UAE Visa & Work Permit Guide 2025: Complete Reference
Complete guide to UAE employment visas and work permits 2025. Includes visa types, application process, costs, employer requirements, and new 3-year visa rules.
Quick Summary: Complete guide to UAE employment visas and work permits 2025. Includes visa types, application process, costs, employer requirements, and new 3-year visa rules.
Understanding UAE visa and work permit requirements is essential for employers and employees. The UAE has multiple visa categories with different eligibility requirements, durations, and benefits. For official information, refer to MOHRE and the UAE Government Portal.
As of April 2025, standard employment visas have been extended from 2 to 3 years, reducing renewal frequency and costs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) |
| Standard Work Visa Duration | 2-3 years (recently extended) |
| Employer Sponsorship | Required for standard employment visa |
| Processing Time | 2-6 weeks depending on type |
| Cost Range | AED 3,000 - AED 7,000 |
Types of Employment Visas in UAE
1. Standard Employment Visa (2-3 Years)
Overview: Most common visa for private sector employees
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-3 years (recently extended) |
| Sponsor | Employer (mandatory) |
| Renewability | Unlimited renewals while employed |
| Cost | AED 3,000 - AED 7,000 |
2. Green Visa (5 Years)
Overview: Self-sponsored visa for skilled professionals
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years |
| Sponsor | Self-sponsored (no employer needed) |
| Income Requirement | AED 15,000+ monthly for freelancers |
| Education | Bachelor's degree or equivalent |
Benefits:
- No employer sponsorship required
- Can sponsor family members
- 90-day grace period to find new job
- More flexibility in employment
3. Golden Visa (5 or 10 Years)
Overview: Long-term residency for high-value individuals
| Category | Duration | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Investors | 10 years | AED 2M+ investment or property |
| Entrepreneurs | 5 years | Approved startup or business |
| Exceptional Talent | 10 years | Scientists, doctors, specialists |
| Outstanding Students | 5 years | Top academic performers |
| Skilled Professionals | 10 years | Certain professions with high salary |
4. Freelancer/Self-Employment Visa
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-5 years depending on type |
| Sponsor | Self or free zone |
| Income Proof | Required |
| Insurance | Mandatory health insurance |
Employer Sponsorship Requirements
Employer Eligibility
To sponsor employees, employers must:
- Valid Trade License: Active and current
- MOHRE Registration: Registered establishment
- No Violations: Clean labor law compliance record
- Financial Stability: Demonstrate ability to pay wages
- Quota Compliance: Within permitted employee numbers
- WPS Compliance: Active wage protection system participation
Employer Responsibilities
| Obligation | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa costs | Pay all processing fees |
| Medical examination | Cover medical test costs |
| Emirates ID | Process and pay for ID |
| Health insurance | Mandatory coverage before visa |
| Work permit | Obtain and maintain valid permit |
| Contract registration | Register with MOHRE |
Prohibited Practices
Employers must NOT:
- Charge employees for visa costs
- Retain employee passports
- Withhold wages
- Employ workers without valid permits
- Transfer sponsorship without consent
Employee Eligibility Requirements
Basic Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Criminal Record | Clean background |
| Medical Fitness | Pass UAE medical examination |
| Education | Varies by position (attestation may be required) |
| Job Offer | Confirmed offer from UAE employer |
Document Requirements
From Employee:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Educational certificates (attested if required)
- Professional certificates (if applicable)
- Previous employment letters (if applicable)
Attestation Requirements
Educational certificates may need attestation from:
- Home country Ministry of Education
- Home country Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- UAE Embassy in home country
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Work Permit Application Process
Step 1: Initial Approval (Entry Permit)
Employer Actions:
- Apply through MOHRE or relevant free zone
- Submit employee documents
- Pay initial fees
- Receive approval
Timeline: 1-5 business days
Step 2: Employee Entry
- Receive entry permit
- Travel to UAE within 60 days
- Enter through any UAE airport/border
Step 3: Medical Fitness Test
Tests Include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis B/C
- Leprosy
Timeline: 2-5 business days
Step 4: Emirates ID Application
- Visit Emirates ID center
- Biometric data collection
- ID card issued
Timeline: 7-14 business days
Step 5: Residence Visa Stamping
- All approvals received
- Visa stamped in passport
- Valid for residence in UAE
Deadline: Within 60 days of entry
Step 6: Labor Card (Work Permit)
- Final approval from MOHRE
- Digital work permit issued
- Employment officially begins
Total Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial approval | 1-5 days |
| Employee travel | Up to 60 days |
| Medical test | 2-5 days |
| Emirates ID | 7-14 days |
| Visa stamping | 1-3 days |
| Total | 2-6 weeks |
Costs Breakdown (2025)
| Fee Type | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Entry permit | 200-500 |
| Medical examination | 250-350 |
| Emirates ID | 270-370 |
| Visa stamping | 500-1,000 |
| Work permit | 300-500 |
| Typing/service fees | 200-500 |
| Health insurance | Varies by plan |
| Total | 3,000-7,000 |
Note: Costs vary by employee nationality, company category, and free zone.
