The charm of Dubai as a cultural and business hub attracts professional workers from all over the world, especially India. Getting a Dubai work visa for Indian is simple if you have a sponsor who can provide a guarantee for you.
Therefore, a visa is one of the most important requirements to turn your dreams of working in Dubai into reality.
So, the article below will help you identify the various types of work visas, the eligibility criteria, and the required documents for Dubai when traveling from India.
What is a Dubai Work Visa for Indian?
A Dubai work visa is a document that Indian citizens need to earn a tax-free income in the Land of Superlatives. It is issued by the Immigration Department.
Also, note that you are only required to search for a job in Dubai. The visa application will be initiated by the employer and not the employee. Besides, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will issue you a work permit in Dubai.
Validity
Initially, a Dubai work visa is valid for only two months. During this period, your employer should complete the other formalities such as,
- Medical testing
- Obtaining an Emirates ID and a Labour Card
- Processing the residency visa
Eligibility criteria
As an applicant, make sure that you and the company hiring you should fulfill the following requirements.
- The minimum qualification for a skilled person is graduation. Whereas, an unskilled worker should be a trade qualified.
- The applicant must have an experience of more than 2-3 years in the relevant field.
- If you want to apply for a Dubai work visa, you should have a job offer from the local employer.
- Make sure to meet the medical requirements when starting the visa process.
- The company hiring you should have a valid license and be free from any violations.
- Furthermore, as an applicant, you should be at least 18 years old or above.
- The work you do should match the nature of the hiring company’s business.
- Other than that, foreign workers such as Indians will be further categorized into three classes depending on their qualifications.
- If you have a bachelor’s degree, you belong to Category 1.
- Category 2 is for those who have a post-secondary diploma in their relevant field.
- Lastly, applicants with a high school diploma will fall into Category 3.
Benefits of having a work permit
Having a Dubai work visa/permit comes with multiple advantages including the following:
- The target job offer will allow you to earn in Dirhams. Besides, you are not required to pay taxes to the government. This means that you can take the whole amount to your home.
- A work visa also provides you with an opportunity to reside in the country as long as your employment contract is valid.
- Lastly, you can also sponsor your family including parents, spouse, and children with a Dubai work visa.
Dubai Work Visa for Indian Types
Indian residents can apply for several work visas depending on the category of employment and the requirements. This section will explain some of the common visa types.
Employment visa
This is the main type of Dubai work visa. An employment visa is sponsored by a local company in Dubai that wants to hire employees from India.
For this purpose, you must have a job offer letter from the Dubai-based company. Besides, the hiring company or the sponsor will handle your visa application.
Freelancer visa
If you are a freelancer who wants to freelance in Dubai, you can apply for this visa. One benefit of this visa is that you can work with multiple clients instead of one employer.
Moreover, applying for a freelancer visa requires you to share your portfolio to showcase your professional skills.
Mission visa
A mission visa allows you to start your employment in any embassy, consulate, or diplomatic organization in Dubai. Similar to an employment visa, a mission visa is sponsored by the respective mission of the destination country.
Furthermore, it is valid for the duration of your employment with the mission.
Domestic helper visa
If you, as an Indian citizen, want to work in a household as a worker, you can apply for a domestic helper visa. In addition, the employer or the household head sponsors you for this visa.
Also, note that the requirements and regulations of this visa may differ from the rest of the visa types. So, it is essential to check the guidelines and rules of the Dubai authorities.
Other Prominent Categories
Other than the types of work visas highlighted above, various additional prominent categories also exist. They are as follows:
Green visa for work
A Green visa for work is a type of residence visa that allows Indian citizens to sponsor him/herself. It is valid for five years. Besides, it eliminates the need for a UAE employer or national to sponsor your trip.
Moreover, self-employed, freelancers, and skilled employees can apply for a green work visa.
Golden visa
A Golden visa, also known as an investor visa, enables foreigners to live, work, and study in Dubai while enjoying several benefits. For example, this visa allows you to stay in the country for six months, the chance to sponsor your family, the ability to sponsor several domestic helpers, etc.
Besides, it is a residence visa valid for five to ten years and renewable.
