Dubai has become a preferred destination for expatriates looking to grow professionally, whether by working for a UAE-based company or by setting up their own business. However, before you start working or opening your venture in Dubai, securing the correct work visa in Dubai is essential. 

The UAE has 13 types of work permits, each designed for specific job roles and business structures. Choosing the right Dubai employment visa affects your legal status and employer compliance.  

In this blog, we explain how to apply for a work visa in Dubai. But first, let’s look at different types of work permits in the UAE.   

Types of Dubai Work Permits 

In the UAE, work permits are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). According to the UAE Labour Law, it’s illegal to work in the Emirates without a valid work visa issued by the MoHRE, and companies hold the power to deny employment to expatriates without a work permit.  

More issues 13 types of Dubai work permits to regulate employment and ensure compliance. Below are the 13 types of work permits in Dubai:  

Work permit for hiring talent from outside the UAE  

This permit allows employers to recruit professionals who are currently outside the country. It is issued under defined eligibility conditions and is typically valid for two years. 

Work permit for transferring an employee between UAE companies  

Businesses can use this employment permit UAE to move a non-UAE national from one registered establishment to another. The permit is issued for two years and supports job mobility within the UAE. 

Work permit for residents under family sponsorship  

This permit enables companies to legally employ individuals who already reside in the UAE on family sponsorship. This option enables businesses to tap into the local talent pool without sponsoring a new residency visa. The permit is valid for two years. 

Temporary work permit  

A temporary work permit allows a UAE-based worker to take up short-term assignments with another company for a limited duration. Once the assignment ends, the individual returns to their original employer. 

Mission work permit  

Designed for time-bound roles, this permit enables companies to bring professionals from outside the UAE to complete a specific project or temporary task. 

Part-time work permit

A flexible option that allows individuals, whether inside or outside the UAE, to work under reduced hours or days compared to full-time employment. With the authorities' approval, a worker may take up part-time roles with more than one employer. 

Juvenile work permit  

This permit allows companies to employ individuals aged 15 to 18, provided all labour regulations related to minors are strictly followed. It is valid for one year. 

Student training and employment permit  

Employers can hire students aged 15 and above who are already in the UAE for training or short-term work. This permit focuses on safe learning environments and is generally issued for three months. 

UAE or GCC national work permit  

This permit enables businesses to employ UAE citizens or nationals of GCC countries. It supports regional workforce integration and is typically valid for two years. 

Work permit for Golden Visa holders  

Companies may employ individuals who hold a UAE Golden Residency Visa using this permit. It allows employment without traditional sponsorship constraints and is valid for two years. 

National trainee work permit  

Issued to organisations that wish to train UAE nationals in line with their academic background. This permit is valid for 12 months and can be renewed by mutual consent. 

Freelance work permit  

This permit is issued to individuals who wish to work independently without being tied to a single employer. Freelancers may offer services to multiple clients or businesses for defined projects without being classified as employees. 

Private teacher work permit  

This permit authorises qualified individuals to provide private educational instruction, subject to regulatory approvals and compliance requirements. 

How to Apply for a Work Permit in Dubai?  

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a work permit in Dubai: 

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility for Both Employer and Employee 

Before starting the work visa process in Dubai, it is important to confirm that you and your employer meet the visa eligibility criteria. Here are some of the eligibility requirements for a work visa in Dubai:  

1. You must be at least 18 years old or older. Exceptions apply only to juvenile work permits or student training and employment permits. 

2. The job role offered to you must directly correspond to the business’s licensed business activity.  

3. The employer must hold a valid trade license with no outstanding violations.  

4. You must meet all professional licensing or qualification requirements if the role falls within a regulated or specialised profession. 

5. The visa application must be submitted by a person who is legally authorised to represent the company. 

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documentation 

You would need a passport with at least six months of validity, a clear colour copy of the passport, a recent passport-sized photograph on a white background, and a signed employment contract to get a work visa. In many cases, academic certificates must be legally attested, and proof of temporary travel insurance may be required until residency is finalised. 

All documents must be translated into Arabic and officially attested through recognised authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or UAE embassies abroad. Immigration authorities do not accept alternative translation or verification methods.   

Step 3: Apply for an Entry Permit 

Before an employee can complete residency formalities, they must first enter the UAE on an approved entry permit. This permit allows the individual to travel to the country and proceed with the remaining visa steps. 

GCC nationals do not need a visa to enter the UAE and are permitted to travel using their government-issued national ID. For all other nationalities, the employer must submit an entry permit application through the relevant UAE immigration portal using the company’s registered account. 

The application typically requires uploading supporting documents and paying the applicable government fee. Entry permits are generally issued within a few working days. Once approved, the employee must enter the UAE within the permit's validity period; otherwise, the process may need to be restarted. 

Step 4: Complete the Medical Fitness Examination 

All applicants for a UAE work visa, as well as eligible dependents, must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorised government medical centre. This examination usually includes blood tests and chest X-rays to screen for communicable diseases. 

Step 5: Apply for an Emirates ID 

Following the medical examination, the employee must apply for an Emirates ID, which serves as the official identification document for UAE residents. The application is generated automatically after medical clearance and must be completed through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or an authorised service centre. 

As part of this process, the applicant must attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs. Once issued, the Emirates ID is used for a wide range of services, including banking, healthcare, and employment verification.  

Step 6: Submit the Residency Visa Application 

The final step is submitting the residency visa application through the appropriate government portal. This involves uploading all previously completed documents, paying the required fees, and selecting the applicable visa duration. 

Residency applications are typically processed within a few working days. Once approved, the employee’s residency status is confirmed, and their Emirates ID card is issued shortly thereafter.  

How Can Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone Help with Work Visas?  

If you are an entrepreneur or a business owner operating in a free zone in Dubai, looking for end-to-end support for your residency visas for your employees or extended family, Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers simplified UAE residency for entrepreneurs and business owners. Our digital and paperless visa application process and transparent fees ensure your residency needs are met, allowing you to focus on company formation in Dubai.  

Need help with residency programs for your employees? Book an appointment with our experts today! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

How long does it take to process a work visa in Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone? 

Processing timelines vary depending on documentation and approvals, but most work visas are issued within a few weeks. Delays usually occur when documents are incomplete or when eligibility requirements are not met. 

Can a work visa be cancelled if an employee leaves the company? 

Yes. Employers are required to cancel the work visa if employment ends. The cancellation process must be completed to avoid overstay penalties and future immigration issues. 

Is medical insurance mandatory for work visa holders? 

Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for UAE residents. In many cases, employers are responsible for arranging coverage for employees, depending on the emirate and company policy. 

What happens if visa rules are not followed? 

Non-compliance, such as expired visas, incorrect job roles, or unpaid fines, can result in penalties, suspension of visa privileges, or restrictions on future applications. Proper planning and timely renewals help avoid these risks. 

Who can apply for a work visa through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone? 

Any company registered within the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can apply for work visas for its owners, partners, and employees.