Difference Between Employment and Residence Visa in UAE

UAE is the land of opportunities, not just for its nationals, but also for the aspirants around the globe. Be it for starting a business or for the sake of employment, every year thousands and thousands of expats relocate to the Emirates in search of a bright future.

The first challenge they are faced with is the application of an appropriate visa that would allow them to stay, work, and live in the nation and achieve their personal and professional goals. That is where it becomes important to understand the differences between various forms of visas available. Most people query about the difference between employment visa and residence visa in UAE.

Well, technically, an employment visa is a category under the residence visa. In this blog, we will guide you to understand the basic difference between an employment visa and a residence visa, their meanings, application processes, requirements, and so that you can go for the right visa application without any doubts. Let us clear all confusions!

Meaning of residence visa UAE

A residence visa in the UAE refers to an official permit that allows foreigners to live in the nation for a specific duration. The duration depends on the type you are obtaining, which can be two, five, or even ten years. The residence visa can even be renewed upon expiry, allowing for continued stay.

For anyone who wants to relocate to the UAE, enjoy the luxurious and prosperous life of the nation, study here, work here, or start a business empire here, a residence visa would be the key to the door. Thus, there are many purposes for which a residence visa is obtained.

Meaning of employment visa UAE

A UAE employment visa, which is also referred to as work visa, is an official document that allows foreigners to stay in UAE and work here for a specific time period. Basically, employment visa is a category of residence visa, specifically issued for the purpose of working in UAE.

For example, you get a job with UAE based company, in that case the visa you get would be the employment visa.

Understanding difference between employment visa and residence visa in UAE

Now that we know the basic definitions of the UAE employment and residence visa, lets also discuss the points where they differ from each other. The following is the difference between employment visa and residence visa in UAE:

1. Sponsorship:

Residence visa: Residence visas may or may not require a local sponsor. Some types, like the family visa, may need a sponsor from a family member, but many of them can be obtained through investment, property ownership, etc., in the nation.

Employment visa: An employment visa is generally sponsored by the employer who offers the job in the UAE.

2. Validity:

Residence visa: Residence visas can have different range of validity. Generally, it is longer termed and can go up to ten years (golden visa).

Employment visa: Employment visas have shorter validity which is often fixed to the duration of the employment contract.

3. Purpose:

Residence visa: Residence visas offer greater flexibility and are more focused on living in the Emirates for the long term.

Employment visa: The employment visa is more focused on jobs, employment, and earning.

4. Renewal:

Residence visa: Residence visas can easily be renewed upon expiry, provided you continue meeting legal requirements.

Employment visa: Employment visas can be renewed but is subject to employers’ sponsorship.

5. Employment status:

Residence visa: A residence visa may not be affected by changes in employment status if it is from another category, such as the Golden Visa or Investor Visa.

Employment visa: An employment visa is linked to the employer, and if the employee is terminated, the visa may be cancelled, and the individual may have to leave the country in search of another job.

6. Application:

Residence visa: Application process can be handled by the individual himself/herself with help of professional consultants.

Employment visa: Application is handled completely by the employer.

Understanding the eligibility

Let us understand the eligibility criteria for each of the types. This will further help you understand the difference between employment visa and residence visa in UAE.

1. UAE residence visa eligibility:

A residence visa in the UAE has very broad categories, and each has its own eligibility criteria.

• Family: Through a family visa, a UAE residence holder can bring dependents, such as children, parents, and spouse, to the UAE. There is a minimum salary that the sponsor must be earning.
• Property investor: Those who own property worth a minimum of AED 1 million can apply for a residence visa.
• Golden visa holders: This is a special UAE residence visa that offers 10 years of residency. You must have a minimum investment of AED 2 million in UAE property or an authorized fund, or, as a professional, you must earn at least AED 30,000 in monthly salary.
• Student: Those who have an offer letter from an educational institution in the UAE can get a student visa.
• Businesses: Entrepreneurs looking to start their venture in the UAE may get a business visa.
• Retiree: This visa requires proof of financial stability through investments and savings. A minimum age of 55 years is needed.
• Employment visa: The work visa itself is a type under the broader UAE residence visa.

Please note requirements are subject to changes made by government.

UAE employment visa eligibility:

The employment visa is UAE has certain eligibility rules applicable, which includes:

• Applicants age must be at least 18 yeas
• The hiring company must have a valid business license.
• The applicant should at least hold a bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate diploma in any field or a high school diploma.
• Applicant’s work must match the nature of hiring company.

Differences at a glance

The table below will help you understand the difference between employment visa and residence visa quickly. Have a look:

Difference between residence visa and employment visa cost

There are various factors that influence the costs of UAE visa, especially the category you are applying for.

Residence visa cost: 

The cost of UAE residence visa depends on the category and its duration. Some cost estimates: 

• UAE family visa cost: AED 3,000* to AED 7,000* 

• UAE golden visa cost:  AED 12,000* (property investment category) 

Employment visa cost: 

The cost of employment visa is entirely handled by the employer.  

