The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be a top destination for expatriates and professionals due to its booming economy, world-class infrastructure, and career opportunities across industries such as oil & gas, construction, healthcare, finance, and tourism. For citizens of Bahrain, Dubai offers flexible work visa options that allow them to live and work in the UAE legally and comfortably.

This guide explains everything Bahraini nationals need to know about applying for a Dubai work visa in 2026—including requirements, application steps, medical tests, and useful tips.

Why Choose Dubai for Work?

Strong job market: Growing opportunities in healthcare, IT, engineering, finance, and hospitality.
Tax-free income: No personal income tax in the UAE.
Quality of life: Modern lifestyle, world-class infrastructure, and cultural diversity.
Geographic advantage: Short travel time between Bahrain and Dubai.

Do Bahraini Citizens Need a Visa to Work in Dubai?

Tourist Visits: Bahraini nationals do not require a visa to enter Dubai for short tourist visits.
Employment in Dubai: To legally work, they must obtain a Dubai work visa / employment visa sponsored by a UAE-based employer.
GCC Professionals: Non-citizen expatriates residing in Bahrain (e.g., with high-ranking professions such as doctors, engineers, or managers) may sometimes receive a 30-day visa on arrival, but it is temporary and not renewable for employment purposes.

👉 For long-term employment, a proper Dubai work permit and residence visa are mandatory.

Dubai Work Visa Requirements for Bahraini Nationals

To apply for a Dubai work visa in 2026, Bahraini citizens must prepare the following documents:

Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
Recent passport-sized photographs (with white background)
Signed employment contract with a Dubai-based employer
Copy of Emirates ID application form (to be completed later)
Proof of accommodation in Dubai (e.g., tenancy contract or employer-provided housing)
Birth certificate & marriage certificate (if applicable, for family sponsorship)
Proof of financial stability (bank statements, if requested)
Attested academic and professional certificates (depending on job role)
Medical fitness certificate (mandatory in UAE)
Filled UAE employment visa application form
Employer’s valid trade license and company documents

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Dubai Work Visa

1. Employer Initiates Work Permit

Your Dubai employer applies for approval from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

2. Entry Permit Visa Issuance

Once approved, the Ministry issues an entry permit (valid for 60 days) allowing you to enter Dubai.

3. Arrival in Dubai

The employee travels to Dubai using the entry permit.

4. Medical Test

A medical fitness test (blood test & X-ray) is conducted to screen for communicable diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and syphilis. Certain professions (nannies, healthcare staff, food handlers) require additional tests.

5. Emirates ID Registration

Biometric scanning at an Emirates ID center is required to apply for a UAE identity card.

6. Labour Card / Work Permit

The employer applies for your labour card, confirming legal employment status in Dubai.

7. Residence Visa Stamping

Finally, the residency visa is stamped on your passport by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This allows you to live and work in Dubai legally.

Medical Test Requirements for Bahraini Citizens

All foreign employees in Dubai, including Bahrainis, must undergo a mandatory medical exam:

Blood test & chest X-ray (for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis B, leprosy)
Additional tests for specific professions:
- Nannies, domestic workers, and drivers → pregnancy test
- Food handlers, salon workers, and healthcare staff → Hepatitis & syphilis screening

Applicants failing the medical exam will not be granted a work visa.

Dubai Work Visa Validity & Renewal

Work visas are usually issued for 2–3 years (depending on the employer and free zone regulations).
Renewal must be initiated by the employer before expiry.
Overstaying after visa expiry may result in fines and legal penalties.

Dubai Work Visa Fees for Bahraini Nationals

Visa fees vary based on job category, employer type, and processing speed. Approximate costs include:

Entry permit: AED 250–500
Medical test: AED 300–700
Emirates ID: AED 170–370
Residence visa stamping: AED 500–1,000

👉 Employers are legally required to cover visa and processing fees for their employees.

Tips for Bahraini Citizens Applying for a Dubai Work Visa

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Verify the authenticity of your Dubai employer before signing a contract.
Keep multiple copies of all documents (passport, employment contract, medical report).
Apply through Dubai E Visa Online for a hassle-free application process.
Do not overstay your entry permit; convert it into a residence visa within the stipulated time.

Conclusion

For Bahraini nationals seeking employment in Dubai in 2026, obtaining a work visa is a straightforward process when guided by a legitimate employer. From medical exams to Emirates ID registration, every step ensures legal residency and work rights in the UAE.

With its tax-free income, world-class infrastructure, and career opportunities, Dubai remains one of the best destinations for Bahraini professionals. Start your visa application today via Apply Dubai Visa Online and begin your journey toward a successful career in the UAE.