Ukrainians who want to live and work in the UAE must have a residence visa, namely a work visa. In addition, if you want to be allowed to work, you must also have a work permit in the United Arab Emirates.

However, first of all, you need an employer who is ready to hire you and start the necessary procedure to obtain a work visa and work permit in the UAE.

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In order to enter the UAE for employment purposes, all foreigners had to obtain a work visa, which was one of the UAE resident visas. 

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Starting from April 11, the UAE government replaced the work visa (resident visa), which was pasted in foreign passports, with the Emirates ID card, which will serve as a single document for residence and work.

To submit new applications for residency or its extension, it is no longer necessary to go through two separate procedures for obtaining a visa and an ID card. The procedure is performed within one application. In addition, you no longer need to leave your passport at the immigration offices to paste the visa.

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Rules for obtaining a work permit (labor card) in the UAE

To obtain a work permit in the UAE, you, as well as the company that hires you, must meet the following conditions:

• You must be at least 18 years old;
• The license of the company that hires you must be valid;
• The company must not have any violations;
• The work you perform must be in line with the nature of the company that hires you.

Who is eligible for employment in the United Arab Emirates?

Any foreigner who is over 18 years of age can work in the UAE provided they meet the standards set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE). There is no maximum age for those who can be employed in the UAE, but for employees over 65, the company pays a higher contribution.

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Foreign workers are divided into three categories depending on their academic qualification/skill set:

• Category 1: if you have a bachelor's degree;
• Category 2: if you have a high school diploma in any field;
• Category 3: if you have a high school diploma.

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What documents do I need to obtain an Emirates-ID card in the United Arab Emirates?

To apply for a resident card you will need several supporting documents such as:

• Original passport along with a copy of your passport;
• Two passport size photographs as per UAE requirements;
• Copies of your academic qualifications. Your qualifications must be approved by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country;
• A medical certificate approved and issued by the government by a health center in the UAE;
• Documents from the company that hires you, such as the company's commercial license or company card.
• An entry permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).

According to the new rules, a certificate of good conduct is not required.

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How can I get a work permit (labor card) in the UAE?

Your employer must obtain a work permit on your behalf. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) is responsible for issuing work permits in the United Arab Emirates.

The process of applying for a work permit in the UAE:

1. The employer prints the work permit application on Tas'Heel, the online system of the Ministry of Manpower;

2. He submits the required documents:

• Your valid passport and its photocopy;
• 2 passport photos;
• Entry permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emigration (MoHRE);
• Medical examination results;
• Copy of the service card from the employer;
• Copy of the company's commercial license;
• Employment contract;
• Health insurance;
• Copies of your academic qualifications.

3. The Ministry reviews the application and asks to resubmit any documents or correct any irregularities they deem necessary;

4. The Ministry issues a work permit, which the employer can download on the Ministry's website.

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What is the cost of a work permit?

Request for initial approval of a new electronic work permit: 200 UAE dirhams for all categories/levels

Approval of a new e-work permit (recruitment and its employment card):

- Category 1: 300 UAE dirhams;

- Category 2:

Level A: 600 UAE dirhams

Level B: 1500 UAE dirhams

Level C: 2000 UAE dirhams

- Category 3: 5000 UAE dirhams.

For foreign workers aged 65 years and over: AED 5000 for all categories.

The second category is divided into levels depending on the ratio of skilled and unskilled workers that the company has.

In most cases, it is your employer who is responsible for covering the costs of obtaining a work permit in the United Arab Emirates.

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How long does it take to get a work permit in the UAE?

After submitting the documents to the Ministry, it usually takes about 5 working days to get a work permit.

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What is the validity period of a work permit in the UAE?

The work permit will be issued for 1-3 years, depending on the duration of your employment contract.

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How can I get an Emirates-ID card

After obtaining a work permit, your employer must arrange for you to obtain a UAE resident card: Resident Identity Card (Emirates ID).

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What is the procedure for obtaining a UAE resident card?

1. To apply for an Emirates ID, the employer must submit your original passport and the original entry permit to one of the authorized typing centers in the UAE - Typing Office, or apply online through the website of the Federal Department of Identification and Citizenship ICP. 

2. Next, you need to contact one of the Emirates ID Authority centers, where you will be fingerprinted and a photo will be taken.                                                                            

3. After you have completed all the procedures, you will receive a text message containing a number that will allow you to track the status of your Emirates-ID application on the ICP website.

4. Once your application is successfully processed, you will be notified that your Emirates ID card is ready and you can collect it at the post office. Depending on your job profile and employment contract, the resident card will be issued with a validity period of 1-3 years.

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Can I replace/renew my Emirates-ID?

Yes, in accordance with local legislation, Emirati citizens and residents are required to apply for a replacement Emirates ID within 30 days. Otherwise, a fine of AED 20 will be charged for each day of delay.

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The procedure for replacing your resident card is similar to when you first received it.

👇🏼 Please note!

For a safe trip to the UAE, you may need medical insurance. Insurance can be purchased on our website here.