Employee sponsorship requirements in Dubai

Employee sponsorship is a key aspect for companies operating in Dubai, especially when it comes to employing foreign labour. In order to legally sponsor employees as an employer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), certain requirements and regulations must be met. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the requirements for employee sponsorship and what steps are necessary to ensure a reliable process.

What is employee sponsorship?

Employee sponsorship refers to the process by which a company applies for a work visa for an employee. This enables the employee to live and work in Dubai. The sponsoring employer assumes responsibility for compliance with legal requirements and obligations to the employee.

Important requirements for employee sponsorship

To conduct employee sponsorship, companies in Dubai must fulfil the following requirements:

• Trade Licence: the company must have a valid Trade Licence suitable for the particular industry in which the employee is to work.
• Minimum capital requirements: There are certain capital requirements that may vary depending on the company structure and type. These must be met before the sponsorship process can be started.
• Job availability: The employer must prove that a job is available for the employee and that the employee has the required qualifications for the advertised position.
• Comprehensive documentation: All required documents must be properly prepared and submitted. This includes the employment contract, sponsorship application form, catalogues and other relevant evidence.
• Health certificate: The sponsored employee must provide a health certificate issued by the competent authority certifying that he/she has no infectious diseases.

The application process for employee sponsorship

The process for employee sponsorship involves several steps:

1. The employer prepares the required documents, including the work visa.
2. The application is submitted to the relevant authorities, in particular the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
3. Once the application has been approved, the employee will receive an entry permit allowing them to travel to Dubai.
4. Upon arrival in Dubai, the employee must undergo a health examination and complete the entry formalities.
5. The work visa will be officially issued after the health requirements have been checked and approved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if the requirements are not met?

If a company does not fulfil the above requirements, approval for employee sponsorship may be refused. In such cases, it is advisable to obtain comprehensive information about the specific regulations and requirements or to seek professional advice.

How long does the employee sponsorship process take?

The duration of the sponsorship process varies depending on the specific circumstances and the completeness of the documents submitted. In general, the entire process can take several weeks.

Illustrative example on the topic: Employee sponsorship

Imagine a software company in Dubai wants to hire a data analyst from India. The company already has a valid business licence and meets the necessary capital requirements. After contacting the interested candidate, the company prepares all the necessary documents, including the employment contract. After the employee sponsorship application is submitted to the authorities, it is approved and the employee can travel to Dubai. There, the employee completes the health check and finally receives their work visa to successfully start their new position.

For more information on related topics, also visit our article on work permits for expats and learn how to plan for financing options.