Dubai is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing cities in the Middle East, attracting professionals from all over the world. Applying for a Dubai work visa is essential for foreign nationals who wish to live and work legally in this cosmopolitan city. The Dubai work visa not only grants legal employment status but also opens doors to numerous benefits such as access to world-class infrastructure, tax-free income, and a multicultural environment.
Working in Dubai offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive destination for foreign workers:
Dubai offers several types of work visas tailored to different employment situations:
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Any foreign national over the age of 18 who has secured a job offer from a UAE-based company or is eligible for freelance/self-employment status can apply for a Dubai work visa. The employer or sponsoring company must be registered and approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE). Applicants must meet the visa requirements, including submitting the required documents and passing medical tests.
The eligibility criteria for a Dubai work visa are as follows:
The legal minimum age to work in Dubai is 18 years. There is no upper age limit; however, for employees above 65 years, employers are required to pay additional fees to the Ministry of Human Resources. This policy ensures fair employment practices and supports older workers who wish to continue their careers.
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
Dubai’s job market is vibrant and growing, with a strong demand for skilled professionals in various sectors. According to recent statistics, the city’s unemployment rate remains low, and the government actively promotes Emiratization while welcoming foreign workers to fill skill gaps.
Key sectors driving employment include:
The most sought-after jobs in Dubai currently include:
| Industry | Occupations | Annual Salary (AED) |
| Information Technology | IT specialist, iOS developer, Network engineer, QA engineer, Project manager, Project coordinator, IT Database administrator, Web developer, Technical Lead, Software tester, System analyst, Software developer, Java and Angular Developer, Network administrator, Python developer, SSRS developers, .NET developer, PHP Full Stack Developer, Blockchain Developer, Business intelligence analyst are the most popular occupations. | AED42K-AED300K, from junior to Senior level positions |
| Engineering and Construction | Accountant in the Construction Industry, Civil Construction Manager, Gas plant operator, Construction Supervisor, Manager Civil Construction, Consultants and Senior Consultants – Construction Claims Quantity, Site Supervisor, Cost Manager, Construction Workers, Construction Foreman, Project Manager, Project Engineer, Purchase Executive Construction, Quantity Surveyor, Contracts Manager, Architect, Architectural Designer, Planning Engineer and Construction Lawyer are the most popular occupations. | AED50K-AED300K, from Junior to Senior level |
| Oil and Gas | Gas Plant Operator, Sales Executive - Oil and Gas, Senior process safety engineer, Commissioning Mechanical engineer, Planning engineer, Petroleum engineer, Field engineer, Production operator, Terminal manager – LNG, gas welder, Fitter, Production manager, Instrumentation designer, Scaffolding foreman, Project manager are the most popular occupations. | AED24K-AED350K, from Junior to Senior level |
| Steel Industry | Purchasing manager, procurement manager, business development manager, Sales manager, Steel Structure Fabrication Supervisor, Steel Fixer, Quality Manager, Structural Steel Design Engineer, Heat Treatment Supervisor, Steel Engineer, Casting Operator, Site Manager Steel Production, Material and Welding Engineer, Mechanical Fitter | AED25K – AED 200K, from Junior to Senior level |
| Retail | Retail Store Manager, Retail Sales Associate, Retail Administration Manager, Retail Field Supervisor, Sales Executive – Retail Division, Retail and Digital Marketing Officer, Head of Retail Insurance, Retail Cashier, Retail Merchandiser and Retail Marketing Executive | AED25K – AED 200K, from Junior to Senior level |
| Hospitality | Waiter, Restaurant Manager, Housekeeping Supervisor, Laundry Attendant, Spa Attendant, Bartender, Hostess, Bellboy, Guest Relations Executive, Front Office Receptionist, Chef, Revenue Manager, Valet Attendant, Carpenter, AC Technician, Painter, Electrician, Pool Cleaner, Pool Technician, Lifeguard are the most popular occupations. | AED50K - AED 200K, from Junior to Senior Level |
| Marketing and Advertising | Marketing Executive, Digital Marketing Executive, Advertising Sales Executive, Digital Analyst in Performance Advertising, Marketing and Business Development Manager, Digital Marketing Assistant, Strategy Planner – Advertising, Brand Manager, Events & Program Manager and Sales & Marketing Manager are the most popular occupations. | AED50K – AED 250K |
| Education | Education Consultant, Assistant/Associate Professor, Faculty, School Counsellor, Primary Teacher, English Teacher, Science Teacher, Teacher of Physical Education, Graduate Student Recruitment Specialist, College Director, Dean, Analyst in Healthcare and Education, Education Lead, School HR Generalist, School Principal and Academic Advisor are the most popular occupations | AED15K to AED 200K, from Junior to Senior level |
| Healthcare | Healthcare Consultant, Medical Nurse, Medical Advisor, Medical Representative, General Practitioner, Internal Medicine Specialist, General Practitioner or Family Physician, Dental Assistant, Care Assistant, Paediatric Physical Therapist, Cardiologist, Neurologists are the most popular occupations | AED50K – AED 300K, Junior to Senior level |
These roles are critical to Dubai’s economic growth, and employers actively seek qualified foreign workers to fill these positions.