Over 65 Years Old
Employees aged 65+ may face:
- Additional AED 5,000 fee
- More stringent medical requirements
- Specific insurance requirements
Family Sponsorship
Eligibility to Sponsor Family
| Visa Type | Minimum Salary | Can Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Employment | AED 4,000/month | Spouse, children, parents |
| Green Visa | Self-sufficient | Spouse, children, parents |
| Golden Visa | No minimum | Spouse, children indefinitely |
Dependents Covered
- Spouse: Any nationality
- Sons: Up to age 25 (was 18)
- Daughters: No age limit (unmarried)
- Parents: With separate application
Visa Renewal and Cancellation
Standard Renewal Process
- Initiate 30 days before expiry
- Medical test (may be waived for some)
- Update Emirates ID
- Pay renewal fees
- New visa stamped
Grace Period
- Standard visa: 30 days after expiry
- Green/Golden visa: 90-180 days
Penalties for Overstay
| Period | Fine |
|---|---|
| Per day overstay | AED 50-100 |
| Maximum | AED 50,000+ |
| Additional | Potential ban |
Visa Cancellation Process
- Final settlement of dues
- Clear any violations
- Submit cancellation request
- Exit pass issued (30 days validity)
Employee Rights on Cancellation
- Full final settlement
- End of service gratuity
- Return ticket (if contractual)
- Certificate of employment
New 2025 Updates
Extended Visa Duration
As of April 2025:
- Standard employment visa extended from 2 to 3 years
- Reduces renewal frequency
- Eases financial burden on employers
AI-Powered "Eye" System
MOHRE has implemented AI system for:
- Automated document verification
- Passport validation
- Certificate authentication
- Photo verification
- Faster processing
Work Permit Types
MOHRE issues 12 distinct work permit types:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard | Regular long-term employment (mainland) |
| Free Zone | Employment in specific free zone |
| Mission | Short-term assignments (up to 90 days) |
| Part-Time | Work for multiple employers |
| Temporary | Fixed project duration |
| Golden Visa holder | Work permit for Golden Visa holders |
| Green Visa holder | Work permit for Green Visa holders |
| GCC National | Simplified for GCC citizens |
Frequently Asked Questions
Streamline Visa Management
NeuralHR tracks visa expiries, automates renewal reminders, manages onboarding workflows, and keeps all employee documents organized.
Was this guide helpful?
NeuralHR Team
VerifiedUAE HR Compliance Experts
Our team of HR professionals and legal experts specializes in UAE labor law compliance, with extensive experience helping businesses navigate MOHRE regulations, Emiratisation requirements, and workforce management in the UAE and GCC region.
Related Guides
UAE Labor Law 2025: Complete Employment Law Guide
Comprehensive guide to UAE Labor Law 2025 including Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021, 2024 amendments, contracts, working hours, leave, termination, and penalties.
UAE HR Compliance Checklist 2025: Complete Employer Guide
Complete UAE HR compliance checklist for employers. Monthly, quarterly, and annual tasks covering WPS, Emiratisation, contracts, visas, and MOHRE requirements.
Emiratisation Requirements 2025: Complete Compliance Guide
Complete guide to UAE Emiratisation requirements 2025. Includes targets, penalties, NAFIS benefits, calculation methods, and compliance strategies for companies.