Card
• Trade License
• Establishment / Immigration Card
• Ejari (Dubai) Tenancy Contract (Other Emirates ) Attested by Municipality
• Dewa Bill
• Location Map

The employee then needs to go to the Emirates ID service center after getting the relevant form typed up at any typing center. An original valid passport and employment entry permit are required to apply for an ID and have the biometrics done.

Required Documents

• Sponsor / PRO Emirates ID
• E-Signature Card
• Trade License
• Establishment / Immigration Card
• Ejari (Dubai) Tenancy Contract (Other Emirates ) Attested by Municipality
• Dewa Bill
• Location Map

A signed labor contract must also be submitted as part of the work permit application. There is a new deadline for the contract, and it must be sent to the MOL within 14 days following the issuance of medical results. The labor contract can be uploaded to the MOL website.

Required Documents

• Sponsor / PRO Emirates ID
• E-Signature Card
• Trade License
• Establishment / Immigration Card
• Ejari (Dubai) Tenancy Contract (Other Emirates ) Attested by Municipality
• Dewa Bill
• Location Map

Because health insurance is now mandatory in UAE, all employers must provide coverage for expat workers (or they have to buy it on their own). The work permit cannot be issued or renewed without a valid insurance card.

Required Documents

• Sponsor / PRO Emirates ID
• E-Signature Card
• Trade License
• Establishment / Immigration Card
• Ejari (Dubai) Tenancy Contract (Other Emirates ) Attested by Municipality
• Dewa Bill
• Location Map

All expat workers and their family members will need a residence visa to legally live in UAE. The visa is required to open bank accounts, register a car and open a PO Box.

Required Documents

• Sponsor / PRO Emirates ID
• E-Signature Card
• Trade License
• Establishment / Immigration Card
• Ejari (Dubai) Tenancy Contract (Other Emirates ) Attested by Municipality
• Dewa Bill
• Location Map