Types of Work / Residence Visas in UAE
When working in Dubai/UAE, there are several visa pathways you might encounter:
| Visa Type | Target Applicant | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Work / Employment Visa (Residency Visa for Working) | Employees sponsored by a UAE employer | Valid for a period (often 2 years), employer handles visa, labor permit, residency, Emirates ID. |
| Green Visa (Work / Self-Employment / Skilled Employee) | Freelancers, self-employed, or skilled workers | Allows self-sponsorship, longer term, more flexibility. |
| Free Zone / Free Zone Employment Visa | Those employed by companies in UAE free zones | The free zone authority sponsors the visa; employment is often restricted within the zone. |
| Virtual Working / Remote Visa | Remote workers employed outside the UAE who want to live in Dubai | You continue your job for your original employer while residing in Dubai. |
| Golden Visa / Long Term Residency | Investors, specialized talent, entrepreneurs | Longer validity, often up to five or ten years, with more relaxed renewal / residency terms. |
Key Requirements & Process
To secure a UAE work visa (standard employment visa), these are typical steps and requirements:
- Employer Sponsorship / Labor PermitThe employer applies to Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) for a work permit or quota.
- Entry Permit / Work Entry VisaBefore entering the UAE, an entry permit is issued, allowing you to travel into the country legally for work.
- Medical Tests & BiometricsYou must undergo medical screening (blood test, X-ray, etc.) and provide biometrics (fingerprints, photo).
- Residence Visa & Emirates IDAfter entry, your visa is converted into a residence visa, and you obtain an Emirates ID.
- Document Attestations & ApprovalsAcademic credentials may need attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, translation if needed, and company license verification.
- Salary / Minimum ThresholdsSome visa types require minimum salary levels (for Green visa, etc.).
- Visa Duration & RenewalStandard work visas often run for 1–2 years, renewable if all conditions met.
How Dogpay Supports Cross-Border Work Finance
Securing a work visa is one thing — managing your income, expenses, and transfers across borders is another. Here’s how Dogpay can add value:
- Receiving Salary / Supplemental Income If parts of your income originate outside UAE (e.g. remote freelancing, royalties), Dogpay ensures those funds convert cleanly into AED or your UAE bank, minimizing hidden cost.
- Paying Relocation / Setup Costs Visa agents, relocation services, documentation submission, shipping — many of these might require payments to foreign providers. Dogpay helps you remit them smoothly.
- Deposit / Rent Prepayments Before your UAE account is fully ready, you can use Dogpay to send your housing deposit or advance rent to your landlord.
- Recurring Payments & Subscriptions Utilities, insurance, subscriptions in UAE or abroad can be scheduled through Dogpay so you don’t miss payments.
- Receipts & Audit Trail Dogpay generates timestamped logs and exportable receipts — useful for immigration docs, expense claims, or audits.
- Reducing Hidden FX / Bank Fees Compared to standard international banking transfers (which often include markups or intermediary fees), Dogpay helps you preserve more of your actual funds.
