If you are considering relocating to the UAE for employment as a skilled worker, there are two types of visas available for you to apply for to reside in the country.
There are two options for obtaining a visa for skilled work in the UAE – a standard work visa, which is valid for two or three years, or a five-year Green visa for work.
What is a standard work visa?
The most common type of work visa issued is for individuals employed by mainland or free zone companies. Employers are responsible for applying for this visa, and employees are not required to cover any associated costs.
Documents required
To proceed with your employment, you will need to submit the following documents to your employer:
– A color photograph with a white background.
– A copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least six months.
– An attested university degree, if necessary.
Additionally, if you are a physician, pharmacist, nurse, or teacher, you may be required to provide a letter of approval from the relevant authority. Your employer will assist you with this process. Your qualifications must align with the company’s operations.
If you have been hired from outside the UAE, your first step will be to obtain an entry permit that allows you to enter the country. This permit is valid for two months, during which time your employer should arrange for your work visa.
Upon arrival in the UAE, you will be required to undergo a medical fitness test and provide biometric data, including fingerprints and an eye scan, for the Emirates ID.
The Emirates ID is a government-issued identity card that is mandatory for all citizens and residents of the UAE. It is essential to apply for this card as soon as possible.
The process of applying for a residence visa is relatively simple for employees, as it mainly involves submitting necessary documents and completing a medical fitness test.
After obtaining your visa and Emirates ID, you can proceed to apply for your family’s visa, which involves a slightly different process.
Alternatively, you may opt for a Green Visa, which is a ‘self-sponsored’ visa. This means that you will be under your own sponsorship rather than the company’s, requiring you to handle all costs and procedures independently. Despite the added responsibility, this visa offers a longer duration of stay (five years instead of two) and the freedom to change jobs as needed.
Also Read: The costs, process, and delivery time of a newborn’s UAE residence visa (2024)
