Guide to Work Permits and Visas in the Gulf Region

The Gulf region is one of the most attractive destinations for businesses and investors. It’s no surprise, as it’s one of the fastest-growing regions in the recent years. However, each of the countries in the Gulf region has its plans for future growth and opportunities for expats.

For example, the UAE is a very interesting destination for entrepreneurs and businesses. It offers great work opportunities and straightforward processes for starting your own business. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has yet to put in place visas allowing foreigners to freelance in the country.

Still, if you’d like to move or work from one of these countries, you have options in terms of visas. Let’s explore the visa types available to you in these countries.

Saudi Arabia

Several visas are available if Saudi Arabia is your Gulf country of choice. It currently offers:

1. Employment visas

As a rule, all noncitizens need a work or employment visa to work in Saudi Arabia. The requirements may vary depending on your citizenship, nationality, education, and other factors. Employment visas are generally accompanied by a residence permit.

2. Business visit visas

Business visit visas allow people to visit the country for business matters. This includes business meetings and checking up on your investments. However, not all countries are eligible, and you need an invitation from a Saudi Arabian company.

3. Temporary work visit visas

A temporary work visit visa is a fairly new visa in Saudi Arabia. It is valid for a year and allows its holders multiple entries in the year. Many workers also rely on this type of visa to work for 90 days for a visa-sponsoring company.

Unfortunately, at the moment, Saudi Arabia does not offer freelance or digital nomad visas. Saudi Arabia doesn’t recognize remote work for noncitizens. Employers should be careful, and enlist professional help to hire non-citizens to work remotely in Saudi Arabia.

How to get a work visa for Saudi Arabia?

Getting a work visa for Saudi Arabia requires employees to have a sponsor employer from Saudi Arabia. The sponsoring employer starts and handles most of the application process. The employer also has to pay for the expenses of each applicant.

Saudi Arabia requires foreign nationals to pass a certain exam, depending on the type of work they want to do in the country. This test is available only to certain nationalities, and only in 23 technical fields. It’s important to inform yourself whether the test is needed and available to qualify for a certain visa.

To get a visa for working in Saudi Arabia, the sponsoring employer first registers with the Ministry of Interior. The ministry will then start an immigration file about all expatriate applicants.

Next, the employer submits a work visa application to the Ministry of Labor. Once approved, the Ministry of Labor informs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The latter issues a Visa Authorization Number within two weeks.

The employee then applies for the employment visa at the Saudi Arabian embassy, providing the required documents. Some of the documents required include:

• passport that’s valid for the duration of the employment,

• proof of payment for the visa fee,

• completed visa application,

• letter of employment and the contract with the sponsoring employer.

The embassy issues the visa within one to three weeks, allowing the employee to travel to Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, the employee must apply for a residency permit, known as an iqama, through the Ministry of Labor.

Once they get the iqama, employees must carry them at all times, as it proves that they can legally leave and work in Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait

Kuwait is another country in the Gulf region your employer might want you to move to. Here is what you should know about your visa options in Kuwait.

Kuwait currently offers a work visa that you can apply for, but the sponsoring employer must be registered and licensed in Kuwait. Unfortunately, Kuwait doesn’t provide digital nomad visas, and you need an employer to start the visa process to move and work in Kuwait.

How to obtain a work visa in Kuwait?

The process for obtaining a work visa is similar to the one of other countries in the Gulf region. The employee should obtain a residency visa based on the employment offer before applying for a work visa. Kuwait requires the employer to start the process at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.

The documents required include a valid passport and visa application from the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kuwait also requires a medical examination test, an HIV/AIDS test, and a police clearance showing no criminal record.

Once the visa application is approved, the employee will get a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC). The employee will use this certificate to enter Kuwait, where they will receive a residency visa.

Employees must apply for Civil ID within 30 days of receiving a residency visa. Employers, on the other hand, are obliged to keep detailed records. It includes employee work permits and contracts, Civil ID, and other records required by Private Sector Kuwait Labor Law.

Bahrain

Bahrain is another country in the Gulf region you may choose to work from. It offers three types of visas to people looking to enter Bahrain for work can get.

