As we enter 2026, Dubai work visa continues to be the top employment destination for Indians, but the entry rules have evolved significantly. The days of passport “sticker visas” are largely over, with Emirates IDs now serving as the primary proof of residency. Additionally, new mandates like the Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) insurance and digitized WAFID (formerly GAMCA) medical slips are now strictly enforced.
For Indian citizens, the process involves two critical stages: one in India (attestation & medical) and one in Dubai (biometrics & residency).
1. Dubai Work Visa Requirements for Indians (2026)
To legally work in Dubai, you cannot simply fly on a tourist visa and start a job. You need a Residence Visa for Employment.
Eligibility Checklist
- Age: Minimum 18 years. (Upper limit is typically 60, though renewable thereafter).
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.
- Job Offer: A formal offer letter from a company based in Dubai (Mainland or Free Zone).
- Clean Medical Record: You must test negative for HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Hepatitis B/C. New for 2026: Stricter “Unfit” criteria for scarring from old TB cases.
Document Checklist
- Passport Copies: Color scans of the first and last pages.
- Passport Photos: White background, 45mm x 35mm.
- Attested Educational Certificates:
- 2026 Process: Both UAE Embassy and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) attestation can now be completed within India for many documents.
- Flow: State HRD → MEA (India) → UAE Embassy (India) → MOFA.
- GAMCA (WAFID) Medical Slip: A “Fit” report from a GCC Approved Medical Centers Association (GAMCA) center in India. Update: Appointments must now be booked online via the official portal; manual bookings are discontinued.
2. Dubai Work Visa Price (2026 Breakdown)
One of the most common questions is: “Who pays for the visa?”
- The Law: The employer is legally required to pay for the recruitment, residency visa, medical test, and Emirates ID.
- The Reality: Some smaller companies may ask employees to bear costs upfront. Below is the fair market cost so you don’t get overcharged.
Cost Breakdown (Estimated)
| Service | Cost (AED) | Cost (INR) | Paid By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit (MOHRE) | 250 – 3,450 | ₹5,700 – ₹79,000 | Employer |
| Medical Test (in UAE) | 300 – 800 | ₹6,900 – ₹18,400 | Employer |
| Emirates ID (2 Years) | ~370 | ~₹8,500 | Employer |
| Visa Stamping/File Open | 500 – 1,200 | ₹11,500 – ₹27,600 | Employer |
| GAMCA Medical (India) | ~₹5,500 | ~₹5,500 | Employee (Often) |
| Attestation (India) | ~₹8,000 | ~₹8,000 | Employee |
- Total “Official” Cost to Employer: AED 3,000 – AED 7,500 (approx. ₹69,000 – ₹1.7 Lakhs), depending on the company’s “Category” (Level 1, 2, or 3).
- Skill Level Impact: Fees are lower for skilled workers (Skill Levels 1 & 2 – Degree holders) and higher for low-skilled labor.
3. Step-by-Step Application Process
The process has been streamlined in 2026 with the “Work Bundle” platform, reducing processing time from weeks to days for some companies.
Phase 1: In India (Before Travel)
- Job Offer: You sign the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) standard offer letter.
- Work Permit Approval: Your employer applies for a quota and work permit in Dubai via the MOHRE online portal.
- Entry Permit (Pink Visa): Once approved, the employer sends you an Employment Entry Permit (valid for 60 days).
- Note: You enter Dubai using this permit. Do not enter on a tourist visa if you plan to start work immediately, as you will have to pay a “Status Change” fee (approx. AED 1,600) later.
Phase 2: In Dubai (After Arrival)
- Medical Screening: You visit a government-authorized health center for a blood test and chest X-ray. Results usually take 24-48 hours.
- Biometrics: You visit an ICP center to scan your fingerprints and iris for your Emirates ID.
- Visa Stamping: Your passport is stamped with the Residence Visa (or a digital version is issued).
- ILOE Insurance: You must subscribe to the Involuntary Loss of Employment insurance (Cost: AED 60/year). Failure to do so results in a AED 400 fine.
4. Key 2026 Updates You Must Know
A. Fixed-Term Contracts Only
Unlimited contracts are largely phased out. All new contracts in 2026 are typically Fixed-Term (usually 2 years), renewable by mutual consent.
B. New “Job Seeker” Visa
If you haven’t found a job yet, avoid the risky “agent” route. Apply for the Job Seeker Visa:
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree holders from top 500 universities OR Skill Level 1-3 professionals.
- Cost: ~AED 1,500 (approx. ₹34,500).
- Benefit: Allows you to stay for 60-120 days to find a job legally without a sponsor.
C. Remote Work Visa (Virtual Work)
For freelancers and remote workers:
- Eligibility: Salary of $3,500/month (approx. ₹2.9 Lakhs) from a non-UAE company.
- Cost: $287 (approx. ₹24,000) plus medical insurance.
- Benefit: Live in Dubai for 1 year while working for your Indian/Global employer.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work on a Tourist Visa in Dubai?
Strictly NO. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and attracts a fine of AED 50,000 and deportation. You must wait for your Work Permit / Entry Permit.
Q: What if I fail the Medical Test in Dubai?
If you test positive for HIV or active TB, your visa will be rejected, and you will be deported to India. Old (cured) TB scars are usually acceptable but may require a specialized “Unfit-but-Fit” certificate from the health authority.
Q: Is the GAMCA test mandatory for all Indians?
It is mandatory for “Employment” visas. However, some Free Zone visas and “Partner/Investor” visas may bypass the India-side GAMCA and only require the UAE medical test. Always check with your PRO.
Q: How long does the process take?
- Standard: 2–3 weeks.
- Fast Track (Work Bundle): 5–7 days.
Need a Job Seeker Visa or Attestation Services?
Navigating MOHRE rules can be tricky.
Contact Ausizz Migration Consultants:
- Website: www.ausizzmigrationconsultants.com
