Why apply for a Dubai Work Visa?

Dubai stands as a lively global commercial center which draws experienced workers worldwide to its facilities. People seek employment opportunities in Dubai because of its tax-free income system and world-class infrastructure which includes access to major industries throughout the Middle East. Over 8.92 million expatriates work in the UAE as of 2024 (UAE GDRFA)
 

• Dubai becomes an exceptional city for earning salary after implementing a 0% income tax policy.
• IT, Construction and Real Estate, Finance, Healthcare, and Hospitality and Tourism are popular sectors for work in Dubai.
• AED 16,000 represents the standard monthly wage for workers across various industries in Dubai.
• All visas for Dubai get processed in an expedited manner that takes between 5 and 15 working days.
• A majority of 70% of employees in the United Arab Emirates work within positions located in Dubai.
   

*Want to apply for Dubai Work Visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
 

Benefits of Working in Dubai

Dubai provides workers with economic benefits together with lifestyle privileges. The city attracts residents with its diverse population and cutting-edge infrastructure and well-protected labor laws. The list of advantages includes:
 

• Tax-free income, enhancing savings potential
• Multinational work place with global career exposure
• Access to advanced healthcare and transport systems
• Residency sponsorship for eligible family members
• Apply for a 10-year Golden Visa
   

Dubai’s policies for international professionals and modern lifestyle make it one of the most preferred employment destinations globally.
 

*Looking for suitable jobs in Dubai? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to help you boost your career.
 

Types of Dubai Work Visas

Dubai offers various work visa options based on the job type and skill category:

Type	Validity
Standard Employment Visa	2 years
Dubai Green Visa (for freelancers and skilled workers)	5 years
Dubai Golden Visa (for highly skilled professionals and investors)	10 years
Free Zone Work Visa (sponsored by a company in a free zone)	2 to 3 years
Mission Visa (temporary work visa for project-based roles)	90 days

 

Each visa type has its own distinct eligibility and sponsor requirements. Choosing a suitable visa depends on your employment offer and legal status of your employer.
 

Who can apply for a Dubai Work Visa?

An individual who is not a UAE citizen and is at least 18 years old can request a Dubai Work Visa when they obtain employment with a Dubai-based company. The employer assumes responsibility as your visa sponsor and performs the work permit and residency visa processing. All applicants are required to complete medical fitness tests and security checks in addition to meeting job qualification standards established by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
 

Eligibility for Dubai Work Visa

To be eligible for a Dubai Work Visa, applicants must meet the following:

• Be 18 years or more
• Have a job offer from a designated employer in Dubai
• Have educational qualifications relevant to the job
• Qualify medical fitness test and background checks
• Hold a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
• Employer must obtain a work permit and residency visa on your behalf
   

What is the legal age limit for working in Dubai?

The legal age requirement for employment in Dubai stands at 18 years and reaches a maximum of 60 years in general. Special approval allows people who are 65 years and older to continue working. People who reach 60 years of age experience higher visa costs and more extensive medical examinations. Every applicant needs to satisfy both age and job-related qualifications before gaining approval.
 

Document Checklist for Dubai Work Visa

To apply for a Dubai Work Visa you need the following documents:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Your application requires either a job offer letter or an employment contract signed by the employer.
• Your visa needs passport-size photos that comply with UAE standards.
• Your educational certificates must receive attestation from the UAE Embassy.
• To obtain your visa you need to provide medical fitness test results obtained from an authorized UAE medical facility.
• Obtain an entry permit from either MOHRE or GDRFA.
• Additional documents needed for your application may include professional licenses if they are required.
   

Before submitting your visa application, always verify the document requirements with your employer and GDRFA.
 

Job Market in Dubai

The job market in Dubai demonstrates active growth as it expands throughout various sectors which include:

• Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Healthcare
• Medical Services
• Construction
• Engineering
• Financial Services
• Banking
• Tourism
• Hospitality
• Real Estate
• Logistics
• Knowledge-based industries
   

Top in-demand Jobs in Dubai

The most in-demand jobs in Dubai are given in the table below.

Occupation	Annual Salary (in AED)
IT	84,000 AED
Marketing & Sales	60,000 AED
Engineering	180,000 AED
Hospitality	96,000 AED
Healthcare	84,000 AED
Accounting & Finance	162,000 AED
Human Resources	90,000 AED
STEM	156,000 AED
Nursing	72,000 AED
Teaching	126,000 AED

 

Dubai Work Visa Price

The price of obtaining a Dubai Work Visa depends on the type of visa and employer category. Detailed information about the costs involved in Dubai work visa is given below.

Type	Fees (in AED)
Employment visa cost (including entry permit, medicals, Emirates ID, and residence stamping)	AED 3,000–7,000
Work permit issuance	AED 500–1,200

 

Dubai Working Visa Processing Time

The Dubai Work Visa process becomes finalized within a time frame of 5 to 15 working days after the employer provides all required documentation. The entire process unfolds through the following time frames: Work permit approval Entry permit issuance Medical test and Emirates ID application Visa stamping on passport Public holidays along with incomplete documents and employer compliance checks often lead to processing delays.
 

How do you apply for a Dubai Work Visa online?

Individuals cannot start the process independently because it requires their employer to initiate the steps. The following online steps will help you complete the process:
 

Step 1: The employer must submit an application for a work permit through either MOHRE or GDRFA.

Step 2: Your company will send the entry permit to you through electronic means.

Step 3: After you enter the UAE, you must complete medical tests

Step 4: The Emirates ID application process needs to be completed

Step 5: Your passport will receive a residency visa stamp Employers need to utilize the TASHEEL, GDRFA, or ICP Smart Services platforms
 

How much does a Chartered Accountant earn in Dubai?

The monthly salary of a Chartered Accountant (CA) in Dubai ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 based on their experience level and professional qualifications and the specific industry. Individuals who serve as Senior CAs within multinational organizations or financial institutions can receive compensation beyond AED 30,000 per month particularly when they possess ACCA, CPA or ICAI global certifications. The tax-free income system in Dubai alongside its high demand for competent finance professionals creates a compelling scenario for international CAs.