1. Work visa

Employees looking to stay in Bahrain and work for a Bahrain employer need to receive a work visa. Similarly to other countries in the region, the employer must start the process with the relevant authorities.

The work visa in Bahrain can be valid for one or two years. It also grants workers the right to apply for residency. Bahrain processes work visa applications within approximately five business days.

​​To get a Bahrain working visa, an employer handles most of the application process for the employee. The employer needs to provide essential documents. These include a letter of employment and a commercial registration number. It also requires details of the employee's role and contract duration.

Employers should also submit a visa application form. They should provide the employee's passport a passport-size photo, and other relevant documents. The employee has to provide a medical report. They should also submit a document that confirms academic or professional qualifications.

2. Golden Residency Visa

The Golden residency visa is available for highly talented individuals who meet specific criteria set by the Kingdom of Bahrain. This visa allows permanent residency for the applicant and their family (spouse, children, and parents). It also allows holders to work in Bahrain and make multiple entries without restrictions.

Individuals applying for the Golden Residency Visa must gain approval from the relevant authority. They should also get approval from an accredited business incubator. The government should identify their exceptional skills in academics, entrepreneurship, science, or sports.

3. 72-hour and Seven-day visa

Those traveling to Bahrain for a short business trip can get one of these visas once they enter Bahrain. There are no special requirements with the regulatory bodies. They can get these visas at the point of entry.

However, this doesn’t apply to all nationalities, so it’s important to establish whether you are eligible for Bahrain’s on-arrival visa. Business travelers will need a valid passport and their ticket.

4. Business visa

Bahrain’s business visa is a great choice for business people looking to stay in the kingdom for more than a week. The duration of this visa depends on the business you want to do while on your trip. This type of visa allows you to attend business meetings and conferences, and to enroll in a training program.

Qatar

In Qatar, two types of visas are available for people who would like to move and work there. Depending on whether you would like to work for an employer or as a digital nomad, you may choose one or the other.

1. Work visa

Qatar also offers a work visa to employees with a job offer from a Qatari employer. To get a work visa, the sponsoring employer must start and complete most of the process.

Your employer must be registered with the Immigration Department in the Ministry of Interior before applying for work permits. The employer needs to submit various documents and trade licenses. Upon approval, they will receive an Immigration Card and a Representative Card.

After registration, the employer applies for a block of work permits for their employees. The application is typically completed in Arabic. It includes details like the number of foreign employees, their job roles, and nationalities. Approval comes from the Ministry of Labour.

Once work permits are approved, each worker needs an individual employment visa. Some of the required documents include a passport copy, a medical certificate, and the immigration card of the employer. Employees must submit these and other relevant documents to the Ministry of Labour.

2. Digital nomad visa - Secondee visa

Qatar, unfortunately, doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa like the UAE does. But, there are still ways for freelancers to work remotely from Qatar. It revolves around being a “secondee”.

Under this option, an employee, who already works for a Qatar company, asks their employer to take on extra, or second work. With the sponsor’s company permission, an employee can take extra work for you. It can include both full and part-time work, on top of the main job the employee already has for the sponsor company.

Unfortunately, this is not a long-term solution, as these secondee arrangements typically last for six months. These can be renewed, and are the best way to hire remote workers in Qatar, without the legal presence.

The United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers diverse employee, freelancer, and investor visas. It is also ranked as one of the best countries in terms of ease of administration and ranks in the first place for ease of obtaining a residence permit.

Unlike other countries in the region, UAE also has a very straightforward process for anyone looking to start their own business. Entrepreneurs and business owners looking to establish a presence in the UAE can also do so easily. It is a great route for those who are looking to obtain a residency visa in the UAE.

Types of visas available to workers in the UAE include:

1. Work visa

This type of visa is available to workers employed by a UAE business. It is available for 30 days but can be extended for another 30 days. It gives everyone time to manage a residence visa, Emirates ID, and Labour card.

To get a valid UAE work visa, an employee must have a confirmed job offer from an established business in Dubai first. The employer then applies for an entry permit and residence visa for the employee at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

From the employee side, it's important to ensure the passport is current and valid for at least six months. Employees will also need to undergo medical exams at certified health centers in the UAE. It's a good idea for employees to get tested in their home country if there's any concern about communicable diseases.

