Get a Standard Work Visa in the UAE

Thinking about moving to the UAE to build your career? The Standard Work Visa is your lucky key to working legally and settling in with confidence. Before booking your flight, it’s worth knowing the costs, the paperwork you’ll need, and how the whole process is organised. Here’s a practical guide that lays out what’s involved, what you might spend, and which steps are best to take care of ahead of time.

Why Apply for a Standard Work Visa in Dubai?

Obtaining a Standard Work Visa in Dubai opens up a whole range of opportunities that make the emirate attractive to both professionals and their families. First and foremost, it is the legal right to reside and work in one of the most stable and secure regions in the world. A work visa provides official protection of labour rights and the opportunity for legal long-term residence in the UAE.

From a financial point of view, a significant argument is the absence of income tax, which allows you to keep most of your income and accelerate the achievement of personal goals, whether it be savings, investments or sending funds abroad.

Dubai is not just about work, but also about lifestyle. It is a multicultural environment, climate, transport accessibility, and thousands of career opportunities in international companies. A Standard Work Visa is your lucky ticket to the future.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Standard Work Visa

The process of obtaining a Standard Work Visa in Dubai involves several successive stages and requires interaction with various government agencies. Below is a step-by-step guide on how everything works in practice.

• Job offer. An employer in the UAE must formally invite you to work and apply for a labour permit obtained via the UAE’s MoHRE.
• Entry Permit. Once MoHRE gives the green light, the employer applies for an Entry Permit through the ICP system (in most emirates) or GDRFA (Dubai), which allows you to enter the country legally.
• Entry into the UAE. After receiving the Entry Permit, the candidate can enter the country or, if already in the UAE, go through the Change of Status procedure without leaving.
• Medical examination and ID. It is mandatory to undergo a medical examination and submit biometrics to obtain an Emirates ID (through ICP/GDRFA).
• Visa stamping in the passport. After successfully completing all procedures, the residence visa is stamped in the passport (sometimes in digital form).
• Connection to e-channel. Employers are required to be registered in the e-channel electronic system.

To avoid mistakes, many companies hire licensed PRO agents to assist with the process.

Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Standard Work Visa

To obtain a Standard Work Visa in Dubai, applicants must meet a number of requirements set by the UAE's immigration and labour authorities. The main criterion is official employment with a registered company in the UAE. The employer serves as the legal sponsor and begins the visa application procedure..

The candidate for a Standard Work Visa must:

• Have a legal job offer in the UAE;
• Meet the qualification requirements - have the education or work experience required for the position;
• Pass a medical check-up in the UAE;
• Have no serious violations of the law or problems with immigration services.

There is usually no minimum income threshold for a Standard Work Visa, but the level of salary may affect the ability to sponsor family members.

Other types of residence visas, not related to Standard Work Visas, can be obtained on the basis of:

• Managing or owning a registered company;
• Purchase of real estate worth AED 750,000+;
• Self-employment or freelancing;
• Remote work with a foreign employer;
• Retirement with sufficient income or savings.

In each case, the visa category and requirements will differ. A Standard Work Visa is the most common and structured way to legally reside in Dubai.

UAE Standard Work Visa: Required Documents

To apply for a Standard Work Visa in the UAE, you must prepare a set of documents that confirm the applicant's identity, employment and compliance with visa requirements. The specific list may vary depending on the profession, nationality and emirate, but in most cases includes the following documents:

• A copy of your international passport (valid for at least 6 months);
• Passport-sized photo on a white background;
• Original or a copy of the job offer letter from the company;
• Approval from MoHRE (work permit);
• Entry Permit issued by ICP or GDRFA;
• Results of a medical check-up conducted at a valid clinic in the UAE;
• Emirates ID application, including biometric data;
• Medical insurance valid in the UAE;
• Proof of address (rental agreement or accommodation provided by the employer);
• Copy of a valid visa (if the applicant is already in the UAE);
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) - required in cases of change of job or status (e.g., when switching from an investor visa to a work visa).

Depending on the position, diplomas, proof of work experience, and their apostille/notarisation may be required. Employers often help to compile the package of documents and submit the application via e-channel.

