Working Legally in the United Arab Emirates
It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit in order to work legally in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Expats are required to have a valid residency visa and a work permit in order to work in the UAE. The work permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and is valid for two years.
Who Must Make the Application?
The application for a work permit must be made by the expat’s employer. The employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the expat and provide all the necessary documents and information required by MOHRE
There are no exemptions to the requirement for a work permit in the UAE. All expats, regardless of their nationality or profession, are required to obtain a work permit and a residency visa to work legally in the UAE.
Types of Work Permits for Expats in the United Arab Emirates
There are two types of work permits in the UAE:
Residence visa with a work permit: This is the most common type of work permit and is issued to expats who are employed by a UAE-based company.
Residence visa with a work permit for self-employed individuals: This type of work permit is issued to expats who are self-employed in the UAE, such as freelancers or entrepreneurs.
In order to be eligible for a work permit in the UAE, expats must meet the following criteria:
They must be over the age of 18.
They must have a valid passport from their home country.
They must have a residency visa.
They must be employed by a UAE-based company or be self-employed in the UAE.
Work Permit Application Process in the United Arab Emirates
The procedure to apply for a work permit in the UAE is as follows:
The employer must first apply for a residency visa for the expat.
Once the residency visa has been approved, the employer must then apply for a work permit on behalf of the expat.
The employer must provide all the necessary documents and information required by MOHRE, including the expat’s passport, CV, and education and professional qualifications.
The employer must also pay the applicable fees for the work permit and residency visa.
The entire process of obtaining a work permit in the UAE can take several weeks, depending on the processing time of the residency visa and work permit applications.
Work Permit Documents in the United Arab Emirates
The following documents are required to apply for a work permit in the UAE:
Valid passport from the expat’s home country.
Residency visa.
CV and education and professional qualifications.
Proof of employment from the employer, including a letter of offer and a contract of employment.
Any other relevant documents required by MOHRE.
Work Permit Costs in the United Arab Emirates
The costs involved in obtaining a work permit in the UAE vary depending on the type of permit and the duration of the residency visa. The employer must pay the fees for both the residency visa and the work permit, which typically include an application fee, a visa fee, and an immigration fee
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