Middle East
Capital
Abu Dhabi
Currency
AED
Avg Salary
$42k / yr
Cost of Living
65 / 100
Destination overview
The UAE is the largest employer of Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East. Tax-free salaries, modern infrastructure, and a thriving job market across construction, hospitality, healthcare, and finance sectors.
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Earning potential
Annual gross estimates for in-demand roles in United Arab Emirates.
View complete salary guideProject Manager
management
Software Engineer
technology
Civil Engineer
engineering
Software Engineer
it
Accountant
finance
Structural Engineer
engineering
$50,000 avg / yr
Software Engineer
it
$49,000 avg / yr
Registered Nurse
healthcare
$48,000 avg / yr
Hotel Manager
hospitality
$45,000 avg / yr
Secondary School Teacher
education
$42,000 avg / yr
Civil Engineer
engineering
$40,900 avg / yr
Site Engineer
construction
$38,000 avg / yr
Accountant (CPA/CIMA)
accounting
$37,600 avg / yr
Secondary School Teacher
teaching
$36,000 avg / yr
Electrician
trades
$35,000 avg / yr
Figures are estimates and may vary by experience, location, and exchange rates.
Living essentials
What migrants should know before arriving in United Arab Emirates.
View complete healthcare guideMandatory employer-provided health insurance
The UAE does not have a public health system open to all residents. Instead, employers are legally required to provide health insurance for all employees under Federal Law No. 7 of 1975 and more recently Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013.
Your employer must provide health insurance as part of your employment package. Minimum basic plans cover emergency and essential outpatient care. Dubai Health Authority (DHA) mandates all Dubai residents have valid health insurance — confirm with your employer that your policy is DHA-approved.
From ~$60/month
Enhanced plans covering dental, optical, specialist care, and family members cost AED 2,000–8,000/year extra. Top insurers in UAE: Daman, Thiqa (for Abu Dhabi government employees), Nextcare, MetLife, AXA Gulf.
Common provider examples
Examples from the sourced guide, not paid endorsements or personalized recommendations.
Last verified March 2025
Official healthcare sourcePersonal fit
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| Pathway | Type | Processing | Gov fee | Est. total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | work | 2–4 weeks | $270 | $800 |
| Golden Visa (10-Year Residency) | pr | 4–8 weeks | $545 | $1,500 |
Budget planner
A transparent planning estimate—not a quote or official fee schedule.
Medical examination
Estimate; provider and required tests vary.
Police clearance and certificates
Includes typical document and certificate charges.
English language testoptional
Required only for pathways with a language condition.
Skills or qualification assessmentoptional
Profession and assessing authority determine the final fee.
One-way flight from Sri Lanka
Seasonal estimate; bookable fares vary.
Initial housing deposit and setup
Planning allowance, not an official fee.
Published item total
$3,925
Household size is saved for planning context; no unsupported per-person surcharge is added.
Action plan
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Real-life numbers
Adjust the tax assumption and compare practical monthly costs.
Estimated take-home / month
$5,625
Planning estimate; verify current prices before making a financial decision.
Planning estimate; verify current prices before making a financial decision.
Planning estimate; verify current prices before making a financial decision.
Employment
Top salary records currently available for this country; demand still varies by region and licensing.
Project Manager
Avg. $90,000 / year
Software Engineer
Avg. $78,000 / year
Civil Engineer
Avg. $62,000 / year
Software Engineer
Avg. $60,000 / year
Accountant
Avg. $58,000 / year
Structural Engineer
Avg. $50,000 / year
Partner work rights depend on the primary visa and may be limited. Confirm the exact conditions on the official immigration website.
Check dependent visa eligibility, school fees, enrolment zones, and health cover before applying.
Family applications commonly require relationship evidence and higher proof-of-funds thresholds.
Names, dates, employment history, finances, and supporting documents must be consistent across the application.
Large unexplained deposits or insufficient proof of accessible funds can weaken an application.
Work, study, health-cover, sponsorship, and character conditions vary by pathway; confirm them before submission.
Stay current
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hello@abroadmaster.comDisclaimer: VisaPath is an independent, self-guided informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department, embassy, or official immigration authority. The information provided, including self-assessment checklists and draft document outlines, is for educational and planning purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, immigration, or advisory services.
Registered Nurse
healthcare
$35,000 avg / yr
Chef
hospitality
$32,000 avg / yr
Registered Nurse
healthcare
$29,400 avg / yr
Electrician
trades
$15,500 avg / yr
F&B Supervisor
hospitality
$14,700 avg / yr
Heavy Vehicle Driver
driving
$9,800 avg / yr