Moreover, this visa type permits Indian citizens to invest, work, or manage their business ventures in Dubai.
Documents Required for a Dubai Work Visa for Indian
The Dubai authorities have requested the applicants to fulfill certain requirements, which include the submission of the following documents when applying for a work visa.
Passport
Make sure you have a passport with a validity of at least six months after you exit Dubai. Furthermore, it should contain at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
PAN card
You are also required to submit a PAN card as identity proof to show that you are a legal resident of India. Usually, it is issued to the taxpayers by the government to track their transactions.
Job offer letter
Moreover, a work visa also requires you to get a job offer letter from a Dubai company. The document must disclose your job position, the expected salary, and the employment terms.
Academic qualification certificate
Depending on the type of work you will be engaged in, make sure that you submit a relevant academic qualifications certificate.
For this purpose, you can check the guidelines related to the qualification and educational background as specified by the authorities of Dubai.
Experience letter
Furthermore, certain job roles in Dubai require you to have experience and a skill set. So, ensure that you fulfill this criterion as outlined by the hiring company or employer.
For this purpose, you can also submit your experience letter from current or past employment.
Proof of accommodation
Your work visa application will be incomplete if you fail to demonstrate the place of your residence in Dubai. Therefore, make sure to submit a proof of accommodation document such as a hotel reservation or a rental contract.
The hiring company may also offer you an apartment for the entire duration of your work visa.
Confirmed flight ticket
The embassy or the entity through which you initiate the work visa application requires you to show that you have an intention to fly to Dubai. This can be proved by submitting a flight ticket.
This document includes flight details such as the destination country, your first & last name, airport terminals, etc.
Cover letter
A cover letter for a visa is a document that allows you to disclose the purpose of your trip and the nature of your relationship with the person whom you are visiting.
This letter is supposed to be addressed to the embassy and includes information such as travel dates, why you are visiting the country, and any extra information that will boost your visa application.
Travel health insurance
Having a travel health insurance policy is important, as it will save you from unforeseen circumstances and situations during your stay in Dubai. For instance, it may help you manage expenses related to hospitalization, surgery, luggage, or passport loss.
Medical certificate
Another vital document is a medical certificate that you can get from a hospital approved by the Dubai authorities. It will include tests for infectious diseases including hepatitis, TB, and HIV.
Character certificate
You are required to get a character certificate from the local police station in your home country. Similar is the case if you have resided in a country other than India for the past five years.
This document ensures that you are not involved in any criminal activity and possess good character.
Work visa application form
In addition, completing the Dubai work visa application form is the most important step of all. So, make sure to provide the requested information and sign it at the end.
Photos
A Dubai work visa for Indian requires you to submit at least two passport-size pictures to the Dubai authorities. Moreover, the photos should have a white or gray background, be in color format, and have the applicant’s face visible.
Proof of financial resources
Moreover, Indian citizens are also required to show that they can support themselves during their stay in Dubai. For this purpose, submit proof of sufficient funds such as bank statements, paychecks, or other documents to prove that you are financially stable.
Sponsorship letter
Lastly, a Dubai work visa requires a sponsorship letter from the hiring company or organization. The company that is sponsoring you a visa will start the application process and act as your sponsor throughout the entire tenure of your employment in Dubai.
Step-by-Step Application Process for a Dubai Work Visa for Indian
Follow the step-by-step guide below to start the Dubai work visa application from India. You can visit the Embassy or Consulate of the United Arab Emirates in India physically or online.
Step 1: Identify the visa type
Before starting the process, it is important to select a specific visa type depending on the status of your employment. This includes an employment visa, investor visa, mission visa, etc.
Step 2: Search for a sponsor
After that, search for a relevant job in Dubai. If you succeed in getting a job, the same employer will act as your sponsor and assist you with the visa application process during the entire period.
Step 3: Get an employment contract
The prospective employer should send you an employment contract that you need to sign. This document must include the employment terms & conditions, salary, working hours, benefits, and the contract duration.
