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The information provided is designed to give a summary of the immigration requirements. It is not offered as legal advice and should not be taken as such. The firm and the contributing authors expressly disclaim all liability to any person in respect of anything done or omitted in reliance upon the contents of this information sheet. Immigration rules and requirements frequently change without notice and you should contact our Global Immigration team for further information and advice.
Who needs a visa?
Business Visa
Work Authorization
Family
Penalties
Do's and Don't
Nationals of the following countries travelling to the United Arab Emirates on business for a period up to 60 days will be issued with a visit visa at the airport on arrival:
GCC countries, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, UK, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Vatican City.
Please note that Israeli nationals, or nationals bearing an Israeli stamp in their passport will not be allowed entry into the UAE.
Business Visa: Entry Service Permit
Nationals not listed above will be required to obtain an Entry Service Permit prior to travelling to the UAE. The Entry Service Permit must be sponsored by a company in the UAE and is only suitable for business visits. Permissible activities under this permit include attending meetings, conferences and engaging in business activities which do not constitute employment.
Validity
The foreign national will be required to enter the UAE within 14 days of the date of issue of the permit. The permit will then be valid for a period of 14 days from the date of entry.
Processing time
The Service entry permit may take up to 2 weeks to be processed.
Multiple-Entry Business Visa
Foreign nationals who have a relationship with a multinational or reputable local establishment and are frequent visitors to the UAE may obtain a multiple-entry business visa prior to entry. Multiple-entry business visas can be obtained at the UAE Consulate in the foreign national's country of residence.
Validity
Multiple-entry visas can be issued for a period up to 12 months. Each visit will permitted for a maximum period of 30 days.
Processing time
Processing times multiple-entry business visas vary according to the country where the application is filed.
Multiple-entry business visa applications in the UK may be processed within 15 working days from the date of submission.
The application process for work authorization will depend on the location of the UAE company and whether it is located within a free zone.
Labour Permit
Foreign workers who are not due to work in a free zone are required to hold a valid labour card (also known as a work permit) in order to legally work in the UAE.
Requirements:
• The foreign worker's position in the UAE must be consistent with the UAE company's business activities
• The foreign worker's passport must be valid for six months
• The foreign worker must be aged between 18 and 60 years
Residence Permit
Once the labour card has been issued, the UAE company must apply for a Residence Visa on behalf of the employee.
Processing time:
The application may be processed in one week if the regular processing service is utilised.
The UAE authorities offer an expedited service is available for a higher fee, where the application may be processed within 24 hours.
Validity:
The labour permit is generally valid for 3 years and must be renewed within 60 days before expiry. Failure to do so will result in the UAE company being liable for a fine for each year the card has expired.
Free zones
Foreign workers who intend to work in a company located in a free zone have different sponsorship options depending on the free zone. The respective authority will process the residency visa/permit directly through the Immigration Department, without needing employment approval from the Ministry of Labour.
The free zone can then issue the Identity card which also acts as a security pass for entry into the free zone.
DIFC Residence Visa
Foreign workers intending to work in the DIFC will be required to obtain a Residence Visa based on an Employment Entry Permit. The foreign worker must meet the following requirements:
1. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
2. Not banned from entry to the UAE
3. Never been deported from the UAE
If the foreign worker is not required to obtain a visa prior to travelling to the UAE, they may be able to enter as a visitor and after entry apply for a residence permit on the basis of an employment permit.
Upon entry to the UAE, the foreign worker will be required to attend the Government Services Office. The foreign worker will be allocated an appointment to attend the DIFC Medical Office for a medical examination, on receipt of the medical examination, the Immigration authorities will make a decision on the application.
Validity
A Residence Visa may be issued for 1, 2 or 3 years. Permits issued in the DIFC are usually valid for 3 years.
Processing times:
Residence permit applications in the DIFC may be processed within 14 working days if the standard service is utilised. The Government Services Office offer an expedited service for a higher fee and the application may be processed within 2 working days.
Dependants
Applications to Labour Office (Outside the free zone)
The foreign worker may sponsor his/her spouse and children for a residency visa to join him/her in the UAE. To qualify as a sponsor, the foreign worker must receive a minimum monthly salary of AED 3000 plus accommodation or a minimum salary of AED 4,000.
If the foreign worker is female, she will require special approval from the Director of Immigration to sponsor her Dependants to reside in the UAE. She will also be required to be employed in certain professions and receive a high salary.
Validity:
The Dependants' residency visas may be valid for the same duration as the main applicant.
However, if a son reaches the age of 18 whilst residing in the UAE, they must apply for a residence permit on the basis of employment unless they are enrolled in full-time education. Daughters are permitted to remain a Dependant until they marry.
Employer
Employing a foreign worker who does not have the requisite work authorisation is an offence and is subject to the penalties of criminal law.
Employee
Foreign workers who do not comply with the immigration laws of the UAE are subject to the penalties of criminal law.
Do:
1. Contact our global immigration team as soon as possible regarding any potential application as we may be able to assist with preparing documents
2. Provide all requested information and documents promptly to enable us to prepare your application efficiently
Don't:
1. Perform any duties that may be construed as work whilst in the UAE as tourist or as a business visitor
The information provided is designed to give a summary of the immigration requirements. Please note that the information was correct at the time of writing, however the immigration rules and regulations of France, like many other countries, frequently change without notice and you should contact our Global Immigration team for further information and advice.