Getting a Dubai work visa for Indians is not rocket science if you have a recruiter or sponsor to vouch for you. Visa is one of the documents required to shift to your destination foreign country to fulfil your task of moving abroad. A work visa is what you need if you are planning to apply for a job or to do business in Dubai.
What is a Dubai Work Visa for Indians?
By work, you might understand that this work visa is a document an Indian needs to work to earn a tax-free income in Dubai. A work visa is a sort of permit an Indian citizen receives from the Dubai immigration department to work or do business in Dubai.
Read More: How to Get Qatar Work Visa
Eligibility Criteria of Dubai Work Visa for Indians
An 18+ Indian who meets the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s requirements is eligible to apply for a job and Dubai work visa from India.
Any individual who is 65+ can also apply for a job in Dubai, but his corporation might charge a premium price for him. The Dubai government has set a category for foreign workers based on their academic qualifications and skills.
- Category 1 is for those who have a bachelor’s degree.
- Category 2 people hold a post-secondary diploma in any field.
- Category 3 people have a high school diploma.
You can get a job in Dubai and earn a tax-free income if you fulfil all the requirements for foreigners to work in Dubai.
How to Apply & Get a Dubai Work Visa?
A work visa is one of the essential documents you need to fly to Dubai for work. But, this requirement is a task accomplished by the employer who hired you in Dubai. First, secure a job in Dubai from India, then submit the below-mentioned documents to your employer.
The company or employer who offered you a job in Dubai is responsible for applying for your Dubai work visa.
- Attested educational certificates
- Authentic valid passport
- Job offer letter
- Attested medical certificate
- Entry Permit
- Fill out the visa application form carefully
- Passport size photographs
Once you have received your work visa, you can prepare for your trip to Dubai.
Steps to Apply for a Dubai Work Visa
- The employer who hires you will sponsor your work visa and apply for it from the Ministry of Labour.
- Your sponsor or employer gets an approved entry permit on your behalf.
- You can legitimately enter the nation for employment purposes on your entry permit.
- Your entry permit is only valid for two months, so apply for a residence visa and work permit within these months.
- Get your legal documents attested by the concerned State Government authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Dubai embassy in India.
- Attestation confirms that your documents are genuine and you can use them outside your country.
- Once you get your work visa, you need to enter Dubai within seven days.
- In Dubai, apply for a labour card, free zone employment, and an ID card, which are mandatory for expats in Dubai.
- A residence visa is necessary to work and legitimately stay in Dubai.
- Applying for a residence visa is a walk in the park. You only need to submit your duly completed application form, entry permit, and original passport to immigration authorities and the Emirates ID service centre.
- After applying for a residence permit, go to the health centre for a body medical checkup.
- This test will be similar to the one you did while travelling from India to Dubai to prove to the government that you are healthy and have no contagious disease.
- With a medical certificate and supporting documents, visit the Department of Naturalisation and Residency Dubai (DNRD) to get a visa stamped on your passport.
These permits are as vital as a work visa to work in Dubai without any hindrances. Keep in touch with your employer and maintain a healthy relationship with him to avoid legal troubles, follow all the rules for expats in Dubai, and stay updated with all the immigration policies in Dubai.
Read More – Saudi Work Visa for Indians
Documents Required for Dubai Work Visa for Indians
You need documents such as your experience letter, educational certificates, current or last salary details, etc, to apply for a job in Dubai.
In the same way, you use some documents two times in the entire Dubai work visa. First, when your employer applies for your Dubai work visa on your behalf, and second when you land in Dubai and apply for a Dubai work residency visa.
Here are the list of documents you need:-
- An Indian passport must have six months of validity from the day you reach Dubai.
- MEA and embassy attested Police clearance certificate.
- MEA and Dubai embassy attested medical certificates issued by any UAE-approved medical centre in India.
- Your passport-size photos with a white background.
Documents Needed for a Dubai Work Residency Visa
- Valid Indian Passport
- Birth certificate
- Driving license
- Marriage certificate (if you are married)
- Attested police clearance certificate
- Medical test certificate attested
Types of Work Visas for Dubai
A visa is what you want to enter Dubai to get a permit to work there. Here are the different types of Dubai visas:-
- Entry permit visas
- Visit visas
- Tourist visas
- Student visas
- Multiple-entry visas
- Visas for medical treatment
Have a plan to obtain a permit to work in Dubai? Begin the process by searching for a job in Dubai and getting a work visa.
Read More: Types of Visa in UAE
Dubai Working Visa Processing Time
The processing time to get your Dubai work visa depends on when your employer has applied for it and your document verification and approval. If everything goes well, your employer may get your work visa in two to seven working days.
If your documents are inaccurate as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the employer might get your Dubai work visa in ten to fifteen working days.
