It is very important for the people who wish to appear for jobs in UAE to get an employment visa in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is a luxurious city with multiple opportunities as it has a booming economy which attracts professionals from all over the globe. Whether you’re an individual seeking employment, or an employer seeking to fill your team, it’s essential to know the process for acquiring an employment visa. In this blog we will understand all about employment visas, documents required and more.
Understanding Employment Visa in Abu Dhabi
An employment visa in the UAE is a type of work permit granted to foreign nationals employed by a company based in the UAE. This is typically sponsored by the employer and most of the processing steps are handled by them. For example, in Abu Dhabi, the process is simple yet thorough, necessitating adherence to local laws.
Steps to Obtain an Employment Visa in Abu Dhabi
- Offer Letter and Labor Contract: The first step is receiving an offer letter from your employer. Once the terms are accepted, the employer will draft and register a labor contract.
- Entry Permit: An entry permit is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This document allows the individual to enter the UAE and begin the visa process.
- Medical Fitness Test: All applicants must undergo a medical fitness test to confirm they are free from communicable diseases.
- Emirates ID Application: After the medical test, individuals must apply for an Emirates ID, an essential document for all residents.
- Visa Stamping: Once the above steps are completed, the residency visa is stamped on the individual’s passport, officially granting them employment rights in Abu Dhabi.
Key Documents Required
- A valid passport (with at least six months of validity)
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Employment contract
- Medical fitness test results
- Emirates ID application receipt
- Entry permit
Types of Employment Visas in the UAE
The UAE offers three primary employment visa options to cater to various professional needs and employment scenarios:
1. Standard Work Visa
The most common visa type, the Standard Work Visa, is sponsored by an employer in the private, government, or free zone sectors. Key details include:
- Validity: 2 years, renewable.
- Eligibility: Employees can only work for the sponsoring employer.
- Key Benefits: Straightforward processing for contracted employees.
2. Green Visa
Introduced in 2022, the Green Visa is designed for skilled professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who wish to work without a sponsor. Its highlights include:
- Validity: 5 years, renewable.
- Flexibility: No employer sponsorship required.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Freelancers: Proof of permit, relevant degree or diploma, and an annual income of at least AED 360,000.
- Skilled Professionals: Minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000, classified under skill levels 1, 2, or 3, with a bachelor’s degree.
3. Golden Visa
A prestigious long-term residency visa valid for 10 years, the Golden Visa is offered to high-net-worth individuals and exceptional talents. Eligibility includes:
- Investors with AED 2 million in assets.
- Entrepreneurs with projects valued at AED 500,000 or more.
- Specialized talents in fields like medicine, science, and sports.
At BLZ, we understand that navigating employment visas can be complex. As a trusted partner we offer end-to-end solutions, including visa services in Abu Dhabi.
With our expertise in UAE business setup, we simplify processes, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with local regulations.