The UAE continues to evolve its immigration policies to attract skilled professionals from around the world The introduction of the Green Visa has streamlined the process for skilled workers seeking long-term residency in the Emirates This article provides a comprehensive guide to the UAE Skilled Worker Visa process covering eligibility criteria required documents and the step-by-step application procedure
What Is the UAE Skilled Worker Visa?
The UAE Skilled Worker Visa commonly known as the Green Visa is a five-year self-sponsored residency permit introduced to attract skilled professionals freelancers and small investors Unlike traditional work visas the Green Visa allows holders to reside in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor providing greater flexibility and stability
Key Benefits of the Green Visa
- Five-Year Validity: Enjoy a renewable five-year residency period
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor first-degree relatives including spouse children and parents
- Employment Flexibility: Switch employers or start your own business without losing residency status
- Grace Period: Benefit from a six-month grace period after visa cancellation or expiry
- No Local Sponsor Required: Operate independently without the need for a UAE-based sponsor
Read More: Finland Work Visa 2025 Application Process and Requirements
Who Is Eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa?
To qualify for the UAE Skilled Worker Visa in 2025 applicants must meet the following criteria
- Minimum Salary: Earn a monthly salary of at least AED 15 000
- Educational Qualifications: Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Profession Classification: Work in skill levels 1 2 or 3 as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) classification
- Employment Status: Have a valid employment contract with a government semi-government free zone or private employer
Required Documents for Application
Before applying ensure you have the following documents
- Valid Passport: With a minimum of six months validity
- Emirates ID: Required for medical screening and as a residency document
- Employment Contract: Signed and attested by the employer
- Salary Certificate: Proof of monthly income
- Educational Certificates: Degree certificates and transcripts
- Medical Fitness Certificate: From a government-approved clinic
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized colored photos
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Employment Entry Visa
- Employer’s Role: Apply for a work permit and entry visa through MoHRE
- Visa Validity: Typically valid for two months
- Entry Permit: Allows you to enter the UAE legally to formalize your work and residence visa applications
Step 2: Apply for Emirates ID
- Application Center: Visit an Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) center
- Requirements: Present your passport and entry visa
- Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and a photograph
Step 3: Undergo Medical Fitness Test
- Government-Approved Clinic: Complete a medical screening
- Required For: Residence visa application
Step 4: Submit Labor Contract
- Employer’s Responsibility: Upload the signed labor contract to MoHRE within 14 days of receiving medical screening results
Step 5: Obtain Health Insurance
- Mandatory Requirement: Health insurance is compulsory for all expatriate employees
- Employer’s Role: In some emirates employers must provide health insurance for employees and their families
Step 6: Apply for Residence Visa
- Application Submission: Submit your application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or an Amer Service Center
- Processing Time: Varies depending on the emirate
Processing Time and Fees
- Processing Time: Typically ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on the completeness of your application and the emirate’s processing times
- Fees: Work visa fee is AED 200 plus VAT. Additional fees may apply for services like Emirates ID and medical tests
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Document Verification Delays: Ensure all documents are attested and translated into Arabic or English
- Medical Fitness Test Failures: Address any health issues promptly and retake the test if necessary
- Employer-Sponsored Applications: Maintain clear communication with your employer to ensure timely submission of required documents
Recent Updates in UAE Visa Policies
- AI-Based Work Permit Issuance: MoHRE has introduced an AI-based system called Eye to fully automate the issuance of work permits reducing human involvement and minimizing errors
- Mandatory Passport Cover Page: As of October 2025 all visa applicants are required to submit a copy of their passport’s cover page to enhance security and transparency