UAE Work Visa from Nepal: Complete Guide Process and Cost

The UAE has become a hotspot for Nepalese workers seeking better job prospects and a higher standard of living. Known for its booming economy and tax-free income, the UAE offers a wide range of opportunities across various industries. From construction and hospitality to healthcare and technology, the demand for skilled workers is ever-growing.

Starting a new job in a foreign country can be a daunting task, but with the right information and guidance, you can navigate the complexities of visa applications with ease. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about securing a working visa for the UAE, including eligibility criteria, required documents, application procedures, and tips for a successful application.

Reasons to Consider the UAE as a Working Destination

• Job Opportunities: Many jobs are available in different fields.
• Tax-Free Income: You can earn money without paying income tax.
• High Quality of Life: Modern cities, good healthcare, and education.
• Safety and Security: The UAE is a very safe place to live.
• Cultural Diversity: Experience a mix of cultures and meet people from around the world.

List of Jobs most Nepali do in UAE

Types of UAE Working Visa

1. Standard Work Visa

A standard work visa in the UAE is employer-sponsored and lasts two to three years. It requires an employment contract and MoHRE approval. Before arriving, the applicant must secure a job offer and obtain an entry permit to start the work and residence visa process.

2. Green Visa

Green visa supports freelancers and self-employed individuals. It provides a five-year residency without employer sponsorship. Benefits include sponsoring immediate relatives, a six-month grace period upon expiry or cancellation, and a streamlined application process. Required documents typically include an employment contract or self-employment permit from MoHRE, proof of education, and proof of sufficient income.

3. Golden Visa

The Golden visa grants a 10-year residency to highly qualified professionals like doctors, scientists, and artists without needing a local sponsor. Benefits include exclusive health insurance, sponsoring unlimited immediate family members, and spending unlimited time outside the UAE without affecting visa validity. Required documents vary based on the applicant’s background, with an eligibility quiz available on the ICP website.

Step By Step Process to Apply For UAE Working Visa

1. Secure a Job Offer

The first step is to secure a job offer from a UAE-based employer. The employer will be responsible for initiating the visa application process1.

2. Gather Necessary Documents

You will need to provide the following documents to your employer:

I. Visa Application Form:

Complete the online UAE visa application form available on our official "Emirates Visa Online" website.You can apply for your UAE visa through Manage your booking after you book your Emirates flight. VFS processing fees apply. For more information please visit VFS Global.

II. Passport:

A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity.

III. Passport-Size Photo:

A recent photo with a white background.

IV. Academic Qualifications:

Copies of your academic certificates, attested by the UAE embassy or consulate in Nepal.

V. Medical Certificate:

Issued by a government-approved health facility in Nepal.

VI. Employment Contract:

A signed employment contract from your UAE employer.

3. Entry Permit

Your employer will apply for an entry permit for you, which allows you to enter the UAE and complete the work visa process. This permit is usually valid for two months3.

4. Medical Test and Emirates ID

Upon arrival in the UAE, you will need to undergo a medical fitness test and provide your biometric data for the Emirates ID. The Emirates ID is your official identification as a resident in the UAE3.

5. Work Visa Approval

Once all the documents are verified and the medical test is completed, your work visa will be stamped in your passport. This allows you to legally work in the UAE3.

6. Labor Card

You will need to apply for a labor card by submitting the medical reports, employer’s labor license, two passport-sized photos, and copies of your entry visa and employment contract to the Ministry of Labor.

Labor Cards can be renewed from any country. In Nepal, the cost required for labor card renewal is NPR 1,500 for two years and NPR 2,500 for more than two years.

7. Residence Visa

Finally, you will need to apply for a residence visa. This involves submitting the filled-up residence visa application form to the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs1.

8. Health Insurance

The cost of health insurance required for a UAE work visa depends on the employer and the employee's salary and designation. The employer is responsible for paying the insurance premiums, and cannot deduct them from the employee's salary.

Conclusion

Obtaining a UAE working visa from Nepal involves several steps, but with the right preparation and documentation, the process can be smooth and straightforward. Make sure to work closely with your employer and follow all the requirements to ensure a successful application.

Top 8 FAQs with Answers

1. How long does it take to get a UAE work visa from Nepal? It usually takes 2–4 weeks for the entire UAE work visa process after securing a job offer. However, timelines may vary based on document preparation and employer processing time.

2. Can I change jobs after getting a UAE work visa? Yes, you can change jobs in the UAE, but the process involves obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer. Some industries have specific restrictions, so check the terms of your employment contract.

3. What is the cost of obtaining a UAE work visa from Nepal? The cost includes:

• Visa processing fees (paid by the employer).
• Medical tests in Nepal (approximately NPR 5,000–10,000).
• Document attestation fees.
• Airfare (usually covered by the employer in legal contracts).

4. Are there age restrictions for applying for a UAE work visa? The minimum age is 18 years, and the maximum age typically depends on the job type and industry. For most labor jobs, workers above 50 years may face restrictions unless they are highly skilled professionals.

5. Can I sponsor my family with a UAE work visa? Yes, UAE work visa holders earning a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 plus accommodation) can sponsor their spouse and children. Additional documentation, such as marriage and birth certificates, is required.

6. What happens if my work visa is canceled? If your visa is canceled, you will have a 30-day grace period to secure a new job and visa or exit the UAE. Overstaying beyond this period will result in fines.

7. Do I need a medical test in Nepal and the UAE? Yes, medical tests are required in both countries:

• Nepal: Pre-departure medical tests approved by the UAE embassy.
• UAE: Medical fitness tests include screening for communicable diseases like HIV and tuberculosis.

8. Can I apply for a work visa without an employer in the UAE? Yes, you can apply for a Green Visa (for freelancers or self-employed individuals) or a Golden Visa (for highly skilled professionals). These visas don’t require employer sponsorship but involve strict eligibility criteria.

9. How Nepali get a UAE Working Visa usually ? There is an alternative way of getting a UAE Working Visa Firstly, you have to obtain a Visit visa to UAE from Nepal. During the period of visit visa to UAE, you can explore the job opportunities over there and have a talk with employers. If the employer is impressed by your skills and if they provide you with a working offer letter. You can convert your UAE Visit Visa to UAE Work Visa.