Dubai’s booming infrastructure and rapid urban expansion have made it a hotspot for construction jobs. If you’re a skilled or semi-skilled laborer looking for opportunities in Dubai’s construction industry, securing a legal work permit is the first and most essential step. In this blog, Globexa Immigration walks you through everything you need to know about getting a Dubai work permit as a construction worker.
1. Why Work in Dubai's Construction Industry?
Dubai is known for its skyscrapers, smart cities, and mega projects like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek Tower, and Expo City. With continuous government investment in infrastructure, demand for construction workers remains high. Workers in Dubai can benefit from:
Tax-free income
Free accommodation and transportation (usually provided by employer)
Health and safety standards in regulated companies
Multinational work environment
2. Types of Construction Jobs in Dubai
Dubai’s construction sector hires for a wide range of roles, including:
Mason
Carpenter
Steel fixer
Electrician
Plumber
Construction helper/laborer
Civil engineer and site supervisor
3. Documents Required for Dubai Work Permit
To apply for a Dubai work permit as a construction worker, you’ll typically need the following documents:
Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity)
Recent Passport-Sized Photographs (white background)
Educational/Technical Certificates (if any)
Employment Contract or Job Offer Letter
Medical Fitness Test Certificate (done after arrival)
Police Clearance Certificate (may be required)
Entry Permit/Visa from Employer
Your employer or sponsor (usually a construction company or manpower agency in Dubai) will handle most of the visa formalities.
4. Step-by-Step Process to Get a Work Permit
Job Offer from Dubai-based Company
Find a construction job through a verified recruitment agency or company.Employer Applies for Entry Permit
The employer in Dubai applies for a work entry permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).Visa Processing
Once approved, you’ll receive an entry visa to travel to the UAE.Medical Test and Emirates ID Registration
After arriving in Dubai, you must undergo a medical test and apply for an Emirates ID.Labour Card & Residence Visa
If everything is clear, your residence visa and labour card are issued — allowing you to work legally.
5. Duration & Validity
Initial Work Permit Validity: 2 years
Renewable: Yes, with employer sponsorship
Work Hours: Typically 8–10 hours/day, 6 days a week
Health Insurance: Mandatory for all employees
6. Cost of Work Permit (Covered by Employer)
In most cases, the employer or sponsoring company covers all the major expenses related to the Dubai work permit for construction workers. This typically includes the Work Entry Permit, which costs around AED 200 to 300, the Medical Fitness Test costing approximately AED 250 to 350, the Emirates ID and Residence Visa, which ranges from AED 500 to 800, and the Labour Card along with mandatory health insurance, which may cost about AED 500 to 700.
Note: Construction workers are not expected to pay these fees out of their own pocket. If any agent or recruiter asks for money for these services, it may be a sign of fraud. Always verify job offers and processing through a trusted immigration expert like Globexa Immigration.
7. Your Rights as a Construction Worker in Dubai
Once you are legally employed, the UAE Labour Law grants you the following rights:
Timely salary through WPS (Wage Protection System)
Paid annual leave (30 days per year)
Access to medical care and health insurance
Protection from overwork and unsafe conditions
End-of-service benefits
8. Important Tips for Applicants
Never accept job offers from unverified agents.
Confirm that your employer is a registered company in Dubai.
Make sure you receive a copy of your employment contract before travel.
Learn basic English or Arabic for better workplace communication.
Reach out to Globexa Immigration for safe and professional visa support.
9. Final Thoughts
Dubai offers promising opportunities for construction workers from around the world, but entering legally through a valid work permit is crucial. At Globexa Immigration, we help applicants secure trusted job offers and guide them through the complete visa process — from paperwork to arrival in the UAE.
Want to work in Dubai’s booming construction industry?
Contact Globexa Immigration today and let us help you build your future, brick by brick.
