Which countries allow you to convert a Visit Visa to a Work Visa?

Which countries allow you to convert a Visit Visa to a Work Visa?

Dubai is one of the top countries that allows you to convert a visit visa to a work visa without having to leave the country. To successfully convert your Dubai visit visa to a work visa, you will need to obtain a valid job offer from a registered employer in the UAE and fulfill the visa criteria, including medical and legal requirements. The conversion process is generally taken care of by the (MOHRE) Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, after which you will be issued a residence visa by the (GDRFA) General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. While countries like Singapore, Canada, and Hong Kong may permit you to convert a visit visa to a work visa, the process is not direct and requires you to exit the country before reapplying for a work visa.
 

*Want to apply for a Dubai visit visa? Talk to experts at Y-Axis to help you with the steps.
 

What are the requirements to convert a Dubai visit visa to a work visa?

To transition from a visit visa to a work visa in Dubai, you must meet specific requirements, including a valid job offer, an employment contract from a registered UAE company, an original passport, and proof of qualifications.

Here is a complete list of requirements to convert a Dubai visit visa to a work visa without leaving the country:

• A valid job offer in the UAE
• An employment contract from a verified company in the UAE
• An original passport with at least 6 months of validity
• Copies of the recent passport-sized photographs
• A fully signed visa application form
• Proof of educational qualifications (an attested degree certificate)
• An application for a work permit for a Labour Card (must be issued by the MOHRE)
• An Emirates ID application
• Medical certificate from a health centre in the UAE  

*Want to apply for a Dubai work visa? Get in touch with immigration experts a Y-Axis to help you with the process.
 

How can I convert my Dubai visit visa to a work visa?

You can convert your Dubai visit visa to a work visa even without leaving the country. To begin the conversion process, you must first secure a valid job offer from an employer in the UAE.

Given below is a detailed step-by-step process to convert a Dubai visit visa to a work visa:

Step 1: Get a valid job offer from a verified and registered UAE-based employer

Step 2: The employer in the UAE will initiate the work permit process by applying on your behalf at the MOHRE

Step 3: Once approved, your employer will need to undergo an in-country visa change process, which is typically handled through government authorities such as the ICP or GDRFA.

Step 4: Complete the medical examination at a registered medical centre in the UAE

Step 5: Apply for an Emirates ID card, which will testify to your proof of employment

Step 6: Once all the above steps are completed, you will receive your new Dubai work visa.
 

Note: The conversion process from a visit visa to a work visa typically takes 5–10 working days from the date of application submission.
 

*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 assistance!