Immigration Process for Dubai – Beginner’s Guide​

Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. It has made a mark in the world economy and acquired the tag of one of the best global business hubs. It is a thriving economic centre with a diverse range of industries, including finance, tourism, real estate, and technology. One of the major attractions for people seeking work in Dubai is the high demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers. With a vast diverse economy, there are many job opportunities available across a wide range of sectors. Dubai also has a tax-free income system, which can be a significant financial benefit for those considering a move to the city. Another reason for people seeking work in Dubai is its living and working conditions. Dubai is known for its high standard of living, modern infrastructure with high-quality healthcare, and flaunts a variety of leisure and entertainment options. It is also a diverse and multicultural city, with a large expat population. Know more about global placements>>>

What is the process of immigration for Dubai?

For shifting your base to Dubai, you must acquire one of Dubai’s visas first. The government of Dubai has made it fairly easy for Indians to get non-immigrant visas as well as immigrant visas. The only criterion is the submission of the required documents to the authorities as directed by the government of Dubai. Dubai covers a comprehensive range of visas in order to make it simple for people to immigrate there. Listed below are the different types of visas available for Dubai. Know more about Placement consultancy in UAE.

Tourist visa:

This type of visa is issued to individuals who are visiting Dubai for tourism purposes. Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. A tourist visa comes in handy for people looking for work in Dubai while staying local to be available for interviews and in-person meetings. Preparing for your next Dubai interview? Read through the Dubai interview questions and answers to increase your chances.

Employment visa:

This type of visa is issued to individuals who are employed by a company in Dubai. Employment visas are typically valid for two years and can be renewed. Also known as work visas, they are one of the simplest visas to acquire. You can apply for jobs based in Dubai from your home country either directly to the companies or by enrolling yourself with recruitment agencies who work as an extended partners for firms in Dubai. Once you secure a job, your employer puts in a work visa request for you.

Business visa:

This type of visa is issued to individuals who are visiting Dubai for business purposes, such as attending meetings or conferences. Business visas are typically valid for 90 days and can be extended.

Investor visa:

This type of visa is issued to individuals who are investing in a business in Dubai. Investor visas are typically valid for three years and can be renewed. Similar to this is the Dubai investor visa which is meant for those interested in investing or starting a business in Dubai. There’s also the partner business visa for Dubai which typically allows residency based on the value of shares a partner has in a Dubai-based company. Each of these business visas is subject to certain restrictions as well as security deposit payments.

Residence visa:

This type of visa is issued to individuals who are living in Dubai, either as employees or as dependents of an employee. Residence visas are typically valid for two years and can be renewed.

Dubai residence by investment visa:

According to the Dubai residence by investment program, people wanting to seek residence in Dubai can do so by purchasing a property in Dubai or investing in real estate in Dubai. The purchase value of the investment or property should be around 1 million AED.  

Student visa:

This type of visa is issued to individuals who are studying in Dubai. Student visas are typically valid for the duration of the study program and can be renewed. Students are allowed to work part-time in free zone areas along with their studies. Many students start applying for permanent jobs during their last semester to obtain a work visa after the end of their course.

Family visa:

This type of visa is issued to dependents of individuals who are living and working in Dubai, including spouses and children. Family visas are typically valid for two years and can be renewed. A family member, also known as the sponsor, who already resides in Dubai makes a security deposit and has to provide his resident permit as part of the family visa application.

Non-Immigrant Visa:

The government of Dubai also offers a wide range of non-immigrant visa options such as:

• 48-hour visa
• 96-hour visa
• 14 days single-entry short-term visa
• 30 days single-entry short-term visa
• 90 days visit visa
• Multi-entry long-term visa
• Multi-entry short-term visa

Fun Fact: Dubai’s work culture is designed to beat the scorching heat with a different work schedule with the first half being 8 am to 1 pm and the second half being 4 pm to 7 pm. The working week is different too with Friday and Saturday off instead of the regular Saturday and Sunday as weekends.

Additional details to consider:

In most of the above cases, the immigration process for Dubai requires a sponsor.

• In the case of a work visa, your employer will be your sponsor
• In case you are planning a business, you will need a local partner in Dubai
• In case of family members or dependents relocating to Dubai, the member settled in Dubai will become the sponsor

Documents you would need for the process of immigration in Dubai:

Here’s the list of documents you would need to file with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs with respect to the type of visa you are putting the request for: 

• Passport with a validity of 6 months or more
• Recently clicked photographs 
• Details of the sponsor (in case of resident or family visa)
• Accommodation proof 
• Proof of finance to support yourself
• Job offer letter (required in case of a work visa)
• Documents and property titles of the purchased property in Dubai (required in case of residence by investment visa)
• A health card certifying that you are not infected with any infectious diseases

Conclusion: 

Dubai remains a city of dreams for the job seekers not just because it offers the best pay packages, high quality of living, and excellent work opportunities but has strong safety record, low crime rate, and excellent transportation and communication networks. Regardless of the reason that attracts you to Dubai, getting a job in your field of expertise is what matters. The process of finding a job can be expedited with the help of the right recruitment partner. In a bid to attract the best talent, the government of Dubai has curated laws which make it extremely easy for people of foreign nationals to immigrate to Dubai.