The UAE has become the top destination for skilled workers from all over the world looking to advance their careers and have a meaningful and fulfilling work experience. This region attracts millions of expats every year owing to the relaxed UAE employment laws, unparalleled infrastructure, and countless growth opportunities that it has to offer.
The number one requirement for securing a good job in the UAE is to get a valid employment visa. However, due to a huge influx of skilled professionals in the region, the employment visa rules are often subject to change.
Without having a grasp on the new employment visa rules in the UAE, it is not possible for you to access the myriad career growth opportunities that this place has to offer.
But don’t worry, because this is what this entire blog is all about. This article lists some new employment visa rules in the UAE that you must keep in mind while applying to increase your chances of success, so read on to learn more.
- UAE Employment Visa Types
- New Employment Visa Rules in the UAE 2025
- The Criteria for Eligibility
- Document Requirements
- Flexible Work Visa Rules
- New Visa Rules for Job Seekers
- Additional Notable Changes in the UAE Visa Rules
- Extended Golden Visa Eligibility
- Easier Family Sponsorship
- Green Visa Expansion
- Visa Applications Fee and Processing Time
- Cancellation Process for Employment Visa
UAE Employment Visa Types
The following are some basic UAE visa types according to the new employment rules.
- Standard Work Visa
This visa is sponsored by an employer and allows employees to work in the UAE for that sponsor. This renewable visa has an initial validity of 2 years. Employers from private, government, and free zone entities can hire recruitment services to initiate standard work visa processes for the talent of their choice.
- Green Visa
The green visa was launched in 2022 in the UAE with the aim of attracting skilled entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors. This renewable visa has no sponsorship requirements, and it is valid for five years. Professionals who meet the green visa criteria enjoy more flexible residency and work regulations in the UAE.
- Freelancers/Self-Employed Visa
This is a new type of employment visa that is issued to professionals with specialized diplomas or Bachelor’s degrees and proof of a freelance permit. Individuals with an annual income of AED 360,000 in the previous two years are eligible for this visa.
- Skilled Employees
This visa is given to professionals whose skill level falls into the 1, 2, or 3 categories as specified by the UAE labor laws. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and AED 15,000 monthly earnings can apply for this visa.
- Golden Visa
The golden visa is given to investors with deposits or properties worth over AED 2 million, or projects valued at AED 500,000. This visa is also offered to specialists in the fields of medicine, education, sports, etc. This visa has a validity period of 10 years.
- Job Seeker Visa
This visa is issued to professionals who meet specific qualifying requirements. It gives them permission to travel to the UAE and find work that suits their talents.
New Employment Visa Rules in the UAE 2025
The employment visa rules outline several requirements that every candidate looking for career opportunities in the UAE must meet. The employment visa is issued to skilled professionals by employers based in the UAE.
These employers must have a valid business license, and they must not be involved in any labor law violation to be eligible to sponsor work permits.
The following are some key visa rules that you must keep in mind when applying for work in the UAE.
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The Criteria for Eligibility
The new employment visa rules in the UAE state more relaxed eligibility criteria. According to these rules, you are eligible for this visa if:
- You are 18 years or older.
- You have a clean criminal record and proof of medical fitness from UAE-authorized health centers.
- You have a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay period in the UAE.
- You have a post-qualification work experience of 2 to 5 years.
- The sponsor has a valid license.
- You belong to one of the following three skill classification categories, i.e., category 1: Bachelor’s degree holders, category 2: Post-secondary diploma, or category 3: High school diploma.
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Document Requirements
According to the new employment visa rules, every candidate must prepare the following documents to obtain the visa.
- A passport with at least six months validity
- Recent passport photos with a white background
- Entry permit issued by the Ministry of Labor
- Signed official employment contract
- Health Insurance
- Copies of education records
- Employer data, like a trade license and company card
- Medical screening clearance
- Police clearance certificate
- Emirates ID application form completed via the ICP portal or a registered local typing center
- Professional licenses for healthcare experts, teachers, engineers, etc.
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Flexible Work Visa Rules
The new employment visa rules offer increased flexibility and longer validity for foreign workers. The new rules allow for multiple entrances as well as a 90-day stay per visit. Apart from that, the authorities have also introduced remote work and freelancer visas under very relaxed conditions to further attract top talent.
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New Visa Rules for Job Seekers
There are also relaxed regulations for new job seekers according to the new rules. Now, recent graduates from top universities and competent professionals can get employment visas with up to 120 days’ validity.
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Reduced Processing Time
Various online methods have been introduced in the application process to simplify the procedure and reduce the processing time. The whole process from getting an entry permit to residence visa stamping only takes about 2 weeks.
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Job Exploration Visa
The UAE authorities have introduced a job exploration or job seeker visa as well. This short-term visa is for professionals and fresh graduates from the top 500 universities approved by the Ministry of Education who have graduated within the last 2 years and are seeking a job in the UAE.
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Additional Notable Changes in the UAE Visa Rules
The new employment visa rules give the residents of the GCC an extended validity and flexibility with the E-visa option.
People who have made their mark in the field of environmental sustainability through activism, research, or conservation efforts in the UAE are eligible for a 10-year resident permit with their Blue Residence Visa. These people can either nominate themselves or be nominated by appropriate authorities for this visa.
Another new step is the introduction of the Dubai Gaming Visa. This 5 to 10-year visa is given to e-sport experts who are at least 25 years of age and are known throughout the gaming industry for their accomplishments or contributions.
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Extended Golden Visa Eligibility
The golden visa has been extended to add professionals from more sectors, like medical, IT, engineering, etc. It is also offered to outstanding academic students, investors, and entrepreneurs with approved projects or business plans.
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Easier Family Sponsorship
The new employment visa rules have made family sponsorship easier by lowering minimum salary requirements and extending residency for dependents. It also allows unmarried kids to stay indefinitely with their sponsor.
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Green Visa Expansion
The green visa has also been extended to include longer durations (up to 5 years) and diverse job categories. This visa can be issued to skilled workers, investors, or freelancers, even without any sponsor. The new rules also permit sponsorship of family members to further facilitate expat workers.
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Visa Application Fee and Processing Time
The visa application fee for 2025 is estimated to be between AED 1,400 and AED 1,800. The fee varies based on the Emirate and the service provider you choose. The whole process typically takes about 2 weeks.
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Cancellation Process for Employment Visa
The cancellation of the employment visa is also pretty straightforward. Only the employer who sponsored the visa can cancel it by submitting a request to the MOL or ICP. The employer has to clear the dues and obtain a signed cancellation consent. After cancellation, a 28-day grace period is given to the employee to change the status or exit the country without any fines.
The charges for entry permit, residency permit, or exit permit cancellation are AED 50, with AED 10 for e-Services.
Conclusion
Getting a UAE employment visa is not as complicated as you might think. By knowing the latest regulations, preparing the right documents, and following the correct visa application submission steps, you can easily get your UAE employment visa and start pursuing your career goals right away.
The information provided above can navigate the application process smoothly without major errors. So, make sure to consider it before you apply for employment in the UAE.
It is also a good idea to consult professionals who specialize in the UAE visa rules and have deeper insights into the job market in this area. This can save you so much time and trouble while you get your employment visa.
You can contact us at HRSG if you are looking to grow your career or expand your business in the UAE. Our experts can help you better navigate UAE’s changing visa and employment policies to ensure you get the results that you desire.
