Working with a spouse visa in Dubai

Dubai, with its flourishing economy and numerous opportunities, attracts many expatriates looking to work and build their lives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Many people settle in Dubai under the sponsorship of their spouse, often wondering if they can legally work under this type of visa.

To work in the United Arab Emirates, obtaining a work permit is mandatory. Throughout the UAE, the issuance of a work permit is the responsibility of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

It is strictly prohibited to work in the UAE under tourist status or without a work permit.

What is the dependent residence visa?

Before delving into details, let’s briefly understand what a spouse visa entails. A family visa, also known as a dependent visa, is issued to family members of an expatriate holding a valid residence visa in the United Arab Emirates. It allows the spouse, and sometimes even children, to reside in the UAE under the sponsorship of the main visa holder.

Can a wife get a work permit in Dubai with a family visa?

According to the MOHRE, a work permit can be issued to spouses, whether the wife is sponsored by her husband or vice versa. Additionally, if a woman over 18 years old is sponsored by her father, she is also eligible to work legally in Dubai, and a work permit can be applied for. This work permit allows you to engage in professional activities, manage a business, or provide professional services in the UAE.

Required documents for family work permit

The application for a work permit for a person with a family visa in Dubai will be handled by your prospective employer. Some documents need to be submitted to the human resources department:

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor/parent.
Copy of your passport and visa page, valid for at least six months.
Copy of your sponsor’s passport and visa page, valid for at least six months.
Color passport-size photograph with a white background.
Your Emirates ID.

How to get a work permit under the family visa in Dubai

Similar to individuals without a visa, the responsibility for obtaining the work permit lies with the employer, including all associated costs. It is essential to ensure that your spouse’s visa is in order 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 in the specified company.

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 salary, working hours, and other relevant professional details.

A company can apply for either 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 validity period of the work permit expires, it is automatically revoked. If the employee wishes to continue working, a new work permit application must be submitted.

Cost of the permit to work in Dubai

As mentioned earlier, the fees for the 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 employer’s commitment that he will sponsor and be responsible for the recruited worker, bear the recruitment expenses, and employ him according to the employment contract, in a way that does not violate the provisions of Federal Law No. (8)/1980 mentioned herein.”

Working in Dubai with a spouse visa is not only possible but also an excellent opportunity for expatriates to contribute to the UAE’s economy. Offering comprehensive services for obtaining all types of visas, our firm provides solutions to ensure compliance with rules and regulations in the UAE. Merritt Middle East is well-versed in the necessary processes and legal aspects, offering reliable and transparent service to all its clients. Contact us for more information: support@merritt.ae.