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Standard Work Visa Cost and Validity

Asking for a Standard Work Visa in Dubai is a step-by-step process, that's why each step involves certain costs. The total amount depends on a number of factors, ranging from the emirate and field of activity to the urgency of the application. Below is an approximate list of possible costs.

• Government fees (including MoHRE and ICP/GDRFA): AED 500 to AED 1,200.
• Typing centre services (application completion): approximately AED 100-150.
• Medical examination (basic or fast track): AED 250 to AED 700.
• Emirates ID (1-3 years): AED 370-1,000.
• Medical insurance: from AED 700 to AED 2,500 per year.
• Intermediary/PRO agent services (if used): AED 500-2,000.

The total cost of a visa is usually between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000.

A Standard Work Visa is issued for a period of 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the type of contract and company rules. After expiry, the visa can be renewed for a similar period, provided that the applicant remains employed and passes a medical check-up once again. Some highly qualified specialists and investors are eligible for a visa valid for up to 10 years, but this is a separate category (Golden Visa).

Renewal and Cancellation of a Standard Work Visa

The renewal of a Standard Work Visa must be initiated before its expiry date, preferably 30–60 days in advance. In most cases, the employer handles this process. The procedure includes:

• A repeat medical examination at an accredited clinic.
• Reissuing of the Emirates ID.
• Renewal of medical insurance.
• Payment of government fees and visa fees.

Required documents for Standard Work Visa renewal are:

• passport and current visa;
• passport-sized photo;
• statement from the employer;
• valid employment contract;
• medical examination results and insurance policy.

A visa may be cancelled in the following cases:

• at the initiative of the employer (dismissal or closure of the company);
• at the request of the employee (upon dismissal or change of status);
• automatically upon expiry without renewal.

Cancellation is carried out through the GDRFA/ICP system. The employer is obliged to provide a No Objection Letter (NOC) and carry out the official visa revocation procedure.

A grace period is given after cancellation or expiry of the Standard Work Visa in the UAE. Usually, it is 30 days, during which you can leave the country, change your visa or apply for a new type of residency. After the expiry date, penalties for overstaying may apply.

Who Should Apply for a Standard Work Visa?

A Standard Work Visa is the best choice for those who are officially employed in the UAE and plan a long-term career in the region. It is a great choice for:

• Foreign specialists who have signed a contract with a local company.
• Blue-collar workers in the construction, logistics and service industries.
• Top managers, engineers, and IT specialists who have received a job offer.
• Civil servants are hired through local or international organisations.

However, this type of visa is not suitable for everyone. There are a number of categories that can not apply for the Standard Work Visa in the UAE:

• Freelancers. They should consider visas for self-employed persons (Freelance Visa).
• Remote workers employed outside the UAE. The Remote Work Visa is more suitable in this case.
• Investors and business owners. An investment or entrepreneur visa is optimal for these people.
• Pensioners. There is a separate Retirement Visa if you have enough savings.
• Property owners. A visa based on real estate ownership of AED 750,000 is more suitable.

Thus, a work visa requires an official employer in the UAE and is not suitable for those who do not plan to work for a local company. The choice of visa should correspond to the purpose and nature of your stay in the country.

Conclusion

A Standard Work Visa in the UAE is a proven and structured way to legally move to one of the most attractive countries in the Middle East. It provides access to official employment, guarantees legal residence, allows you to open bank accounts, obtain an Emirates ID, rent accommodation, and apply for visas for family members.

A particular advantage is the absence of income tax, which makes income more profitable compared to many other countries. In addition, Dubai offers a high quality of life, modern infrastructure, security, a multicultural environment, and endless career opportunities, from the technology sector to finance and logistics.

At first, the visa process can look complex, especially since it involves multiple government bodies - MoHRE, ICP, GDRFA, and the e-channel system. However, with the support of experienced consultants, it becomes as transparent and predictable as possible, minimising the risk of errors or delays.

A Standard Work Visa is a great base for career and personal growth if you are considering relocating to the UAE. Contact our pro consultant and obtain your visa quickly, legally and without unnecessary hassle.