Best Dubai Work Visa for Indians: Fees, Requirements and Process By Uniglobe MKOV

Dubai has become a top work destination for Indians for good reasons. It offers excellent job opportunities, high salaries, tax-free income, and a high standard of living.

However, it’s important to note that a UAE tourist visa does NOT allow you to work in Dubai. To work and live in Dubai legally, you need a Dubai Work Visa, also called a UAE Employment Visa.

This guide covers everything Indian applicants need to know: visa types, eligibility, documentation, fees, and the complete step-by-step process.

What is a Dubai Work Visa? A Dubai Work Visa is an official permit from the UAE government that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Dubai.

Importantly, the visa is sponsored by your employer, meaning the company hiring you is responsible for processing your work permit and residency.

Having a work visa provides many benefits, including:

Access to healthcare and insurance

Ability to open a bank account

Eligibility to rent a home

Applying for a driving license

Enrolling children in school

Sponsoring immediate family members

Enjoying legal protection under UAE labour laws

In simple terms, the Dubai Work Visa makes you a legal, protected, and recognized employee in the UAE.

Do Indians Need a Dubai Work Visa? Yes, Indian citizens must have a valid work visa to be employed in Dubai.

You cannot work on a tourist or visit visa — doing so is illegal and can lead to fines, deportation, and entry bans.

Dubai’s growing job market includes almost every industry, such as:

• IT & Software

• Construction

• Hospitality

• Healthcare

• Finance

• Real Estate

• Retail

• Aviation

• Engineering

• Marketing & Media

A Dubai work visa is your official entry into one of the most rewarding job markets in the world.

Types of Dubai Work Visas for Indians Dubai provides several types of employment visas based on your job role, work duration, and career goals. Here are the main categories:

1. Employment Visa (Standard Work Visa)

This is the most common visa issued to full-time employees working for Dubai-based companies. It is suitable for professionals across all sectors — hospitality, engineering, healthcare, retail, IT, and more.

2. Long-Term Work Visa

This category is ideal for:

• Highly skilled professionals

• Investors

• Specialists

• Senior-level employees

It offers longer residency and better long-term settlement options.

3. Short-Term Work Visa

This is perfect for people working on temporary contracts, projects, or seasonal jobs. Typical applicants include consultants, contractors, and project-based workers.

4. Investor Visa

This visa is issued to individuals who start or invest in a business in Dubai. It requires a financial investment, such as owning shares, property, or starting a company.

This visa grants you full rights to live, work, and run a business in the UAE

5. Freelancer Visa

This visa is designed for independent workers, including:

• Digital marketers

• IT experts

• Designers

• Writers

• Consultants

• Content creators

A freelancer visa allows you to work legally for multiple clients and operate independently in Dubai.

Dubai Work Visa Requirements for Indians Before applying, you need to prepare the following essential documents:

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have blank pages for visa stamps.

2. Job Offer from a UAE Employer

A confirmed job offer is mandatory. Your employer must provide a written employment contract that specifies:

• Job title

• Salary

• Duration

• Benefits

• Responsibilities

3. Completed Visa Application Form

This form is usually submitted by your employer. Any errors can delay the approval.

4. Passport-Size Photograph

Photos must meet UAE photo guidelines — white background, clear visibility, and recent.

5. Educational and Professional Certificates

These may need to be attested based on your job role.

6. Employer Sponsorship

Your employer is responsible for:

• Submitting your documents

• Paying relevant fees

• Ensuring legal compliance

7. Proof of Accommodation

You may need to show:

Company-provided housing

OR

A tenancy contract or rental agreement

Steps After Arriving in Dubai

Once you arrive in Dubai with your entry permit, you must complete three additional steps:

1. Medical Fitness Test

This mandatory test screens for:

• HIV

• Tuberculosis

• Hepatitis

Become a member A clear medical report is required to proceed

2. Labour Card / Work Permit

Your employer applies for this through MOHRE. The labour card officially registers you as an employees

3. Emirates ID

This includes biometric scanning (fingerprints and photo). This ID is necessary for all official tasks in Dubai.

How to Get a Dubai Work Visa — Step-by-Step for Indians While your employer handles most of the process, here’s what the full journey looks like:

1. Get a Job Offer

Everything starts with securing employment in Dubai. Your offer letter becomes the basis of your visa process.

2. Employer Applies for Your Work Permit

The company submits your:

• Passport copy

• Photos

• Job details

• Contract

This is done through MoHRE

3. Receive Your Entry Permit

Also known as an e-visa, it allows you to enter Dubai legally for work. It is valid for 60 days.

4. Travel to Dubai & Complete Medical Test

A clear medical report is needed for visa continuation.

5. Apply for Emirates ID

Biometrics are taken at an authorized center.

6. Sign the Labour Contract

This contract outlines your rights and responsibilities. Always read it carefully before signing.

7. Residence Visa Stamping

This is the final step. Your passport gets stamped with the UAE residence visa, valid for 2–3 years, depending on the employer.

After Approval

You officially become a UAE resident and can:

• Begin working

• Rent a home

• Open a bank account

• Sponsor your family

Dubai Work Visa Fees for Indians Costs can vary based on the employer and visa category. Here is an approximate fee breakdown in INR:

| Fee Type | Estimated Cost|

| Application Fee | ₹6,800

| Visa Processing Fee | ₹17,200

| Medical Test | ₹5,700

| Emirates ID Fee | ₹8,500

| Refundable Security Deposit | ₹45,000

| Health Insurance | Varies

| Typing/Translation Charges | Varies

Many companies cover most or all of these costs for their employees.

Why Indians Cannot Work in Dubai on a Tourist Visa A tourist visa is meant only for:

• Sightseeing

• Tourism

• Family visits

• Business meetings

It does not allow any form of paid or unpaid work

Working on a tourist visa can lead to:

• Heavy fines

• Deportation

• Blacklisting

• Future entry bans

You also won’t receive:

• Labor law protection

• Health benefits

• Emirates ID

• A labor card

Only a valid work visa ensures legal employment in the UAE

Conclusion Dubai remains one of the most exciting places for Indian professionals, offering high salaries, tax-free income, and fantastic lifestyle benefits.

But working legally is crucial.

A valid Dubai Work Visa guarantees:

• Job security

• Legal protection

• Residency rights

• Family sponsorship eligibility

• Access to essential services

Whether you want a short-term assignment, a long-term career, freelancing, or starting a business, Dubai has countless opportunities if you follow the proper visa process.

With the right preparation and documentation, your journey to a fulfilling career in Dubai can begin smoothly and confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions Can Indians work in Dubai on a tourist visa?

No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal.

How long does a Dubai work visa take to process?

Typically 2 to 7 week, depending on approvals and medical tests.

Is there an age limit for a Dubai work visa?

Minimum age: 18 years Maximum age: Generally 60 years, depending on the profession.

Can Indian workers bring family to Dubai? Yes, if they meet the salary requirements for family sponsorship.

What are the benefits of a Dubai work visa?

• Legal employment

• Residency rights

• Access to healthcare

• Ability to rent housing

• Bank account creation

• Option to switch jobs

• Eligibility for long-term residency in some cases

Blog by — An IATA Accredited Agency — Uniglobe MKOV

Contact us — https://uniglobemkov.in/