How to get a job in Dubai from abroad

Looking for work in Dubai from another country? Here is how to go about it, from choosing the roles to apply for to getting your work visa.

262 Roles open in Dubai
104 Roles open in Abu Dhabi
74 Employers hiring in Dubai

Five steps to a job in Dubai from abroad

  1. Choose roles you can prove. Pick a few kinds of role where your experience is clear, and read what their postings ask for. A focused application to the right role goes further than one CV sent everywhere.
  2. Make your CV work from abroad. Put your current city and country at the top, say when you could start and that you are ready to move, and link to your portfolio, code or published work. Say which hours you can take calls in.
  3. Check that the employer hires from abroad. A job being in Dubai does not mean the employer hires from abroad. Read each posting for where it hires from and whether it helps with the move, and ask before you plan anything when it does not say.
  4. Read the whole offer. Salaries in the UAE are usually quoted per month in dirhams (AED), often as a basic salary plus allowances such as housing and transport. Ask what is included, when you would start and how long probation lasts; it can be up to six months.
  5. Let the employer arrange your work visa. Once you accept an offer, the employer applies for your work permit and residence visa. A tourist or visit visa does not allow you to work, so do not start work on one.

Official information: UAE Government portal · Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (work permits) · GDRFA Dubai (residence visas)

The newest roles in Dubai

See all 262 roles in Dubai Roles in Abu Dhabi

Let us find the right match

Tell us where you are and when you could move. We match you with employers whose roles fit your experience and plans, and introduce you when there is a fit.

More ways in: Jobs in Dubai · Jobs in Abu Dhabi · Remote jobs from the UAE · Free CV checker

Questions about getting a job in Dubai from abroad

Yes. Many employers in Dubai hire people who live elsewhere and move them over once they have accepted an offer. Each posting says where it hires from; when it does not, ask the employer. 262 roles are open in Dubai on Neural Jobs right now.

No. You apply first. Once you accept an offer, the employer applies for your work permit and residence visa. A tourist or visit visa does not allow you to work in the UAE.

The employer. UAE labour law does not allow an employer to charge you recruitment fees or the cost of your work permit and visa. Flights, housing and help with the move vary from one offer to another, so ask what yours includes.

No. Your visa is sponsored by the employer that hires you. We match you with employers and introduce you when there is a fit.

You do not have to. Employers hire from abroad, and first interviews are often held online. Moving first is your decision; if you visit to look for work, a visit visa does not allow you to start working.