Work and Legal Basics

Dubai · Experience date Jan 17, 2026

After accepting offer: 1) Company applies for employment entry permit (2-3 weeks). 2) You enter UAE on this permit within 60 days. 3) Medical test at approved center (1-2 weeks). 4) Emirates ID biometrics at ICA typing center. 5) Visa stamp in passport. 6) Emirates ID card delivered. Total timeline: 6-10 weeks from job offer to full residency. During this time: carry your employment entry permit and passport everywhere. Don't travel outside UAE without checking with HR — re-entry permit may be needed.

Dubai · Experience date Apr 14, 2026

Minimum cost setup for freelancer or small business in UAE: - Cheapest: Shams (Sharjah) freelance permit: AED 5,750/year - RAKEZ freelance permit: AED 7,500/year - Dubai Mainland DED license: AED 15,000-25,000/year - DMCC/DIFC free zone: AED 25,000-50,000/year All include: UAE residency visa quota, trade license. Add: Emirates ID (AED 370), medical test (AED 320), visa stamping (AED 500). Health insurance: buy separately, AED 3,000-6,000/year basic. First year total for RAKEZ freelance: approximately AED 12,000-15,000 all in.

Dubai · Experience date Jan 8, 2026

To drive for Careem/Uber in Dubai: UAE driving license required (not just international license), RTA approval and taxi badge (background check, AED 500 fee), vehicle must be 2017 or newer, comprehensive insurance. Process takes 2-4 weeks. Earnings: AED 4,000-8,000/month depending on hours. This is considered employment (you're registered with RTA) and compatible with freelance visa but not standard employment visa. Many part-time drivers use this for supplemental income.

Dubai · Experience date Jan 6, 2026

Some professions require UAE-specific certification or recognition: healthcare (DHA or HAAD license required, process 2-3 months), engineering (UAE Society of Engineers membership), legal profession (local qualification required), teaching (KHDA approval). Most other professions: home country certificates sufficient with attested copies. Attestation of international documents: 3-step process (home country notary → UAE Embassy in home country → UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Takes 1-3 months and costs AED 500-2,000 per document. Start this process before arriving if your job requires it.

Dubai · Experience date Dec 30, 2025

Standard notice period: 30 days for most employment contracts. Some contracts specify 60 or 90 days — check yours. If employer terminates without notice: entitled to payment in lieu of notice (30 days salary). If you resign without serving notice: employer can withhold same amount. After resignation or termination: 30-day period to find new job or leave country on new visa. Garden leave (notice period where you don't work) is legal and common at senior levels. Get any termination in writing.

Dubai · Experience date May 7, 2026

As of January 2023: UAE removed the requirement for personal alcohol license (previously needed for residents to legally possess/consume alcohol at home). Residents can now buy alcohol from licensed liquor stores (MMI, African & Eastern) with just their passport or Emirates ID showing residency. Tourists can also buy with passport. Purchase limits are not enforced practically. Alcohol still cannot be consumed in public spaces, only in licensed venues or private homes.

Dubai · Experience date Jan 2, 2026

Key rights under UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree 33/2021): 30 days annual leave after 1 year service (2.5 days/month). Sick leave: 90 days (first 15 paid full, next 30 half pay, last 45 unpaid). Overtime: 125% of hourly rate on weekdays, 150% on public holidays. Maternity: 60 days leave for birth (45 paid). End of service gratuity after 1 year. Arbitrary dismissal: if fired without reason, entitled to 3 months salary compensation. File complaints at: mohre.gov.ae or 800-MOHRE (800 60473).