Hiring remote employees in the United Arab Emirates is a strategic way to leverage local expertise. However, these employees must possess the appropriate work visa or permit, especially when working remotely from a country such as the UAE.
Lacking a thorough understanding of UAE immigration laws and employment regulations can expose your company to substantial legal risks. To ensure a smooth hiring or relocation process to the UAE, gaining a deep understanding of the local immigration laws is essential.
This guide offers detailed insights into the work visa and permit requirements for the UAE. Additionally, it includes essential information for relocating existing team members, hiring non-citizens, or engaging digital nomads working remotely in the UAE.
Importance of immigration compliance for employers in the UAE
Employers without the proper work authorisation and documentation risk incurring substantial fines and facing legal disputes with labour authorities. As government bodies tighten regulations on short-term visas, staying updated with the evolving immigration laws becomes indispensable when hiring in the UAE. Whether you need a temporary visa for a team member or are looking to make a long-term hire, it’s advisable to consult with experts.
Who needs work authorisation in the UAE?
All foreign nationals (non-Emiratis) over the age of 18 are eligible to work in the UAE, provided they fulfil the criteria established by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
While various visa types are available in the UAE, only specific ones permit employment. It is unlawful to engage in employment on a tourist or visitor visa, and individuals caught working without the appropriate documentation may face fines, legal action, or deportation.
To streamline the support you provide to your employees during the UAE work permit process, consider partnering with Davidson & Co. Our global employment services are designed to facilitate work authorisation checks and secure the necessary work permits for employees both in the UAE and globally.
Our team of experts ensures that all documentation and processes comply with local immigration laws, thus maintaining the highest level of compliance.
Non-citizens and work visa permits in the UAE
Do non-citizens require a work visa or permit in UAE? Indeed, to legally work in the UAE, non-citizens must secure both a residency visa and a work permit. It is the employer’s responsibility to obtain these documents on behalf of the employee. Operating without the proper documentation can result in severe penalties for both the employer and the employee.
Eligibility criteria to get a work visa in the UAE
To obtain a valid UAE work visa, an employee must first secure a confirmed job offer from a legally registered business in Dubai. As the employer, you are responsible for applying for an entry permit and residence visa on behalf of the employee at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Before the employee travels to the UAE, ensure their passport is valid for at least six months. Additionally, they will need to undergo medical tests at accredited health centres in the UAE to screen for communicable diseases such as HIV or tuberculosis. If any such condition is detected, the UAE authorities may require the individual to leave immediately. It is advisable to conduct these medical tests in the employee’s home country if there is any risk of these conditions.
If the employee has academic qualifications from outside the UAE, these must be authenticated by their embassy or consulate and the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs in their home country.
Furthermore, individuals who have publicly criticised the UAE or have been convicted of a crime that breaches UAE law are ineligible for a work permit.
Those with previously terminated residency visas must resolve their status before applying for a new visa or work permit.
Types of long-stay visas in the UAE
When employees initially receive a work permit in the UAE, it remains valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days. This period allows the employer to arrange all necessary documentation required for the employee to live and work in the country, such as a Residence visa, an Emirates ID card, and a Labour Card.
For those planning longer stays, the UAE offers the following long-stay visa options:
5-year green visa
The UAE government has introduced a 5-year residence policy aimed at attracting skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors. Key advantages of the Green visa include:
- No need for an employer or sponsor.
- Eligibility to sponsor family members, including spouses and children.
- An extended grace period of up to six months after visa expiry or cancellation, during which they can remain in the country.
- Sons may legally stay until their 25th birthday, while daughters are allowed to stay until they marry, with no age limit imposed.
Golden visa
The Golden visa provides a long-term residency option for foreign nationals who wish to live, work, or study in the Emirates. The benefits of the Golden visa encompass:
- An entry permit valid for six months with multiple entries to secure residency.
- A renewable residence permit valid for either five or ten years, independent of sponsors.
- The ability to reside outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency status.
- The facility to sponsor family members, including spouses and children of any age, and an allowance for an unlimited number of domestic helpers.
- In the event of the death of the primary visa holder, their eligible dependents can remain in the UAE until the visa’s expiry.
How to get a work visa in the UAE?
To secure a work visa in the UAE, applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- A valid passport, along with a photocopy and several passport-sized photographs.
- An Emirates ID card and an entry permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.
- Results from a medical screening.
- Proof of employment, including a company card and the employer’s commercial license.
Additionally, an employment agreement or job offer from a UAE-based business and a completed visa application form must be provided.
The type of work permit required may vary depending on the specific nature of the job, with several different permits available in the UAE to accommodate various employment scenarios.
Visa requirements for digital nomads in the UAE
The digital nomad visa is designed for individuals who wish to live in Dubai and work remotely for a foreign employer. This visa permits up to one year of residence and work, with the possibility of renewal, provided all requirements continue to be met. To apply for the Dubai Virtual Work Residency Visa, applicants must:
- Be employed remotely by a company based outside the UAE.
- Earn a minimum income of over USD 5,000 per month.
- Provide a copy of their employment contract.
This visa offers a unique opportunity for digital nomads to experience living in Dubai while maintaining employment with an overseas company.
Streamline hiring with Davidson & Co.
In conclusion, offering both the Dubai Virtual Work Residency Visa and conventional work visas allows employers to tap into a global talent pool, providing flexibility and strategic advantages in positioning our business within Dubai’s dynamic market environment.
Davidson & Co. is a premier boutique law firm in the UAE, expertly guiding employers through compliance and regulatory issues related to hiring employees. Our profound knowledge of both local and international employment law ensures we offer tailored legal solutions that protect and streamline our clients’ recruitment processes. We are dedicated to providing robust support, helping employers confidently navigate the complexities of employment regulations within the UAE.