• Standard UAE employment visa cost: AED 200* plus 5% VAT 

Please note that costs are subject to changes. For more details on cost, you can contact our experts at Dubiz Business Setup.

Process and requirements for residence visa

Now, let us understand the difference between employment visa and residence visa in terms of process and requirements.

Steps for obtaining residence visa in UAE:

1. Check eligibility and category:

First, you must check the appropriate visa for your needs. For example, if you are a student, a student visa may be the right choice.

2. Obtain a sponsor, if needed:

Certain categories may require partnering with a local sponsor. For example, a family visa.

3. Get the entry permit:

The entry visa allows an individual to enter the borders of the nation for a short duration. During this time, residency visa formalities can be completed.

4. Medical examination:

As part of the visa process, the applicant must pass medical tests that confirm their fitness to stay and work in the UAE.

5. Emirates ID:

The next step is the application for an identification card, also called the Emirates ID.

6. Visa issuance:

Finally, an application for the residence visa can be made through GDRFA channels. Once approved, the visa will be issued successfully.

Documents required for residence visa UAE

• Valid passport
• Filled visa application form
• Passport-sized photographs
• Medical fitness report
• Bank statements
• Category-associated documents such as investment proof, qualification documents, university enrolment letter, etc.

Process and requirements for employment visa

Steps for obtaining employment visa in UAE:

1. Employee receives a job offer: Individuals who want to come to the UAE for job purposes must first have a job offer in place.
2. Employer sponsorship: The employer applies for a work permit through MOHRE. He then arranges for an entry visa through which the applicant can enter the UAE.
3. Undergo medical testing: A medical assessment is conducted at government-approved institutions to check the applicant’s health fitness.
4. Emirates ID: Application for the Emirates ID is made.
5. Labour contract: A labour contract signed by both the employer and employee is submitted to the MOHRE.
6. Final stamping: Once all steps are completed successfully, the visa is stamped on the applicant’s passport.

Documents required for employment visa UAE

• Filled visa application form
• Applicant’s valid passport
• Medical fitness certificate
• Recent passport photographs
• Medical insurance coverage
• Academic and professional certifications as needed
• MOHRE issued work permit
• Emirates ID
• Entry visa

Note: There is difference between employment visa and residence visa in terms of documentation requirement. Also, the paperwork may vary based on specific needs.  You can talk to our experts one on one for more information.

Benefits of holding a UAE visa

Here are the benefits of holding a UAE visa, whether residence, employment, or other type:

1. Massive opportunities:

Once you have a UAE visa in hand, you become open to career and business opportunities in one of the most thriving economies in the world.

2. Legal residency:

A UAE visa allows you to legally stay in the UAE for the duration of the visa.

3. Access to services:

With a visa in hand, you can access UAE’s top-notch banking, healthcare, telecom, and utilities services.

4. Family sponsorship:

With a UAE residence visa, you can sponsor the residence of your loved ones like parents, spouse, and children.

5. Tax benefits:

UAE has no personal income tax and very low corporate tax, which means more financial savings for you.

6. Quality of life:

You can enjoy world-class facilities, lifestyle, and luxury living in the UAE.

Get expert PRO services with Dubiz!

It becomes important to understand the difference between employment visa and residence visa in UAE for those who are looking to stay, work, and live here. Obtaining the right type of visa in UAE can open doors to opportunities for you!

Dubiz Business Setup has been helping countless entrepreneurs in establishing their presence in UAE, along with handling their residence visa requirements. They have experts who handle business licenses, bank accounts, visas, and approvals with utmost care.

If you are looking for Dubai business setup or have queries about UAE visa, business licenses, taxation, communicate it to our company formation experts.

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

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📧 Email: info@dubiz.co

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is difference between work permit and residence visa UAE?

A work permit is an official authorization issued by MOHRE that lets an individual work in UAE legally whereas a residency visa in more about immigration and allows individuals to stay in the nation legally.

2. What are the different types of residency visa in UAE?

The different types of residence visa in UAE include student visa, business visa, golden visa, silver visa, green visa, family visa, investor visa, retirement visa, employment visa, etc.

3. What is the age limit for employment visa in UAE?

The minimum age limit for employment visa in UAE is 18 years and there is no upper age limit. However, for employees aged above 65, employers will have to pay more.

4. What is difference between work permit and employment visa in UAE?

A work permit is an authorization given by MOHRE to individuals for working in companies in UAE while as employment visa is a residence visa that allows individuals to live in UAE for a specified time period.

5. What is the medical test for employment visa in UAE?

The medical test for employment visa in UAE includes chest X-ray and some blood tests that are conducted at government approved health centers.

6. How to get a residence visa in the UAE?

To get residence visa in UAE, one must fulfil eligibility and then apply for the visa using the government e-portal. As part of visa processing, applicant would also be required to pass medical examinations, apply for Emirates ID, and get their biometrics screened.

7. Can you get a UAE residence visa without a sponsor?

Yes, UAE residence visa does not require a sponsor for every category. For example, a golden visa can be obtained without need of local sponsor.