Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Working in Dubai

Hi folks

If I find a job in Dubai before moving to UAE, what is the best thing to do regarding the "work visa"? Moving to Dubai and getting a visiting visa at the airport ( I am not shore about this one, do I get the visa at the airport) or should the company apply for a work visa before I move down?

I am Swedish, if its matter.

i think.. you can enter the country on visit visa while your company applies
for your employment visa and then you will have to switch you visa

Visa’s

A visa is (by definition) a “Certificate issued or a stamp marked (on the applicant's passport) by the immigration authorities of a country to indicate that the applicant's credentials have been verified and he or she has been granted permission to enter the country—for a temporary stay within a specified period…”

With regards to the UAE, most people can enter on a “Visit visa”, this is a limited duration stay visa, and is commonly used by those either visiting the country for holidays, short business stays or to look for employment. It is normally 30 days in duration and under certain circumstances can be extended.

On finding a job with an employer the visa is then converted into a “Residency Visa”. Alternatively if a person has found a job prior to visiting Dubai, the employer can apply for a Residency Visa before the employee enters the country.

Residency Sponsorship

Residency is temporary only and normally for a period of 3 years after which it must be renewed. Residency is through a Residency Permit stamp which is inserted into your passport it is normally valid for a period of 3 years, but becomes invalid if you exit the country and remain out for longer than 6 months.

• In order to live and work in the UAE you have to be sponsored by a UAE national, this can take the form of a private sponsorship (such as the case with UAE national hiring a domestic servant or driver), although it is normally accomplished by virtue of the fact that the UAE national is the owner or majority shareholder of the company which employs you.

• Temporary residency status does not automatically grant you the right to work or seek employment, although one normally follows the other. Example: a spouse, sponsored child of working age (over 18 ), or freehold property owner cannot simply start working, or work from home to earn extra income; she/ he would have to follow the normal procedure and find an employer who would provide her/ him with a labour card.

Fantastic dbxsoul!