The cost of obtaining a Dubai work visa varies depending on the category of the employee and the sponsoring company. On average, the total visa fees range from AED 5,000 to AED 7,500.
| Fee Type | Amount (in AED) |
| Application Fee | 300 |
| Visa Processing Fee | 750 |
| Medical Examination Fee | 250 |
| Emirates ID Fee | 370 |
| Refundable Deposit | 2,000 |
| Insurance Coverage Fee | Depends on the category and job role |
| Translation and Typing Fee | Depends on the number of documents |
| Courier Charges | Depends on the number of documents |
Note: Costs vary depending on employee qualifications, sponsoring company, and visa category. Employers typically cover most fees, but some costs may be borne by employees.
The processing time for a Dubai work visa generally takes between 2 to 3 weeks from the submission of a complete application. The timeline depends on the accuracy of the application, approval of visa quota, completion of medical tests, and other formalities.
| Visa application | Processing time |
| Standard work visa | 7–10 working days |
| UAE Golden Visa | 10–15 working days |
| UAE Green Card | Typically 48 hours |
| Domestic worker visa | 3 weeks |
The Dubai work visa application process can be completed online through official government portals such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) website and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal. The steps include:
Step 1: Employer applies for visa quota approval.
Step 2: Submission of signed employment contract.
Step 3: Application for work permit and entry permit.
Step 4: Employee enters Dubai using the entry permit.
Step 5: Employee undergoes medical fitness test.
Step 6: Application for Emirates ID.
Step 7: Submission of documents for residence visa stamping.
Step 8: Final issuance of work visa and residence permit.
Chartered Accountants are among the top in-demand professionals in Dubai. The average monthly salary for a Chartered Accountant ranges between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and employer size. Senior professionals and those working in multinational corporations can earn even higher salaries, along with benefits such as housing allowances and health insurance.
To get a Dubai work visa, follow these steps:
Step 1: Secure a job offer and have your employer apply for visa quota approval and work permit.
Step 2: Enter Dubai on the entry permit once approved.
Step 3: Complete a medical test and apply for an Emirates ID.
Step 4: Submit documents for residence visa stamping
Step 5: Receive your work visa.
Yes, Canadians can work in Dubai by obtaining a valid Dubai work visa. They must secure a job offer from a UAE-based company, which sponsors their visa application. The employer handles visa quota approval, work permit, and entry permit processes. Canadians must meet visa requirements, including passing a medical test and submitting supporting documents like passport, educational certificates, and employment contracts. Once approved, they can legally live and work in Dubai, enjoy tax-free income, and access services such as healthcare and banking with their Emirates ID and residence permit.
A 2-year work visa in Dubai typically costs between AED 5,000 and AED 7,500. The total includes visa quota approval fees, entry permit fees, medical test fees, Emirates ID issuance fees, residence visa stamping fees, and work permit fees. Costs may vary depending on the employee’s category—such as educational qualifications—and the sponsoring company. Employers usually cover most of these expenses, but some may require employees to pay part of the fees. It’s advisable to check with official sources or employers for the latest fee structure and any additional costs.
Getting a Dubai work visa is relatively straightforward if you have a valid job offer from a UAE-based employer. The process involves several steps, including visa quota approval, work permit application, medical testing, and Emirates ID registration. The employer typically manages most of the paperwork and approvals. Processing time usually takes 2 to 3 weeks if all documents are correctly submitted. While the procedures are clear, delays can occur if documentation is incomplete or requirements change. Overall, with proper preparation and employer support, obtaining a Dubai work visa is manageable.
Yes, a Canadian citizen can work in Dubai by obtaining a Dubai work visa sponsored by an employer. The process requires a job offer from a UAE company, followed by employer application for visa quota approval, work permit, and entry permit. Canadians must meet health and document requirements, including medical fitness tests and submission of educational certificates. After arriving in Dubai on the entry permit, they apply for an Emirates ID and residence visa. Once approved, Canadians can legally work, live, and access services in Dubai under UAE labour laws.
A salary of 3,000 AED per month in Dubai is considered low for most professionals, especially given the city’s high living costs, including rent, transportation, and utilities. While it might cover basic expenses for a single person living modestly, it is generally insufficient for supporting a family or enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. Many entry-level or low-skilled jobs offer wages in this range, but skilled professionals typically earn much higher salaries. It’s important to consider job benefits, accommodation provisions, and personal lifestyle when evaluating salary adequacy in Dubai.
Dubai does not have a legally mandated minimum wage; however, salaries vary widely depending on the industry, role, and qualifications. Entry-level jobs or low-skilled positions may offer salaries starting from around 3,000 to 5,000 AED per month, while skilled professionals typically earn between 10,000 and 30,000 AED or more. The basic salary is often complemented by benefits such as housing allowance, health insurance, and transportation. It is important for employees to negotiate salary packages that reflect their skills and living costs in Dubai’s dynamic job market.
Dubai’s job market demands skilled professionals in sectors like finance, information technology, construction, healthcare, tourism, education, and logistics. In-demand roles include:
Dubai visa fees depend on the type of visa. For a standard employment visa, fees typically range from AED 5,000 to AED 7,500. This amount covers visa quota approval, entry permit, medical testing, Emirates ID issuance, residence visa stamping, and work permit fees. Free zone and freelance visas may have different fee structures. Employers usually pay the majority of these fees, but employees might bear some costs depending on the agreement. It is recommended to consult official UAE government sources or employers for the most current visa fee details.
