Dubai, which is one of the major cities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a business, trade and tourist hub of the globe. It is appealing to thousands of talented skilled people, entrepreneurs, and workmen who come there every year. The Dubai employment visa is among the most demanded and required permits that allow expatriates to perform their jobs within the city and stay there in the secured territory. The 2 years employment visa is still an attractive option in 2025 among the professionals seeking to build their careers within Dubai. This blog will take you step by step through the process of getting a Dubai 2 years employment visa and its eligibility, requirements, and what you need to know before applying.
Dubai Employment Visa
Dubai employment visa is a form of residence visa given to foreign nationals who have acquired a job in Dubai. The employer or the company which is hiring the expatriate sponsors it. The visa is issued normally in 2-year periods, and it entitles the employee to work in the sponsoring company and stay in the city of Dubai. The visa can be extended after two years in case of extension on employment contract.
Eligibility to obtain Dubai Employment Visa
To qualify to have a 2 years employment visa in Dubai, there are criteria that these applicants must meet:
- Should also possess a valid job offer/employment contract by a registered company in Dubai.
- The job offering company is required to have a license and approval of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- The age range should be between 18 to 60 years with special exceptions being granted in the case of very talented professionals.
- The employee should also be qualified, skilled or experienced in the job post that is offered.
- The candidate should be physically healthy within the standards of his or her health in UAE
- A good passport with a minimum validity of 6 months is obligatory.
Documents Required to apply the Employment Visa in Dubai
Documents usually required in obtaining a 2 years employment visa in Dubai include:
- A valid passport with six months validity.
- Medium/passport sized prints of the photograph taken according to UAE specifications.
- A written and signed employment agreement with the Dubai employer.
- Automatic photo-copy of Educational certificates and professional qualifications (Attested in case necessary).
- The previous work experience certificates in case it is necessary in the position.
- Results of an authorized health center medical fitness test.
- A duplication of company trade license and company establishment card.
- An entry permit that will be provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Also Check: Romania Work Visa Guide 2025: Application Process
Application Process of Dubai 2 Years Employment Visa
Follow the steps to get the visa
Step 1: Contract and Job Offer
The procedure starts after a foreign employee gets an employment offer in a company based in Dubai. The employer will develop a contract of employment including details of the position, salary, and other work-related things. Once the employee comes to the job, he or she shall sign this contract as part of the visa procedure.
Step 2: Application Entry Permit
The employer takes an application for an entry permit (also known as a pink visa) with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This visa enables the staff to enter the UAE legally to work in the country. The permit of entry is normally 60 days.
Step 3 : Arrival at Dubai
After gaining entry permit approval thereafter, the employee is free to travel to Dubai. When arriving in the country, other steps of visa procedures should be fulfilled in the frames of the permit validity.
Steps 4: Medical Examination
A medical fitness test will have to be taken by the employee at a UAE-approved health center. The test consists of blood analysis, and a chest X-ray to check the existence of any infectious diseases. The medically fit persons will only be permitted to continue the visa process.
Step 5: Emirates Identity Application
Candidates will be required to apply for an Emirates ID card in the Federal Authority of Identity, citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Emirates ID is also key in identifying and is connected to all lawful and governmental processes in the UAE. During this step biometric information like fingerprints and a photograph are captured.
Step 6: Employment Contract Delivery
The employer also hands in the signed employment contract to MOHRE in order to have it approved. This procedure takes place to make sure that the terms of employment are reflected in the law and are registered by the UAE authorities.
Step 7: Visa Stamping on passport
The last procedure is depositing the passport to stamp the visa in the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. Upon approval, the residence visa is stamped in the passport providing the employee with a legal residency and work privileges in the city of Dubai and a two year work permit.
Dubai Employment Visa Renewal
Upon the lapse of the two years validity of the Dubai employment visa, it can be renewed. Renewal requires:
- Be active in an employment contract with the sponsoring company.
- A redesign of medical fitness test
- Valid passport with an acceptable validity.
- Application of renewal that the employer gave to the GDRFA.
Rights and entitlements of the Dubai employment visa
There are advantages to being in the possession of a Dubai 2 years employment visa:
- Residency in Dubai on a legal basis of two years.
- Authority to employment with the sponsoring employer.
- Possibility to open a bank account, rent a premise, and get utility services.
- Healthcare provision in Dubai.
- Being allowed to sponsor family members in some circumstances.
Workers with a Dubai employment visa are required to abide by the labor laws and immigration rules of the UAE. Some of the responsibilities include:
- Not working at the will of any employers.
- Adhering to the terms of employment contract.
- Availing the visa in time to avoid the fines.
- Complying with the laws of UAE and cultures.
Role of Employer in the Process of Visa Issuance
The employer plays an important role in the whole visa process since he/she is the official sponsor. The employers have the obligations of:
- Initiating and processing the costs of the visa application.
- The first one is ensuring that the employment contract is within the labor law requirements.
- Submit genuine licenses such as trade licences and establishment cards.
- Renewing the visa of an employee before it expires.
Problems in Visa Processing
Although there is an effective organizational structure of the Dubai employment visa process, the applicants might encounter some limitations like:
- Government regulatory delays.
- Retraction because of poor documentation or incomplete documentation.
- Failure on medical tests
- When such problems were about job classification or their eligibility to the company.
Tips to a Success Logged Visa Disposal
- Have a passport that is valid for not less than six months.
- Carry all educational and professional certificates that are attested according to the requirements in UAE.
- Be cooperative when it comes to availing the necessary documents to your employer.
- Report at an approved health facility to take the medical examination within a reasonable time.
- Do not delay applying for the Emirates ID.
FAQs
How long is the validity of the Dubai employment visa?
The Dubai employment visa is a two year employment visa, which can be extended on its expiry.
Who pays for the Dubai employment visa?
This visa is employer -sponsored which means that the employer that hires a foreign worker sponsors the visa.
Can I switch employment under a Dubai employment visa?
Switching of jobs will mean transfer of sponsorship to the new employer, and a new visa process is done.
Shall I undergo a medical test to obtain the Dubai employment visa?
Yes, there is a mandatory medical fitness test and the person must be done in an approved UAE health center.
Is it possible to bring my family to the UAE on an employment visa?
Employees who attain the income and boarding conditions can sponsor their children and spouse.
Will it be any problem by the expiry of my visa and not renewing it?
Without updating your visa, one may be fined, punished, and even deported.
Can I be able to obtain a Dubai employment visa without a job offer?
No, an authentic job offer and sponsorship by the employer is obligatory in order to obtain the visa.
Sum Up
This Dubai 2 years employment visa opens a door to skilled workers and professionals in enabling them to pursue their careers in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Through a well-formulated procedure that entails employer sponsorship, medical examination, Emirates ID issuance and stamping of visas, one will be able to obtain residency and working permit successfully. Although the employer has most of the role to play, applicants should have a role to ensure that they have fulfilled the requirements in order to be eligible and have appropriate documentation. After approval, the visa presents a world of career development, cultural enhancement and an upgraded lifestyle in Dubai.