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UAE Handbook

Draft, not published. This page has not passed verification against primary sources. Do not rely on it.

Moving to the UAE for work, step by step

  1. Step 1: Decide
  2. Step 2: Find
  3. Step 3: Apply
  4. Step 4: The offer
  5. Step 5: Visas and papers
  6. Step 6: Move
  7. Step 7: Land
  8. Step 8: Live and work
  9. Step 9: Change jobs or leave
  1. Decide

    Role, sector, budget and family needs before city. Dubai or Abu Dhabi, mainland or free zone.

  2. Find

    Where the jobs are, direct employers or licensed recruiters, Emiratisation.

  3. Apply

    CV, applying from home or on a jobseeker visa, attesting your degree.

  4. The offer

    Verify the employer and offer before paying or resigning. Compare offer and contract.

  5. Visas and papers

    Work permit, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, residence and family sponsorship.

  6. Move

    What to check at home, temporary housing, belongings, pets and a fallback plan.

  7. Land

    The first 30 days: SIM, bank, tenancy registration, utilities, licence and insurance.

  8. Live and work

    Hours, leave, wages, termination, gratuity, disputes, per jurisdiction.

  9. Change jobs or leave

    Switching employer, cancellations, final settlement, grace period, moving home.