Additionally, if the employee has an academic certification from outside the UAE, they must first verify it. You can complete the process at the Embassy or consulate in your home country and then at the state's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Freelancer Visa

A freelance visa in Dubai allows you to get residency without needing a sponsor from an employer. Dubai started offering freelance visas in 2019. It makes it possible for freelancers to live there and work without setting up a business presence.

To get a freelance visa, you first need to get a freelance permit. You'll need to submit paperwork, including a passport copy, and a recent photo. You should also submit your CV, and a portfolio of your work, if applicable, to the relevant licensing authority. After getting the freelance permit, you can apply for a freelance visa.

3. Green visa

The Green visa is a popular choice for entrepreneurs and freelancers because it does not require a sponsor employer. To apply for this visa, you need a freelance permit, and proof of a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You also need evidence of an annual income higher than AED 360,000 for the past two years.

4. Gold visa

The Gold visa is perfect for high-level professionals. It includes CEOs, business owners, investors, and people with PhDs. It also includes doctors, engineers, and athletes.

Entrepreneurs need to prove their project is worth AED 500,000 to apply for a visa. The project needs to get approval from the relevant authorities and a business incubator in the UAE.

Special talents, such as doctors, scientists, and athletes, need to submit paperwork related to their field to apply for the Gold visa. This visa is similar to the US’ EB-2 NW visa and its requirements depend on the applicant's area of expertise.

Oman

The last country in the Gulf Region, but not the least, is Oman. Oman has been named the safest and friendliest country for expats in 2019. If you are interested in working in Oman, here are the types of visas available to you.

1. Oman’s work visa

Oman’s work visa follows similar procedures and requirements as the other countries in the Gulf Region. Most of the work falls on the employer, who needs to start the process with the Ministry of Manpower. The employer will need the Labor Licence, which gives Labor Clearance for the employer to hire foreign workers.

After obtaining the labor license, the employer can send the prospective employee a letter of employment offer. Once the employee receives this job offer, they can use the Royal Oman Police’s online portal to apply for an employment visa. However, the employer usually applies on behalf of the employee.

Upon successful granting of the visa, the employee can enter Oman and apply for a residence card within 30 days of arrival. This residence card allows the employee to live and work in the country.

2. Temporary work visa

A temporary work visa allows business people to work in Oman for a shorter period. It is valid for four, six, or nine months. This work visa is also a good choice for those who have to travel to Oman for work often, as it allows re-entry throughout the validity period.

Working from the Gulf Region - Need to Know

Keep in mind that these requirements are not universal. Each country has its own set of requirements. Some may vary depending on the level of education and qualification you have, or even on your nationality.

For example, most of these countries have exceptions for other countries in the Gulf region. Some of them have different rules for other countries, including India in some, and the UK in others.

While these requirements can be used as solid guidelines, it’s best to consult with professionals, your EOR, or local PEO to make sure you are hiring by the book.

The Gulf region has shown great promise as an excellent place to work in recent years. But, while some countries are progressive in terms of digital nomad visas, others are not. Many still require an employer sponsorship and have tricky procedures for obtaining the visa.

But, countries in this region are excellent choices for entrepreneurs and businesses. Specifically for those operating in the tech sector, healthcare, and sustainability. These countries are also known for offering competitive salaries for their foreign employees.

FAQs:

How to get a UAE work permit?

An employee must first secure a job offer from a legally established business in the UAE. The employer then applies for the work permit on the employee's behalf through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The process includes obtaining an entry permit, undergoing a medical examination, and applying for an Emirates ID.

How long does a work visa last?

A UAE work visa is typically valid for one to three years. The exact duration depends on the terms of the employment contract and the employer's sponsorship. Work visas can be renewed before they expire. It allows the employee to continue working in the UAE as long as their employment and sponsorship conditions remain valid.

Can I go to Dubai on a tourist visa and find a job?

Yes, you can enter Dubai on a tourist visa and search for a job while you are there. However, you cannot start working until you have secured a job offer and your employer has successfully applied for and obtained a work permit and residence visa for you. It is important to note that working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, or other legal consequences.