Introduction
Finding a software developer job in Dubai with visa sponsorship is challenging. Dubai has some of the best software engineering salaries in the region, so there are many people from overseas trying to relocate to Dubai. However, anyone who has looked through job listings in the United Arab Emirates will quickly realise that companies rarely mention if they provide a visa or not. How then can you find software programmer roles that include a work visa?
This guide will walk you through the strategies to find software engineering jobs in Dubai that include visa sponsorship, explain why companies don't disclose this information and what it means and explain alternative ways to secure a visa outside of employment.
In this article: 📝
Why Companies in the UAE Don’t Always Disclose Visa Sponsorship
The hesitation to mention visa sponsorship often stems from three main reasons:
Uncertainty in Hiring Policies
Many companies hire candidates both locally and internationally. They often prioritize local candidates because it’s faster and cheaper, but if they find the right international talent, they might consider sponsoring a visa. This flexibility leads to ambiguity in job descriptions.
Changing Immigration Rules
Immigration policies and rules in the UAE can change frequently. Companies may avoid making any concrete promises about visa sponsorship until they have clarity on the latest regulations, fearing complications down the line.
Cost and Administrative Overhead
Sponsoring a visa can be a complex and costly process, particularly for smaller companies. Larger firms might not mention it until later in the interview process when they’re certain about the candidate’s fit and value.
In short, companies may decide on a case-by-case basis and want to avoid early discussions that might discourage applicants before they have the chance to evaluate them.
What does this mean?
So what does it mean if a Dubai based software company doesn't state if they provide a visa? Well it means, that the company is probably open-minded to including a visa for candidates who pass Dubai's immigration rules.
On the other hand, if a job states that it is an "Emeritisation" position, or states "UAE National" or "GCC National", you can be sure that there won't be a visa avaiable for people from outside of the region.
How to Find Software Engineer Jobs in Dubai with Visa Sponsorship
Job Boards
As the leading job board for software developers in Dubai, we list whether a software engineering job is likely to include "Visa Sponsorship" or not. You can check out our software engineer job listings here, and look out for the purple tag that says "Visa Sponsorship".
Target Multinational Companies
Many large corporations, such as Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM, have offices in Dubai and are experienced in sponsoring visas. Focusing your search on these companies increases your chances of finding a role with sponsorship. A good place to start is our list of the best companies to work for in Dubai as a software engineer.
Check Expat Community Forums
Websites like Expat.com and Dubai Forums have sections where people share their experiences and list companies that frequently sponsor visas.
Network Locally and Globally
Attend tech meetups, conferences, and online events where Dubai-based companies participate. Sometimes a personal connection or referral can help unlock opportunities that aren’t advertised.
Contact Recruiters Specializing in the UAE Market
Recruitment agencies like Michael Page and Hays specialize in placements for expatriates. Connecting with a recruiter can provide valuable insights and directly increase your chances of finding roles with visa sponsorship.
Other Ways to Get a Visa for Dubai
Some employers will also state that a position does not involve visa sponsorship. However, all is not lost, because there are other pathways to obtaining a visa:
Freelancer Visa
The UAE offers a freelancer visa for professionals in fields like technology. This visa allows you to live and work in Dubai and is a good option if you want to work with multiple companies or explore contract roles before securing full-time employment.
Investor Visa
If you have some capital to invest, you could start a small business or join a local startup, which could make you eligible for an investor visa. This is more complex but provides long-term flexibility.
If you'd like to learn more, check out our guide about how to get a visa as a software engineer in Dubai
Conclusion
Once people find out what they could earn and the cost of living, then finding a software engineering job in Dubai with visa sponsorship becomes their priority. As we show here finding roles that include a work permit is not impossible, but it requires strategy and persistence. By focusing on the right companies, using our job board, and networking actively, you can increase your chances of success. If a job isn’t immediately available, consider alternative visas to get your foot in the door and leverage your presence in the UAE to find the right role.
Happy job hunting!