Once you get your Dubai work visa for India, upload it on the website of the airline with your airline ticket, the airline can label it as OK TO BOARD means you can fly to Dubai.
Dubai Work Visa Fees for Indians
The fee structure of a Dubai visa depends on the type of work permit you have applied for and the category of work residency visa. The cost of a Dubai Work Visa is around INR 4076.
Dubai Work Residency Visa has three categories, and they are:-
- Category 1 visa is for people who hold a Bachelor’s degree. This visa cost is INR 6115.
- If you have a post-secondary Diploma, you can apply for a category 2 Dubai work visa , which will cost you between INR 12,230- INR 40769.
- Category 3 If you have a high school diploma, you are eligible to apply for a Dubai work visa, which will cost you around INR 1,01,922.
Rules and Guidelines to Get a Dubai Work Visa for Indians
The government in Dubai has some rules and guidelines for employers and employees to follow to maintain the three factors – Safety for Dubai citizens and experts, high quality of living, and great amenities. These three factors make Dubai a cosmopolitan city and the best option to work and build a career.
Here are the rules and guidelines for foreign citizens to enter Dubai and for the employers to hire you.
- Only people above 18 have the right to work in Dubai.
- A company hiring you must have a valid licence and no violation record.
- Your profession should match the nature of the company that hires you.
- You cannot enter Dubai on a work visa until you have secured a job there. Working in Dubai on a tourist visa is illegal and considered a crime.
- If you work in Dubai without having a work visa, it may put you and your employer in judicial trouble.
- A residence visa is what is the most important document that ensures your stay for the long term.
- A residence visa is valid only for three years, so apply to increase the visa validity period before the three months of its expiring date.
An entry permit, work visa, job offer letter, residence visa, and labour card are vital if you want to work 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.
Read More: How to Apply for a UAE Golden Visa
How Long Can you Stay in Dubai After your Employment Visa Cancellation?
As per the Law of Dubai, you have only thirty days of grace period after the cancellation of your work visa to either change your visa status, apply for a new residence visa or leave the country.
If you stay overdue after the grace period of thirty days, a fine of AED 100 will be charged from the first day and AED 25 for each day till you amend your visa status or fly back to your home country.
If you are planning to study or work in Dubai and require document attestation services, you can count on Superb Enterprise Pvt.Ltd (SEPL).
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the apex body that verifies and attests Indian documents to confirm they are legal and authentic. The MEA has officially approved SEPL to help people by providing quick and affordable attestation services in India.
Common Reasons for Dubai Work Visa Rejections and How to Avoid Them
Dubai work is in high demand and millions of people from all over the world apply for the said visa so they too can enjoy the perks of working and living in Dubai. However, not every application is successful. To make sure you achieve your dreams, listed below are the reasons for Dubai work visa rejections and how to avoid them;
- Inadequate Documentation – The absence of crucial documents or poor filling of the forms will lead to rejection. Make sure to submit completed and correct documents, including a valid passport, a completed application form, proof of qualifications, a health certificate, etc.
- Incorrect Information – Errors or irregularities in personal details such as the name, date of birth, or passport number can delay the approval process which will eventually lead to visa application rejection. Carefully proofread everything before presenting it to avoid any disparity.
- Health Issues – Pre-existing communicable diseases such as tuberculosis or hepatitis could hinder the applicant’s eligibility for acceptance. Given the strict health regulations set by the government in Dubai, it is important to have a complete health check-up before applying. Have all your medical reports ready to establish that you are fit and can proceed with your visa application.
- Previous Immigration Violations – If you have previously violated your visa terms or overstayed the visa then it is most likely to impact your new application. This violation could have happened in the UAE or any other country. The authorities consider immigration violations very seriously when examining a visa application.
- Employment Ban – Another reason that can affect your visa application is a ban from employment because of clashes with an earlier employer or termination of employment for reasons like “gross misconduct”. Check if you are banned, and appeal to the Ministry of Labor to get any resulting ban lifted.
- Security Issues – Ensure that your legal record is clean as Dubai has stringent security checks and a criminal record will certainly get your Dubai work visa application rejected.
- Unskilled Professional – If you are applying for job profiles that do not require normal education and training then your application will be rejected as Dubai only provides work visas for skilled professionals.
You can avoid rejection of the Dubai work visa by providing complete and correct documentation. You must also verify all personal details and obtain medical and legal clearances. Taking such positive actions will help you avoid errors and surely increase your chances of getting a Dubai work visa.
Read More – Dubai Transit Visa for Indians
How to Renew or Extend a Dubai Work Visa for Indians
Extension of a Dubai work visa for Indians is a long and complicated process involving multiple steps. Here is a complete breakdown of the procedure;
Step 1 – Start the Procedure Early
The most important step is to get the whole thing in motion at least a month before the visa expiration date. Starting early will give candidates the chance to gather their paperwork and avoid any last-minute hassles.