Step 4: Undergo a medical fitness test
Another step before applying for a visa and to show your eligibility is undergoing a medical fitness test. For this purpose, you can visit a medical hospital or center approved by the DHA (Dubai Health Authority).
The tests generally include blood tests, check-ups, and an X-ray of the chest.
Step 5: Gather the required documents
Make sure to collect documents such as a passport, photos, employment contract, academic certificates, experience letter, medical certificate, and sponsor’s documents.
For example, this includes a trade license, an NOC from the Ministry of Labor, and an establishment card.
Step 6: Complete the visa application form
Fill out a visa application form by visiting the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Make sure to follow the instructions by providing the requested information and uploading the required documents.
Step 7: Deposit the fee
Once you complete the visa application form, make sure to pay the processing fee. You can also deposit it online. After that, keep the payment receipt for record purposes.
Step 8: Submit your application and passport
After the fee payment, visit the nearest visa processing center along with your passport, application form, and supporting documents. Some centers may request you to submit your essentials personally, while others may accept documents sent via courier service.
Step 9: Wait for the processing time
Wait for the processing time which almost takes a few weeks. During this period, the officials will review your application and run a background check. Once they make a decision, they will notify you through an email.
Step 10: Get your passport
Once approved, your passport will be stamped or you will receive an e-visa. After that, you can depart for Dubai. Make sure to carry all the documents for immigration clearance in Dubai.
Work Visa Application Fee
Usually, the Dubai work visa application fee for Indians ranges between 250 to 3,450 AED, equivalent to 5,704 to 78,705 INR. However, it varies depending on several factors. For example, this includes,
- The visa type
- Specific employment category
- The particular UAE Emirate
Moreover, also note that the work visa fee for the employees will be handled by the employer or the sponsoring company. This means that you do not have to pay the fee directly for a Dubai work visa as an employee.
Additional charges
A work visa comes with other additional charges as well, which are discussed below.
| Fee type | Amount |
| Category 1 | 6,115 Indian Rupee |
| Category 2 | 12,230 to 40,769 INR |
| Category 3 | 1,01,922 Indian Rupee |
| Application fee | 300 AED |
| Visa processing fee | 750 United Arab Emirates Dirham |
| Medical examination fee | 250 AED |
| Emirates ID fee | 370 AED |
The mentioned fee structure is for guidance purposes only. Make sure to visit the consular or visa officer for updated visa fee information.
Dubai Work Visa Processing Time for Indian
The Dubai work visa process from India may vary depending on the visa type you have applied for. However, the standard processing time is about two weeks (10-15 working days).
After you get your work visa and land in the UAE, be sure to apply for a work permit. This will also take 5-7 regular days. A work visa is valid for two months, so, your employer must complete the rest of the application’s components within this period.
FAQs
- What are the perks given by the employers of Dubai to foreign workers?
Working in the UAE, especially one of its vibrant cities, Dubai, comes with several benefits. For example, one month of annual leave after completing one year, health insurance, and the expenses of a round trip to your home country.
Other than that, you can also enjoy bonuses, flexible working hours, housing allowances, and permission for further education. Surprisingly, workers will get their full salary which is tax-free (no income tax).
- Is there any age limit for a Dubai work visa for Indian?
No. There is no age limit for a Dubai work visa for Indian. However, the applicants need to make sure that they fulfill the minimum age requirement to qualify for the visa which is 18 years or above.
- Is it possible to extend my Dubai work visa?
Considering the rules and regulations of the government of the UAE, you can apply for an extension of your Dubai work visa. For this purpose, submit an extension application and the supporting documents to the Immigration Authorities.
- Am I allowed to do any kind of job with a Dubai work visa?
With a Dubai work visa, the kind of job you can do depends on the job category mentioned on your visa. Besides, certain factors such as the job role, employer, restrictions, and visa terms & conditions should also be taken into consideration.
- How long can I stay in Dubai after my work visa is canceled?
According to the law of the country, you have a grace period of 30 days after your work visa is canceled. After that, make sure to either apply for a new residence visa, change your visa status, or leave the country.
Overstaying the grace period will cost you 100 AED for the first day as a fine with an additional 25 AED afterward for each day till you make modifications.
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