The Dubai Visa Process: How It Actually Works

The visa Process for moving to Dubai is far more straightforward than most people expect. Once you’ve accepted the job offer, almost everything is handled for you and a lot of it happens quietly in the background.

There are a few steps, a couple of checks and a bit of admin once you arrive, but overall, it’s a simple and well structured process.

The Two Main Work Visa Routes

Most people moving to Dubai for work fall into one of two standard visa categories.

The first is often referred to as a professional or tech visa. This route usually applies to roles in areas such as engineering, IT or specialist technical positions. If you’re applying under this category, you’ll normally need a university degree that has been formally attested. This means that is must be certified by the relevant authority in your home country (EG, the UK Foreign Office) and then by the UAE.

The second route is commonly used for marketing, sales and commercial roles. This visa does not require qualifications or any prior experience. As long as you have a valid job offer, you are eligible (even if you aren’t working within these role types). Aside from the job title written on your Emirates ID, there is no meaningful difference between the two visas.

The most important requirement for either route is simply that you are eligible to enter the UAE. This means no criminal record that would block entry and not being any international or UAE travel restriction list. Entry rules can be found on official UAE government sources before you fly.

What Happens After you Accept a Job Offer

Once you have signed and accepted your offer, your employer starts the visa process. You’ll usually be asked for a small set of basic documents such as your passport.

After this is submitted, the government issues an entry permit, often called an e-visa. You don’t need to print anything or arrange paperwork yourself. When you arrive in Dubai and scan your passport at the airport, the system recognises the active entry permit automatically.

Medical Checks and Biometrics

After arriving in the UAE, there are two mandatory steps that much be completed before your residency is finalised.

The first medical is a health test. This screens for two conditions: HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. These tests are compulsory and it is important to be aware that positive testing for either will result in your visa being cancelled and deportation from the country. This applies even if someone is unaware of their condition before travelling, which is why it is critical to check before.

Once medical results are cleared, you’ll attend a biometrics appointment. This involves fingerprints and a photograph which are used to issues your emirates ID.

Emirates ID and Residency

After the medical and biometrics are completed, the final steps are processed by the authorities. Your Emirates ID is issued, your residence visa is completed and at that point you are officially a UAE resident.

From there you can open bank accounts, sign long-term leases and access all standard services. Most employers handle the full process and guide you through timing and appointments.

The Golden Visa

Once you’re settled in the UAE, there is also the option of applying for a Golden Visa. This is a long-term residence visa that is not tied to an employer and gives you more independence.

For most, the Golden Visa is valid for 10 years. One of the most common routes is through salary - currently requiring a basic monthly salary of 30,000 AED or more, excluding allowances, along with a relevant professional role and qualifications.

Another route is through property ownership. If you own a property in the UAE with a total value of at least 2 million AED, you may be eligible, even if the property is mortgaged.

With a Golden visa, the visa is owned by you rather than sponsored by an employer. It offers long-term security and flexibility for people planning to stay in the region longer term.

Final Thoughts

For most people, the Dubai visa process is far less stressful than expected. Once a job offer is in place, the steps are clear, structured and efficient.