Nepalese citizens require a work visa (also known as
an employment or residence visa) to legally work in Dubai (part of the United
Arab Emirates). Unlike tourist or visit visas, work visas are
employer-sponsored under the kafala system, meaning a UAE-based employer must
initiate and sponsor the process. As of early 2026, Nepalese nationals cannot enter
Dubai on a tourist visa and convert it directly to a work visa without
following proper channels, attempting to work on a visit visa is illegal and
can lead to fines, deportation, or bans.
The process is regulated by Nepal's Department of
Foreign Employment (DoFE) on the Nepali side and UAE authorities (Ministry of
Human Resources and Emiratisation - MoHRE, General Directorate of Residency and
Foreigners Affairs - GDRFA) on the UAE side. Recent updates include mandatory
police clearance reports from Nepal Police for visa applicants (introduced late
2025) and continued emphasis on pre-departure medical checks.
1.
Secure a Job Offer
Find
employment through licensed recruitment agencies in Nepal (approved by DoFE) or
directly via UAE employers. The employer must provide a job offer letter and
commit to sponsorship.
2.
Obtain Labour Approval and Contract
The UAE
employer applies for an employment entry permit/visa quota from MoHRE. Once
approved, they issue a standardized employment contract detailing salary,
working hours, overtime, accommodation, food, transportation, medical
insurance, end-of-service benefits, air tickets (joining and return), and other
terms. The contract must be in Arabic and English.
3.
Pre-Departure Requirements in Nepal
· Apply
for a labour permit from DoFE (mandatory for all outbound workers)
· Submit
documents including the employment contract (attested if needed), passport,
photos, and medical fitness certificate from a UAE-approved clinic in Nepal
(screening for HIV, TB, hepatitis, etc.)
· Undergo
orientation/training if required
· Pay
any recruitment fees (monitor for excessive charges—DoFE caps them)
4.
Entry Permit and Arrival
The employer
obtains an entry permit (pink visa) from UAE immigration. This allows you to
enter Dubai (usually valid for 60 days). Upon arrival, complete medical fitness
tests in the UAE (if not fully done in Nepal), Emirates ID application, and
residency stamping.
5.
Residence Visa and Emirates ID
Within 60
days of entry, the employer processes the residence visa (typically 2–3 years,
renewable) through GDRFA. You receive an Emirates ID card, which now serves as
proof of residence and work authorization (replacing sticker visas in passports
since 2023–2024 updates).
6.
Required Documents (Typical List)
· Valid
passport (at least 6 months validity, with blank pages).
· Passport-sized
photos.
· Signed
employment contract (attested by relevant authorities if required).
· Job
offer letter from the UAE employer.
· Copy
of employer's trade license and establishment card.
· Medical
fitness certificate (pre- and post-arrival).
· Police
clearance certificate from Nepal Police (mandatory as of late 2025).
· Previous
labour permit/UAE visa copies (if re-migrating).
· No
Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable.
Official
Sources:
Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), Nepal: https://dofe.gov.np/
Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi: https://ae.nepalembassy.gov.np/
UAE Government Portal: https://u.ae/
If you're in the process or planning to apply, verify
with a licensed agency and prepare for medicals early. Safe migration starts
with official channels, avoid unofficial agents promising quick visas.
