I am on a tourist visa in Dubai. Can I switch to a work visa without leaving the country?

Hello everyone,

I’m currently in Dubai on a tourist visa, but I’ve received a job offer from a local company. I’ve heard mixed information about whether it’s possible to convert a tourist visa directly into a work visa without having to exit the UAE.

My questions are:

• Is it legally allowed to change visa status from tourist to employment while staying in Dubai?

• What fees or procedures are involved in this conversion?

• Does the employer handle the entire process, or do I need to apply separately?

• How long does the status change usually take?

• Are there any risks if the tourist visa expires before the work visa is approved?

I’d appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through this process or knows the current regulations.