Arab News
Khaleej times,
Mon, Sep 01, 2025 | Rabi al-Awwal 9, 1447
UAE: Do Golden Visa holders need to change residency status when switching jobs?
Emirates:
Question: I
have been working for a company in Dubai for the past seven years. Last year, I
invested in a property in the emirate, which enabled me to obtain the Golden
Visa. I have now received a job offer from another Dubai-based company. How do
the visa and documentation formalities work if I decide to accept this new
position?
Answer: As
a Golden Visa holder, you are allowed to take up employment in the UAE. This is
in line with Article 7 of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 and Article
6(1)(j) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, which states that a "Golden Visa
holders permit is issued upon request by a registered establishment wishing to
hire such an employee.
Golden Visa holders permit: This type of permit is
issued upon the request of an establishment registered with the Ministry that
wishes to employ an employee holding a golden visa in the State.”
In other words, even though you are self-sponsored
under the Golden Visa, your new employer must still apply for a work permit so
you can officially work for them.
Another benefit is that an employee who is a
Golden Visa holder in the UAE is exempt from the usual restriction that prevents
employees from obtaining a new work permit after the termination of an
employment contract during the probationary period. This exemption is confirmed
in Article 11(3) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022:
"Subject to the provisions of Clauses (4) and (6)
of Article (9) of the Employment Law, the Ministry may exempt some employees for
not granting a work permit pursuant to the following rules:
The employee is a Golden Visa holder.”
The required documents to obtain a work permit
through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for a UAE
golden residency visa holder in accordance with Administrative Resolution No. 38
of 2022 concerning the Guidelines for Implementing Ministerial Resolution No. 46
of 2022 Regarding Work Permits, Offer Letters, and Employment Contract Forms,
are:
-
Clear coloured photo with a white background
-
A copy of a valid passport that must be valid for at least six months, with
a copy of a valid residency (Golden) visa
-
Approved employment contract issued by the Ministry, which includes both the
employer's and employee's signature
-
Academic Certificates: A clear certificate bearing the name of the employee,
attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,
for the following skill levels:
-
Skill levels (1 & 2): Bachelor's Degree or higher attested by the competent
authorities;
-
Skill level (3 & 4): Diploma graduate or higher - attested by the competent
authorities
-
Skill level (5): High school certificate - attested by the competent
authorities
-
State-issued certificates are excluded
5. Professional license issued by the competent authority, example: doctor,
nurse, etc (professional license issued by the Ministry of Health -
Department of Health)/Teacher, teacher assistant (Ministry of Education-
Knowledge Authority (Dubai) - Abu Dhabi Education Council - Sharjah
Education Council), Fitness Trainer (Youth and Sports Authority)/Advocate
(Ministry of Justice).”