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In Dubai, many Indian citizens receive job offers each year. Some applicants may be perplexed by the visa application tests they must complete before relocating to Dubai, as they are unfamiliar with the visa process requirements.
The visa’s success rate can vary dramatically based on how fairly the applicant met his or her documentation costs and travel times. Applications from those seeking to relocate from India to Dubai may be delayed due to lack of knowledge and misunderstanding of the visa process, which could lead to either a Visa being denied or delayed in being issued.
The growing number of Indian nationals who are currently employed in the UAE (over 4.36 million) represents approximately 35% of the UAE’s total population and therefore increased employment potential for documented Indian workers in the UAE.
This guide covers benefits, cost and steps to obtain a Dubai working visa for Indian professional, simplifying the process from job offer to starting work.
The work visa is an essential document that allows Indians to live and work legally in Dubai, UAE. This document enables people to take advantage of the increasingly open job market, gain international working experience, and develop their careers within a rapidly developing economy of the world.
Having a legal work visa is not only required by law but also offers numerous benefits. It ensures job security as well as employees’ rights, through an agreement between the employer and employee.
Additionally, the work visa provides access to basic services like health care, education, and banking facilities that are provided for residents in Dubai.
Indian professionals can use different visa categories according to various employment situations. It is important to select the appropriate visa category not only for the approval of the application but also for the future flexibility of the applicant.
Standard 2-Year Employment Visa
This is the most common option for private-sector, government, and Free Zone employees. This visa remains valid for two years and must be renewed before expiry. It ties the holder to the sponsoring employers.
Green Visa
Introduced in 2022 for freelancers, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs. This offers more independence without needing continuous employer sponsorship. Applicants need employment contracts classified in MoHRE’s first, second, or third occupational levels.
Golden Visa
Reserved for highly skilled professionals, including doctors, scientists, inventors, engineers, artists, and PhD holders. No local sponsor is required, and holders can stay outside the UAE indefinitely without visa cancellation.
Freelance Work Permit
Designed for independent professionals working with multiple clients. Requires portfolio evidence and MoHRE approval, with renewable periods offering greater flexibility than standard employment visas.
A visa for working in Dubai provides more than just employment authorisation. Several advantages improve the quality of life.
Career growth is indicated by the presence of Indians in Dubai estimated to be approximately 60 percent in the CFO positions as per 2025 data.
The registration is the responsibility of employer; however, the candidates are required to prepare some documents according to the UAE immigration requirements. It is important that the documents are accurate from the beginning to prevent any delays and rejections. Below is the list of necessary documents:
Note: The educational and working documents have to go through verification in two steps: first, the Ministry of External Affairs of India, and then the UAE Embassy. This double-check system validates the authenticity of the documents.
In the 2026, the verification will be given priority by the UAE authorities in order to keep the immigration standards, thus failing to get the attestation done properly will lead to automatic rejection.
The work visa system in Dubai mandates the employer’s sponsorship. The organization runs the procedure, however, knowing the details of each stage will assist the applicants to get ready correctly.
Step 1: Job offer confirmation
A valid position in a UAE company is what launches everything. The employer must hold a trade license and meet MOHRE criteria.
Step 2: Work permit application
The employer will then submit the application to the online platform of MoHRE, using the company documents and job information. This process takes between three and five working days.
Step 3: Entry permit
After this is approved, MOHRE gives a 60-day entry permit. This facilitates legal entry to Dubai and serves as a temporary visa until the entire visa process is completed.
Step 4: Travel to Dubai
With this permit, they can proceed to book airline flights. The 60-day planning period is flexible for flights.
Step 5: Medical tests
Applicants undergo health screenings within a few days of arrival at authorized health clinics. Applicants are screened for HIV, Hepatitis, and TB. Test results are provided within 48 hours.
Step 6. Registering for an Emirates ID
Biometric data collection takes place at Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship centres. It entails fingerprint scanning and photographing for the national ID in the UAE.
Step 7: Labour card
The employer submits a labour card application via MoHRE. This is the actual work permit that must be carried during employment.
Step 8: Visa stamping
All the necessary documents should be handed over at GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai) where they have to be processed. The passport will be pasted with a residence visa sticker.
Right from the time of application for work permits to the time of visa stamping, it takes almost 10 to 15 working days in total for everything to happen. The new AI system called Salama has considerably reduced this time compared to last year.
The work visa costs are usually paid by most employers, but an understanding of the breakdown assists in planning and negotiations, when it comes to the Indian professionals.
| Expense Category | Cost (AED) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit processing | 200-300 | 4,500-6,700 |
| Medical examination | 300-500 | 6,700-11,200 |
| Emirates ID | 100-300 | 2,240-6,700 |
| Residence visa stamping | 500-1,000 | 11,200-22,400 |
| Total estimated cost | 3,000-7,500 | 67,000-168,000 |
Document attestation in India involves another fee of INR 5,000 to 15,000, depending upon the number of certificates being processed and with which service provider.
Knowing realistic timelines helps with planning resignation dates and travel bookings. Standard Processing Breakdown:
The Salama AI platform was launched in 2025 to automate numerous processes that previously required extensive manual effort. What used to take hours to complete now takes minutes for visa renewals and updates.
Peak periods from September to December and March to May see more applications filed, which could increase the time to regular processing by a few days. Applications submitted during off-peak periods help hasten the process.
Around 5-6% of Indian applications faced rejection in 2025. Understanding why helps prevent wasted time and money. Main rejection causes:
Incomplete paperwork (missing certificates, unclear photos, insufficient documentation)
Post-pandemic, the UAE has strengthened background checks. Applicants with consistent travel histories and stable employment records face fewer obstacles.
Recent updates have made it easier and clearer for Indian professionals to access opportunities. These changes support UAE’s aim to attract global talent while keeping security strong. For Indian professionals, the simplified process means they can now easily find jobs in Dubai.
Getting a work visa in Dubai is all about three things: getting a job with a registered UAE firm, having complete and correct documents, and selecting the appropriate visa category based on one’s career goals.
The expansion of visa-on-arrival options and the expansion of Golden Visa eligibility are proof of Dubai’s intention to attract and retain skilled Indian professionals.
If one can adhere to the processes step by step, then a working visa for Indians in Dubai will open the door to the earning of tax-exempt income, the chance of developing one’s career in an international business centre, and the opportunity of becoming part of one of the most vibrant professional communities in the world.
Ready to begin the application? Start by verifying employer credentials, gathering attested documents, and Stratrich Consulting registered immigration advisors for a smooth approval process.
