How to work in Dubai: Jobs for Filipinos, requirements and more

Working in Dubai has become an option that’s attractive for many Filipinos because of its proximity to home, thriving economy, tax-free perks, and extensive range of job opportunities. Salaries are competitive, and the best thing? The UAE has no income tax, so you get to keep 100% of what you earn.

In addition to the financial perks, Dubai is an exciting city that offers a modern lifestyle and an international community. However, working in Dubai isn’t as simple as flying in and looking for a job. In this blog post, we’ll share all you need to know to work in Dubai as a Filipino. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Table of contents
Can Filipinos Work in Dubai? Types of Dubai Work Visas for Filipinos Requirements to Work in Dubai for Filipinos Dubai Jobs for Filipinos How to Apply for Jobs in Dubai from the Philippines Planning to work abroad? Manage your salary and get more pesos from your conversions when you send money with Wise

Can Filipinos Work in Dubai?

As of 2025, the number of Filipinos in the UAE is approximately 780,000, making up 6.9% of the country’s population. The number of Filipinos in Dubai alone is estimated to be 450,000, representing a whopping 21% of the emirate’s total population, which is a mere 3.6 million.¹

Filipinos are a crucial part of Dubai’s economy. In the healthcare industry alone, around 20,000 Filipino nurses are employed throughout the UAE, accounting for about 60% of migrant nurses, and the majority of them work and reside in Dubai. You’ll also frequently meet Filipinos in the retail, hospitality, tourism, construction, and IT industries.

Many businesses, like shops and restaurants, are also owned and managed by Filipinos, especially in neighbourhoods like Al Karama, Al Satwa, Bur Dubai, Deira, Al Qusais, and International City, which will give you a nice taste of home in a foreign land.

Types of Dubai Work Visas for Filipinos

In the UAE, which includes Dubai, all work visas are issued at the federal level through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). There is no specific Dubai-only visa, so if you want to work in Dubai or any other emirate in the UAE, you’ll need a work permit issued by the MoHRE.

MoHRE has over 10 different work permits for Filipinos, and three types of residence visas for employment purposes. Here are some of the popular ones that Filipinos often obtain.

Standard Work Visa

This is the most common type of visa that Filipinos apply for. You’ll need to have your employer apply for the visa for you, whether you are working in the private sector, government sector, or free zone.²

The Dubai free zone is a designated area, like Dubai Media City, Dubai Healthcare City, and Dubai Internet City, where businesses can operate under 100% foreign ownership and enjoy benefits like tax exemptions.

Unlike mainland Dubai, companies in free zones do not need a local sponsor, making the free zones particularly attractive for international companies and freelancers.

For the standard work visa, you need a confirmed job offer that meets the UAE’s minimum wage requirements from a UAE-based company, which will act as a sponsor for your visa application. Then, your employer will obtain a work permit from MoHRE, which you’ll need before the residence visa.

This work visa is largely the responsibility of the employer, who should also cover all the application fees, the cost of the medical check, the entry permit, and visa stamping. This type of visa is typically valid for two years.

Green Visa

The Green Visa allows you to sponsor yourself for five years, which eliminates the need for a UAE-based sponsor. This visa is suitable for freelancers and skilled employees.³

To obtain this as a freelancer, you’ll need a freelance or self-employment permit with the MoHRE, proof of tertiary education, and proof of an annual income of AED 360,000 (PHP 5,500,000) in the last two years.

As a skilled employee, you need a valid employment contract, be classified in an approved occupational level according to the MoHRE, hold at least a Bachelor’s, and have a salary of at least AED 15,000 (PHP 232,682) a month.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is the top-tier of the residence visas and is suitable for investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding specialized talents like doctors, scientists, inventors, and athletes.⁴

This visa is valid for up to 10 years and you won’t need a sponsor. You also won’t need to stay in the UAE for more than six months to keep the visa valid, and you can sponsor your family members like spouse and children.

