Employment visa
Your employer sponsors you. Most people start here.
- Length:
- 2 years, renewable
- Who pays:
- your employer
- Family:
- can sponsor
Dubai work visa for IT professionals (2026)
Short answer
Most IT people move on an employment visa: your employer applies and pays, and it takes 1–4 weeks. The Green and Golden visas let you sponsor yourself.
Updated Sep 2026
Indian passport: you need your employer's entry permit before you fly, unless you hold a US visa or green card, or a residence permit or visa from the UK or the EU (then you can get a short visit permit, and your employer changes your status in the UAE).
The main visa routes
Green visa
Self-sponsored for 5 years, for skilled workers.
- Length:
- 5 years
- Who pays:
- you
- Needs:
- degree and AED 15,000+ salary
Golden visa
10 years, for high earners and specialists.
- Length:
- 10 years
- Who pays:
- you
- Needs:
- AED 30,000+ salary
More routes:Job-seeker visaFreelance visa (official site, opens in a new tab)Family visa (official site, opens in a new tab)
Your papers: Degree attestation, step by step
All routes compared
| Route | Length | Who pays | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment visa | 2 years, renewable | Your employer | Your employer |
| Job-seeker visa | 60, 90 or 120 days | You | AED 1,270–1,480 ≈ ₹0.3–0.4 lakh |
| Green visa | 5 years | You | AED 1,700–2,700 ≈ ₹0.4–0.7 lakh |
| Golden visa | 10 years | You | AED 3,500–5,000 ≈ ₹0.9–1.3 lakh |
| Freelance visa | Up to 5 years | You | AED 7,500–18,000 ≈ ₹1.9–4.7 lakh |
| Family visa | Linked to your own visa | You (some employers help) | AED 1,500–3,200 ≈ ₹0.4–0.8 lakh |
Employment visa, step by step
- 1
Accept the offer
You sign the MOHRE offer letter. Check the basic salary, allowances and who pays the visa: by law, your employer does, and can't charge you for it.
- 2
Your employer applies for the entry permit
They apply for a work permit and an entry permit. You send a passport copy, photo and your attested degree.
- 3
Fly to Dubai
You travel on the entry permit, which lets you stay 60 days while the residence is done (or on a visit visa if your passport allows it; the employer then changes your status inside the country).
- 4
Medical test and Emirates ID
A medical fitness test at an approved centre, then fingerprints for your Emirates ID, soon after you arrive.
- 5
Residence visa and labour contract
Your residence is issued and linked to your Emirates ID. Your employer registers the labour contract with MOHRE within 60 days of your entry.
- 6
Sponsor your family
Once your residence is issued, you can sponsor your spouse and children if you meet the salary rule.
Questions about Dubai work visas
Who pays for a Dubai work visa?
Your employer. Under UAE labour law the employer pays for your work permit, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and residence visa. Never pay a recruiter or an employer for a visa.
How long does a Dubai employment visa take?
Usually 1–4 weeks from signing your offer to having your residence visa and Emirates ID.
Can I get a Golden visa as a software engineer?
Possibly. Skilled professionals can apply with a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000, a bachelor's degree and a job at skill level 1 or 2. Most people start on an employment visa and apply later.
Do I need my degree attested?
Usually yes: employers need an attested degree for the work permit. Attestation is done in your home country and then in the UAE, and takes about 2–8 weeks, so start early.
This is guidance, not legal advice. Visa rules and fees change; check the official sources before you apply: u.ae, ICP, GDRFA Dubai and MOHRE.
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