Dubai Work Visa for US Citizens

Can US citizens work in Dubai?

Public data shows that around 50,000 Americans currently live in the UAE, many of whom hold work visas. The UAE government actively welcomes skilled professionals, investment, and business ventures. As long as all requirements are met, US citizens can legally work in the UAE and obtain a UAE residence visa.

Key sectors for US expats in the UAE

Americans in the UAE typically work in highly skilled sectors, including:

• Real estate
• Finance
• Engineering
• Consulting
• Oil & Gas

Why Americans choose to work in the UAE

Benefits

• Business opportunities: Dubai and the UAE offer a wide range of free zones with affordable options for starting a business—from a freelance license to large-scale manufacturing. The corporate tax rate is just 9%, significantly lower than in the United States, and there is no personal income tax. In addition, advanced infrastructure, world-class logistics, and the UAE’s location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa make Dubai an attractive place to do business.
• Workweek & vacation: The standard workweek is typically five days, with a minimum of 30 calendar days of leave mandated by labor law. Leading companies may offer four to five weeks of vacation.
• Safety: Low crime rates and strong security make the UAE a safe environment for living and working.
• Family-friendly: The country offers advanced infrastructure for families, including internationally accredited schools and universities.
• Cultural diversity: With expats making up 88.5% of the population, the UAE provides ample opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and professional networking.
• Strategic location: Dubai’s position between Europe and Asia allows convenient and efficient travel across regions. Challenges:
  • Hot climate, with summer temperatures often exceeding 104°F (40°C)
  • High cost of living, particularly for housing, food, and transportation
  • Cultural and legal differences that require adaptation

Despite these challenges, many Americans relocate permanently to the UAE and successfully secure employment with local companies. Below, we explain the steps to make the move.

Tourist entry vs. work authorization

Relocating from the US to the UAE begins with finding a job. Options include:

• Securing a job while still in the US
• Arriving in the UAE on a tourist visa and seeking employment locally
• Transferring from a US company to its UAE branch

Securing a job before arrival

If you have a job offer before arriving in the UAE:

1. Your employer applies for an entry permit, allowing you to enter the UAE.
2. The employer sponsors your residence visa, covering all costs and paperwork.
3. Upon arrival, you complete a medical exam, biometrics, and sign the employment contract.
4. MOHRE issues the work permit, and immigration grants your residence visa.
5. You can open a personal bank account for salary deposits.
6. As a residence visa holder, you can sponsor family members.

Note: You need an entry permit, not a tourist visa, since you already have a job offer in Dubai.

Searching for a job on arrival

US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free via a 30-day visa on arrival, extendable once for another 30 days. This gives roughly 60 days to secure employment.
 

Note: Working on a tourist visa is illegal. Once a job is found, your employer must change your visa status to a UAE work visa, followed by medical tests, biometrics, Emirates ID, and opening a salary bank account. Work cannot commence until the visa is issued.

Transferring from a US company to a UAE branch

The UAE branch initiates the visa process:

1. Job offer and UAE employment contract are prepared.
2. Application for work permit is submitted to MOHRE.
3. Entry permit is issued; employee enters the UAE.
4. Employee completes medical exam, biometrics, and signs contract.
5. Within 5–7 days, the employee receives a residence visa and Emirates ID.

Working legally: key requirements

• US citizens must meet the following to work legally in the UAE:
• Signed employment contract with a UAE-registered company (mainland or free zone)
• Work permit (Labour Card) issued by MOHRE or free zone authority
• Residence visa sponsored by employer — tourist or visit visas are not valid for employment
• Medical fitness test & Emirates ID after arrival
• Work only in the company/position listed on your visa
• Employer covers visa and insurance costs and complies with UAE labor laws
• To maintain residency validity, employees must not be absent from the UAE for more than 180 days

How to apply for a Dubai work visa

Step 1: Get a job offer and employer sponsorship

The employer issues a detailed offer letter stating position, salary, contract duration, and responsibilities, which must be agreed upon by the employee.

Step 2: Documents required for application

Prepare all required documents that will be submitted to MOHRE or free zone authority.

• passport
• offer letter
• photo
• proof of qualifications (attested in the UAE, if necessary)

Step 3: Entry permit, medical, and Emirates ID

• The employer applies for the work permit in Dubai with MOHRE (or free zone authority).
• Submits application for an entry permit through GDRFA.
• The employee arrives in the UAE (entry permit is valid for 60 days).
• Signs the official employment contract with the company.
• Completes medical test (blood test, chest X-ray).
• Provides biometrics (fingerprints).
• The employer arranges health insurance coverage.

Step 4: Getting your residence visa

During a week the US citizen receives a residence employment visa and Emirates ID and can start working in the UAE company.

Alternative options for working in Dubai

If you do not have a UAE employment contract and cannot obtain an employment visa in Dubai, other pathways exist for US citizens:

• Starting a UAE business
• Obtaining a freelancer license
• Investing in real estate or banks to obtain the UAE Golden Visa
• Other self-sponsored residency options