If you live in the UAE, where do you apply for a German work visa?

You may hold an Iranian, Turkish or another passport while living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the UAE. For a German national visa, the responsible mission is generally linked to your habitual residence. A short visit to Dubai or a UAE visitor visa does not by itself make the German Consulate General there responsible for your case.

At the time this article was reviewed, the German mission's UAE guidance said national visa applications in Dubai are for applicants habitually resident in the UAE. It also stated that the UAE residence permit and Emirates ID must have been issued at least six months before the application date. Consular procedures can change. Check the current mission page before booking appointments, making travel plans or paying for services.

Once the place of application is clear, identify the correct route. The EU Blue Card has specific qualification and salary requirements. A skilled worker visa may fit a case that does not meet the Blue Card conditions. The German mission in the UAE lists documents such as an employment contract, qualification evidence, passport and UAE residence evidence for skilled employment applications. Use the checklist that applies to your exact category on the day you apply.

If your habitual residence is in Iran, a temporary trip to the UAE does not automatically move your visa case to Dubai. German consular operations affecting Iran have changed during 2026. Applicants in this situation should review the latest Federal Foreign Office notice and the German mission's current guidance close to the application date.

Before spending money, put five facts together: nationality, habitual residence, UAE residence issue date if relevant, visa purpose and responsible mission. That small check can prevent a major detour.