Successfully Applying for an Employment Visa in the UAE
The job seeker Visa UAE grants the possibility to different individuals to work in the country. There is no doubt that the United Arab Emirates, as a hub for innovation and development thanks to its solid position as an oil rich country, has become for foreigners a great center of attraction and interest for job opportunities of any given field. Therefore, the country has changed during the past years its visa policies in order to open more doors. In this article, it will be provided the proper information related to the UAE new residence visa rules, types of visas (such as the Golden visa Dubai and Silver visa UAE), and the right procedures plus requirements necessary for a successful application of the employment visa UAE. Understanding the types of employment visas There are different types of employment visas UAE, in which every one of them will offer different advantages based on your qualifications. They will come with a different validation expiry period. Below, these visas are listed: Work visa for employment The standard work visa, sponsored by employers in various sectors or free zones, is the most common in UAE. Additionally, it typically remains valid for around two or three years. Morever, it will be valid for around two or three years. Unlike the standard work visa, the Green Visa targets freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled workers. Additionally, eligibility requires a valid degree and contract. Furthermore, submission of proof of income or financial solvency is necessary. Note that this employment visa UAE is valid for 5 years. Similar to the green visa, the Golden Visa offers upgraded perks for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, professionals, students, and frontline heroes. Thus, it enables talented foreigners to live, study, and work in the United Arab Emirates and it is valid for 10 years. As for the Job seeker visa, it allows foreigners to enter the UAE and look for a job in an estimated period of 60, 90, and even 120 days with no need for a sponsor/host. The silver visa is a residence permit that grants talents, investors, students, and professionals the opportunity to work in the UAE. Moreover, the silver visa UAE has a long-term of validity (for up to 5 years). The Golden Visa UAE is not specific to any particular emirate within the UAE. However, it does apply to the entire country. On the other hand, the Golden Visa Dubai refers to residency schemes specifically, which the Dubai government offers. Additionally, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) issues the golden visa UAE. This visa covers the entire UAE. Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD) issues the golden visa Dubai. Consequently, it only covers Dubai. Also, the application for these visas can be done online through the ICA smart services website. Missionary Visa for Temporary Work Assignment UAE The mission visa is a type of permit that allows professional individuals to come and work in the UAE, but only with a local company for a specific short period of time depending on the project. Considering the nature of this visa, workers issued to the missionary visa serve as probationary employees while they are under this visa category. Mission Visas consist of one-entry-only to the UAE and its validation lasts for 3 months (90 days). To clarify, holders of the Mission Visa does not have permission to exit the country until the visa expires. In case they do leave before its expiration, cancellation will come as follow as a result. If they ever plan to come back to the UAE after the expiration, the person in question would have to apply again for the Mission visa. To obtain a missionary visa, the sponsoring organization or employer must provide documentation outlining the purpose and duration of the assignment. Additionally, specific activities outlined in their visa application restrict Missionary visa holders. Therefore, they must depart upon completing their assignment. Free Zone Employment visas In the UAE, authorities issue a work permit, known as a free zone employment visa, for those working in designated economic areas. These zones provide tax incentives, business-friendly regulations, and complete foreign ownership. A free zone employment visa allows foreign workers to legally work and reside within a specific free zone. Also, the sponsoring company typically sponsors the visa for the individual it employs, and it typically remains valid for a specific period. Since the free zone employment visa UAE provide individuals with the opportunity to work in there. Thanks to this, they can enjoy the benefits and privileges offered within the designated free zone in the UAE. Tax Incentives. Free zone employment visas offer tax benefits, including exemptions from corporate and personal income taxes, as well as customs duties on imports and exports. Business-Friendly Regulations. Free zones provide a conducive environment for business operations with streamlined administrative processes, simplified licensing procedures, and regulatory flexibility. 100% Foreign Ownership. Companies operating within free zones can have 100% foreign ownership, allowing investors full control over their businesses without the need for a local partner. For instance, if you plan to apply for this visa or the missionary one. You need to consult with a different channel such as the GDRFA, the MOHRE, or the respective free zones authorities. Although, not through the ICA smart services as it does not apply for these categories. Employment Visa UAE Cost The employment visa UAE cost will depend on the type of visa, duration, and the skill of the worker. Below, it is listed a brief overview. Green visa: For the entry permit the cost of this visa is AED 650. Also, for the residence permit is AED 1,150. Standard work visa: The cost of this visa varies depending on the skill level of the worker. Therefore, it can go from AED 300 to 5,000 for the work permit, and AED 200 to AED 250 for the residence permit. Job seeker visa: The cost for the change of status for this visa is AED 640.