We have been posting various tech job opportunities in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) for the past year or so, but how simple is it to travel to, work in, and live in the UAE?
The UAE not only provides a lifestyle that many people only fantasize about, but it also provides limitless opportunities to those who dare to try their luck there. In recent times, the UAE job market has become very dynamic, and it is important for job seekers to keep up with the most recent in-demand skills and career prospects. Careers in technology-related fields are predicted to be in high demand in 2023 by recruitment experts. Job roles such as software/application developers, UI/UX designers, AI/ML/DL specialists, cyber security specialists, business analysts, data scientists, network/IT infrastructure engineers, and DevOps engineers are expected to be in high demand. This is already evident when you browse our tech job board, but we do not want to stop at just posting the job opportunities; we also want to explore how easy it is to relocate and work in the UAE.
The new executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners in the Emirates are aimed at strengthening the UAE’s position as an ideal destination to live, work, and invest. The new entry and residency systems aim to increase the competitiveness and flexibility of the job market, attract, and retain competent employees from around the world, and build a strong sense of stability among UAE residents and their families.
There are three scenarios for obtaining a work visa, and these are: Standard Work Visa, Green Visa for Work, and Domestic Worker Visa. The Standard Work Visa is issued to employees in government and private sectors. The Green Visa is issued to skilled employees for 5 years. The last type of visa is issued for domestic workers. The “Green Visa” is a new residence type with unparalleled benefits and introduces a new 5-year residence to attract talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs. More benefits are offered to facilitate family members’ residence, and longer flexible grace periods that reach up to 6 months to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expired, in addition to facilitating and simplifying the requirements when processing this visa. If you are seeking for a technical job in the UAE, then you fit into this category (“The Green Residence/Visa”) and that is where we want to concentrate our efforts in the remaining part of this article.
There are three kinds of Green Residence/Visa; (a) Green Residence for Skilled Employees, (b) Green Residence for Freelancing and Self-Employment, (c) Green Residence for Investor or Partner, but before we explain them, we need to mention something about how to enter the UAE because this will be your first step. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) grants eligible foreign nationals a 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day entry permit to allow them to enter the UAE and eventually apply for a residence permit. The fee for the 60-day entry permit is about Dh335.75 but if an entry permit is issued inside the country, an additional amount of Dh650 is charged. However, you need to visit this page to check if your country qualifies for Visa on Arrival (VOA) in the UAE. We also recommend checking the official website, as these fees can be changed at any time. Alternatively, you can check with the UAE embassy in your country before traveling.
The UAE Green Residence/Visa
(a) Green Residence for Skilled Employees
This new track provides a 5-year residency for skilled employees, without a sponsor or employer. The applicants should have a valid employment contract, and should be classified in the first, second or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the salary should not be less than AED15,000.
(b) Green Residence for Freelancing and Self-Employment
In line with the growing importance of flexible work models, this track provides a 5-year residency for freelancers and self-employed individuals without requiring a sponsor or employer in the UAE. It requires obtaining a freelance/ self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the minimum educational level should be bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma, and the annual income from self-employment for the previous two years should not be less than AED360,000, or that the applicant proves financial solvency throughout his/her stay in the country.
(c) Green Residence for Investor or Partner
This residence permit is introduced to encourage investment, providing 5-year residency for investors establishing or participating in commercial activities. It replaces the previous residence that was valid for 2 years only. Requirements include approval of the investment and proof of investment. If the investor (partner) has more than one license, the total invested capital will be calculated. Approval of the competent local authorities is mandatory.
The Green Residence/Visa is renewable for the same term upon its expiration.