Work Permits

MoHRE grants 13 different types of work permits for various professions, so check on the site to see if there is one that will suit you. For example, there are permits for private teachers, freelancers, missionaries, juveniles between 15 and 18 years, temporary and part-time work, and for a resident on a family sponsorship.⁵

Requirements to Work in Dubai for Filipinos

In addition to the relevant work visa, there are a few other requirements if you want to work in Dubai for Filipinos. It varies depending on the type of visa you’ll be applying for, but here are some typical documents you’ll need.

• Passport that’s valid for more than six months
• Employment contract or job offer
• Entry approval
• Medical health certificate
• CV and relevant degrees
• Health insurance (usually provided by the employer)
• Emirates ID registration form

Dubai Jobs for Filipinos

If you were wondering about Dubai job hiring for Filipinos, here’s some information about the most popular sectors and the average wages.

1. Architecture, Engineering and Construction Jobs

The construction sector has the biggest community of Filipinos in Dubai, significantly contributing to the emirates’ rapid urban development. Roles range from civil and mechanical engineers to architects and project managers. Salaries depending on experience and specialization but typically range from AED 14,125 to 21,225 per month (PHP 152,000 to 254,700.

2. Healthcare Jobs

Filipino healthcare workers are in high demand in Dubai. For example, Filipino nurses account for almost 60% of all migrant nurses, contributing significantly to the state of Dubai’s healthcare system.

The average salary of a nurse is approximately AED 7,292 per year (PHP 99,000 a month). Top earners can earn up to 19,000 a year (PHP 255,000 a month).⁶

3. Customer Service Jobs

With a strong command of the English language, communication skills, and customer-centric outlook, Filipinos are in high demand in customer service roles. From call centres to tech support roles, you can find Filipino customer service agents across almost all industries. Salary ranges from AED 3,250 to 5,100 per month (PHP 35,000 to 55,000).

4. Tourism and Hospitality Jobs

Dubai is flourishing as a tourism destination, which is creating numerous opportunities in the hospitality industry for roles such as restaurant staff, hotel staff, tour guides, and tour agency staff. Filipinos excel in the hospitality industry and are highly sought after. Average salary depends on the job scope but ranges between AED 4,000 to 11,000 per month (PHP 43,000 to 118,000).

5. Marketing and Advertising Jobs

The growth of digital media has opened loads of opportunities for Filipinos in creative and strategic roles within marketing agencies in Dubai. Average salaries range between AED 5,175 to 17,292 per month (PHP 56,000 to 185,000).⁷

How to Apply for Jobs in Dubai from the Philippines

Ready to look for Dubai jobs for Filipinos?

First, tidy up your CV and cover letter. Then start sending it to the companies you’re interested in. Once you’ve secured your job offer, your employer will make the application to a work permit or residence visa. Be sure to get the checklist of documents ready like passport photos, medical certificate, clean police certificate, and educational certificates.

Only when you get your work permit and residence visa approved, then you can start arranging travel to Dubai for your new life.

Where to Apply for Jobs in Dubai?

If you’re wondering how to work in Dubai from the Philippines, here’s a quick list of popular job sites to help get you started!

Indeed PH - Indeed compiles many job listings from multiple sources like company sites and recruitment agencies. Sign up for an account and store your CV for easy application.

Jobstreet PH - This large database of job postings contain all kinds of jobs in multiple locations, including Dubai, from entry-level to executive.

Naukrigulf - This online platform is exclusively for jobs in the Gulf region. Browse thousands of job listings from around the area.

POEA Jobs - The Philippine Overseas Employment Admnistration has job postings for many destinations, including Dubai.

Work Abroad PH - This site also contains numerous job postings from all over the world, with many located in the UAE.

Planning to work abroad? Manage your salary and get more pesos from your conversions when you send money with Wise

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Sources:

1. Global Media Insight - Population of the United Arab Emirates 2025
2. United Arab Emirates Official Government Portal - Residence Visas
3. United Arab Emirates Official Government Portal - Green Visa
4. United Arab Emirates Official Government Portal - Golden Visa
5. United Arab Emirates Official Government Portal - Work Permits
6. Glassdoor - Registered Nurse in Dubai
7. Payscale - Average Salary in Dubai