How to switch from an investor visa to a work visa in Dubai, UAE

How to switch from an investor visa to a work visa in Dubai, UAE - Makebiz

The United Arab Emirates attracts many foreign specialists and investors due to its favorable business and living conditions. One of the important aspects of immigration policy is the possibility of switching from an investor visa to a work visa. This process is becoming more common, and in this article we will look in detail at how it is carried out, as well as its features and requirements.

An investor visa in the UAE grants foreign citizens the right to long-term residence based on their business activity or any other way of investing in the country’s economy. The owner of this type of residence controls the extension and cancellation of his status, while he must comply with corporate and immigration requirements. However, if an investor wants to change their field of activity, it is important for them to familiarize themselves with the specifics of such a transition from one foundation to another.

A work visa provides clearly defined rights and obligations that differ from those granted by an investor’s visa. According to the rules of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emigration (MOHRE), working for a company requires either a full transition to a work visa or a valid work permit issued during the period of the investor’s visa. This means that an investor, while maintaining the activity of his business, can get an employment opportunity in any company by obtaining the appropriate permit. 

In many cases, employers in the Emirates require direct visa sponsorship as a condition of employment. This is especially true for regulated industries such as government organizations, financial services, and large corporations. Employer sponsorship simplifies processes related to payroll, health insurance, and compliance with labor standards.

The process of switching from an investor visa to a work visa consists of the following stages:

1. Preparation of necessary documents:

  • Passport and ID card.
  • Your company’s trade license and founding documents.
  • Documents confirming the absence of arrears (for example, taxes or fines).

2. An employer who is willing to hire you must apply for a permit from MOHRE. 

3. After submitting the application, the immigration service reviews it and decides whether to issue an entry permit and change the status of stay. 

4. Cancellation of current residency and dependent visas. Only after making sure that the work permit has been obtained, it is worth starting this process.

5. Registration of a work visa. At this stage, you will have to undergo a medical examination and receive an Emirates ID.

If your job requires certain qualifications, it is important to go through the procedure of consular legalization of documents (for example, a diploma of education) in advance.

With the transition to a work visa, responsibility for the status of the employee passes to the employer. This means that the employer is obliged to ensure timely extension of residency and fulfillment of all corporate and immigration requirements.

If the employment relationship ends, the employer is legally obliged to cancel the visa. In this case, the former employee has a grace period during which he must either receive a new sponsorship or leave the country.

The transition from an investor visa to a work visa in the UAE is an important step that requires careful attention and compliance with all formalities. By understanding all the features and requirements associated with a new visa, you can effectively go through all the stages and quickly adapt to a new professional environment, starting your career in Dubai.

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