Step 2 – Employer Initiates the Process
In the UAE, the renewal of a work visa requires the processing of documents from the employer (the sponsor). The documents prepared by the employer should be presented to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, GDRFA.
Step 3 – Gather the Required Documents
The candidates will need to submit various documents such as their passport, current visa, passport-size photographs, employment contract, Emirates ID, salary certificates, employer’s trade license and so on.
Step 4 – Undergo Medical Examination
Medical tests to check general fitness and screening of infectious diseases such as HIV and Tuberculosis is an important requirement as the health guidelines in the UAE are pretty strict.
Step 5 – Renew Your Emirates ID
Once you pass the medical fitness test, of course, you need to renew your Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). You have to submit the necessary documents, and you’ll be notified when your Emirates ID is ready.
Step 6 – Submit the Application Form
Once you have completed all the above steps, you can apply for renewing your work visa. It can be submitted by either you or your employer, who submits it depends on the company policy.
Step 7 – Pay the Fees
Renewal of a Dubai work visa attracts many different types of fees. This ranges from government fees, medical examination charges and typing center fees. Budget adequately for them and make payments promptly to avoid any delays.
Step 8 – Await Confirmation
Once you have submitted the application and paid the fee you will need to wait for the application to be processed. Once your application is approved, you and your employer will be notified of the visa renewal.
Employment Visa vs. Residence Visa: Key Differences
There are many key differences between the employment and residence visas for Dubai. Knowing the said differences can help one select the right type of visa for themselves. Listed below are the key differences
| Parameter | Employment Visa | Residence Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose and Eligibility | A Dubai work visa is for those who have secured a job in Dubai. One can work in the UAE lawfully with this visa. It is valid for a short period, generally as long as the employment contract. | This visa is issued to individuals for long-term residency. It is normally reserved for family members of residents, property investors and business owners. |
| Sponsorship | A work visa is sponsored by an employer responsible for acquiring and renewing the visa for an employee. | Sponsored by an individual or institution like a family member sponsoring in case of dependents. |
| Validity | This visa is usually valid for 1-2 years depending on the employment contract and company policies. Get it renewed before it expires. | Typically valid for 2-3 years. Also depends on the type of residence visa (sponsored, business or property). |
| Rights | Grants working rights to the visa holder. The visa becomes null and void if the employment contract is terminated. It also provides residency for the duration of the visa. | It does not confer automatic work rights; residents can still apply for a work permit before taking up employment. However, it offers greater flexibility in residency options. |
Conclusion
We hope information related to Dubai work visas, like required documents, eligibility criteria, visa fees, documents attestation, etc, mentioned in this blog will help all the Indians when they apply for a Dubai Work Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Dubai work visa?
Usually, it takes anywhere between 7-14 working days to obtain a Dubai employment visa.
- Can I sponsor my family with a Dubai work visa?
Yes, you can sponsor your family if you have a valid residence permit and meet other specified requirements. If you are eligible then you can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and in some cases, siblings
- Is a medical test required for a Dubai work visa?
Yes, medical tests are compulsorily required for all candidates applying for a Dubai work visa. The medical screening is aimed to ensure that applicants meet the UAE government’s health requirements.
- Are there any age restrictions for a Dubai work visa?
There is no specified upper age limit for employment in Dubai. However, applicants must be atleast 18 years old to be eligible for a work visa.
- Can I work part-time with a Dubai work visa?
While it is perfectly fine to work part-time in Dubai, you won’t be able to do so on a work visa. Dubai work visas are offered to specialists who have secured a full-time employment contract.
- What happens if my Dubai work visa expires?
If you overstay your Dubai work visa you will be fined AED 25 for each day and the fine keeps increasing the longer your visa stays expired. Overstaying on a work visa can also complicate the process of extending your visa or returning to Dubai.
- Can I apply for a Dubai work visa without a job offer?
No, it is not possible to apply for a work visa without a valid job offer. One of the important documents needed to apply for the visa is an employment contract from a registered enterprise in Dubai.
- Do I need a police clearance certificate for a Dubai work visa?
Yes, a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is generally required to obtain a Dubai work visa. A PCC is proof that you do not have a criminal history and don’t pose any security threats.
- Will my Dubai work visa be cancelled if I leave the UAE?
Yes, if you leave the UAE for an extended period, your work visa in Dubai can be cancelled. Normally, one’s visa may be automatically cancelled if they are out of the UAE for more than six consecutive months.
- What types of work visas are available in Dubai?
Some of the popular types of work visas are as follows;
- Standard Work Visa
- Green Visa for skilled professionals, freelancers, entrepreneurs and investors.
- Dubai Work Residency Visa (Category 1,2 and 3)
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