What are the eligibility requirements for a UAE Work Visa?

To be eligible for a UAE work visa, you need a valid job offer from a UAE-licensed employer registered with MOHRE, a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity, and the ability to pass a mandatory medical fitness test. Attested educational certificates, a clean criminal record, and work permit approval from MOHRE are also required. For the UAE Green Visa, additional requirements include a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 and a bachelor's degree.

Yes, a job offer is mandatory for the standard UAE employment visa. The employer must be licensed and registered with MOHRE. They are responsible for applying for the work permit on your behalf before the visa process begins. However, for the UAE Green Visa, skilled professionals and freelancers who meet the eligibility criteria can self-sponsor and are not tied to a single employer.

The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residency visa that does not require employer sponsorship. It is open to skilled employees earning at least AED 15,000 per month with a bachelor's degree, as well as freelancers with an annual income of AED 360,000 or more. The main advantage is that holders can change jobs, freelance, or take a career break without losing their residency status.

Yes, a medical fitness test is mandatory for all foreign nationals aged 18 and above applying for a UAE work or residence visa. The test is conducted at a UAE government-approved medical centre and screens for communicable diseases including HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and syphilis. You must complete this test within 60 days of entering the UAE on an entry permit.

Key documents include a valid passport, signed job offer letter, employment contract, MOHRE-approved work permit, attested educational certificates, medical fitness certificate, passport-sized photos, and a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). If you have previously lived in the UAE, you will also need proof of visa cancellation. Documents should be attested by the UAE embassy and India's Ministry of External Affairs before submission.

The standard employment visa is employer-sponsored, valid for 2 years, and has no minimum salary requirement. The Green Visa is self-sponsored, valid for 5 years, and requires a minimum salary of AED 15,000/month and a bachelor's degree for skilled employees. The Green Visa offers greater flexibility, as it is not tied to a specific employer and allows holders to freelance, switch jobs, or start a business.

With MoHRE's streamlined Work Bundle process in 2026, UAE employment visas are typically processed within 5 to 10 working days when all documents are complete and in order. The process includes work permit approval, medical fitness test, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping.

The standard employment visa has no fixed minimum education requirement, as it depends on the role and employer. However, certain professional roles may require verified degrees or qualifications. For the UAE Green Visa, a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) is a mandatory requirement for skilled employees. Freelancers under the Green Visa can qualify with a specialised diploma alongside the income threshold.

Yes, Indian nationals are eligible to apply for a UAE work visa. India is one of the largest source countries for professionals working in the UAE. Applicants must have a valid job offer from a UAE-registered employer, meet the educational and medical requirements, and submit attested documents. Indian applicants typically apply through their employer's PRO or through the UAE's online immigration portals.

A standard UAE employment visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed as long as you remain employed with the sponsoring employer. The UAE Green Visa is valid for 5 years and is renewable. Renewal requires continued compliance with the eligibility conditions, such as maintaining the minimum salary (for Green Visa holders) and valid employment status.