What are the different types of work visas in Dubai?

Foreign workers willing to migrate and settle in Dubai with a job offer must apply for a Dubai work visa. The Dubai Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) offers several types of work visas to suit the needs and purposes of foreign workers. The types of work visa suitable for you depend on your type of employment, the type of service offered, and the maximum time you would be required to stay in the country.

 

*Willing to work in Dubai? Y-Axis is here for complete assistance!

 

Types of Dubai Work Visas

Foreign workers can avail of the following types of work visas in Dubai:

 

Employment Visa

The Dubai Employment Visa is the most common work permit for foreign workers. Skilled professionals working as senior executives or trained technicians with 2 to 3 years of professional work experience can apply for this visa. The visa is valid for a maximum of two years and can be renewed, provided the renewal application is made before the original visa expires.

 

The following are the documents required to apply for the Dubai Employment Visa:

 

• Duly filled out Dubai Employment visa application form
• Recent passport-sized pictures taken not more than three months ago
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• A copy of registration showing that the company hiring you is registered in India
• Educational certificates demonstrating relevant qualifications and skills
• Employment contract showing details of employment
• Approval letter from the Consulate General of the applicant's country
• Documents showing prior work experience
• Additional documents, as required by the Embassy or Consulate services

 

Free Zone Work Permit

Dubai and the UAE have several free zones, which allow workers to work in a tax-free environment, and no customs duties or restrictions are applicable. Foreign workers can apply for a Free Zone Visa to work within specific free zones, such as the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). These visas aim to attract businesspeople and investors to migrate and invest in Dubai.

 

The following are the four types of free zone work permits in Dubai:

 

• Employment Resident Visa
• Dependent’s Resident Visa
• Partner or Investor Visa
• Student Visa (University and Institution)

 

The documents required to apply for any of the Free Zone Work Permits in Dubai are mentioned below:

 

• A valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months
• Educational qualification documents
• Emirates ID
• Signed employment offer letter or University admission letter
• Proof of financial means ( for Investor visa applicants)
• Documents showing your business plan or exiting business setup ( if applicable)
• Professional work experience documents
• Medical test results
• Police Clearance certificate
• Dubai Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) approval letter

 

Digital Nomad Visa

In 2021, Dubai introduced the Digital Nomad Visa to allow freelancers and remote workers to work remotely while staying in the country. Remote workers, including business owners and freelancers earning a minimum of $5000, can apply for this visa, which is valid for up to one year.

 

The following are the documents required for a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa:

 

• Completed and signed the Digital Nomad Visa application form
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• Recent passport-sized pictures
• Accommodation details in Dubai
• Health Insurance coverage details

 

The table below has the specific requirements for business owners and employees willing to apply for a Dubai digital Nomad Visa:

Documents for business owners	Documents for employees
Proof of company ownership for at least one year	Proof of employment with at least one year contract
Documents showing a minimum salary of AED 18,365 per month	Documents showing a minimum salary of AED 18,365 per month
The past 3 months' bank statement	The past 3 months' bank statement
-	Recent payslips

 

Investor Visa

Foreign entrepreneurs willing to set up, own, or invest in a business in Dubai can apply for a Dubai Investor visa. The minimum investment amount is AED 5 million for a property or AED 10 million in the public sector, and the visa is valid for a maximum of 3 years. According to a recent survey, it is estimated that 4,300 Indian millionaires are moving to the UAE in 2024.

 

Investors seeking a long-term residence visa via investment can also apply for the UAE Golden Visa. This visa allows foreign investors to work, study, and migrate to the UAE with their families for a ten-year stay.

 

The following are the documents required for a Dubai Investor Visa:

 

• A valid passport
• Recent passport-sized pictures
• Past 6 months’ bank statement
• Copy of your company’s trade license
• Partnership contract details (if applicable)
• ID and other documents for other partners
• Copy of memorandum of Association
• Copy of patents (for investors)
• Medical fitness reports
• Travel related documents

 

Mission Visa

Professionals employed under foreign missions, including embassies, consulates, or diplomatic organizations based in Dubai, can apply for a Dubai Mission Visa. This visa allows foreign professionals to migrate and stay in Dubai for up to 60 days.

 

The following are the documents required for a Dubai Mission Visa:

 

• A valid passport
• Emirates ID
• Recent passport-sized pictures
• Offer letter from the Ministry of Labour
• Employment offer letter
• Educational qualification details
• Documents demonstrating your nationality and civil status
• Police clearance reports

 

Domestic Worker Visa

Dubai offers the Domestic Worker Visa to invite people willing to work as house helpers, drivers, or nannies. This visa is mostly sponsored by the employer and is valid for up to 2 years.

 

The following are the documents required for a Domestic Worker Visa in Dubai:

 

• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• Documents to show your nationality and civil status
• Criminal clearance records
• Medical fitness reports
• Accommodation details arranged by the sponsor
• Employment details of both the sponsor and the beneficiary
• The past three months' bank statements of the sponsor
• Salary details of the sponsor

 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with UAE immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end support!