Dubai, with its thriving economy and numerous opportunities, attracts many expatriates seeking to work and build their lives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Many people settle in Dubai under their spouse's sponsorship, often wondering whether they can legally work under this type of visa.
To work in the United Arab Emirates, obtaining a work permit is mandatory. Throughout the United Arab Emirates, the issuance of work permits is the responsibility of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Attention: it is strictly prohibited to work in the Emirates as a tourist or without a work permit.
What is a dependent residence visa?
Before going into the details, let us briefly understand what a spouse visa involves. A family visa, also known as a
dependent visa, is issued to the family members of an expatriate holding a valid residence visa in the United Arab Emirates. It allows the spouse, and sometimes even the children, to reside in the UAE under the sponsorship of the main visa holder.
Can a wife obtain a work permit in Dubai while holding a family visa?
According to MOHRE, a work permit may be issued to spouses, whether the woman is under her husband's sponsorship or vice versa. In addition, if a woman over the age of 18 is sponsored by her father, she is also eligible to work legally in Dubai, and a work permit may be applied for. This work permit allows you to engage in professional activities, operate a business, or provide your professional services in the Emirates.
Documents required for a family work permit
The work permit application for a person holding a Dubai family visa will be handled by your future employer. Certain documents must be submitted to the human resources department:
- A no-objection certificate (NOC) from your sponsor/parent.
- A copy of your passport and visa page, valid for at least six months.
- A copy of your sponsor's passport and visa page, valid for at least six months.
- A passport-size color photograph with a white background.
- A copy of your academic degree if the profession is skilled.
- For specialized professions such as doctors, engineers, nurses, or teachers, an approval letter issued by the competent authority is required.
- Your Emirates ID.
How to obtain a work permit under a family visa in Dubai
As with individuals who do not have a visa, the responsibility for obtaining the work permit lies with the employer, including all associated fees. It is essential to check that your spouse's visa is valid and covers the period of your employment contract.
One of the crucial steps is obtaining a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your spouse, confirming their consent for you to work at the company in question.
Subsequently, your employer will submit your work permit application to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (
MOHRE) through a Tas'heel center.
This application will include detailed information such as your remuneration, working hours, and other relevant professional data.
A company may apply either for a short-term work permit, valid for six months, or a long-term work permit, valid for one or two years. It is important to note that, according to the MOHRE call center, once the work permit's validity period expires, it is automatically revoked. If the employee wishes to continue working, a new work permit application must be submitted.
Permit fees for working in Dubai
As mentioned previously, the fees for a family work permit are covered by the employer, in accordance with
Article 6 of Ministerial Resolution No. (52) of 1989.
Article 6 (a) states: "An undertaking by the employer that they will sponsor and be responsible for the recruited worker, bear the recruitment costs, and employ them in accordance with the employment contract, in a manner that does not violate the provisions of
Federal Law No. (8)/1980 referred to herein."
Working in Dubai with a spouse visa is not only possible, but also an excellent opportunity for expatriates to contribute to the Emirates' economy. By offering comprehensive services for obtaining all types of visas, our firm provides you with solutions to comply with the rules and regulations in the Emirates.
Merritt Middle East has extensive expertise in the necessary processes and legal aspects, and offers reliable and transparent service to all its clients. Contact us for more information:
support@merritt.ae.
