UAE Employment Visa Age Limit: What You Need to Know

The UAE is a popular destination for expats seeking better career opportunities and a high quality of life. Whether you’re aiming for a corporate job in Dubai or freelancing in Abu Dhabi, understanding employment visa age regulations is crucial. This guide outlines the age limits and rules in a simple format. Additionally, it's important to note the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)’s Approved Professions list, which specifies the roles eligible for employment visas based on required skills and expertise.

What is an Employment Visa?

An employment visa is a legal document allowing foreign nationals to work in the UAE. Employers typically sponsor the visa, but the application process varies depending on the type of work you intend to do. Here are the most common visa categories:

1. Employment Visa: For individuals employed by a UAE-based company.
2. Freelance Visa: Ideal for self-employed professionals working independently.
3. Investor Visa: For individuals investing in or owning businesses in the UAE.
4. Dependent Visa: For family members of expats already working in the UAE.

While each visa type has specific requirements, all adhere to the UAE Labour Law regarding age restrictions.

What is the Legal Age Limit for Employment in the UAE?

Minimum Age Requirement

The minimum age to legally work in the UAE is 18 years. For young individuals between 15 and 18 years, the UAE allows employment under a Juvenile Work Permit, provided strict conditions are met.

Maximum Age Limit

Generally, individuals can work in the UAE until the age of 60 years. However, employees aged 60 to 65 years can continue working if their employer successfully applies for a work permit renewal. Beyond 65, permits are granted on a case-by-case basis, often at a higher cost.

Recruiting in Free Zones

If you're planning to recruit employees within a free zone in the UAE, there are specific guidelines and regulations to follow. Many free zones, such as Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA), have their own visa processes:

• Minimum Age Limit: To apply for an employment visa, the employee must be at least 18 years old. The maximum age limit for issuing employment visas is typically 60, though special approval can be obtained for shareholders or managers named in the trade license.
• Required Documentation: Attested educational certificates are compulsory when applying for employment visas for women, professional categories, and managerial positions.
• Work Limitations: Employees issued a visa from a free zone authority can only work for the sponsoring company within that specific free zone. Special permission is required if the employee intends to work outside the free zone.

Additionally, many free zones set quotas on the number of visas that can be issued. Companies can increase their visa quota by either upgrading their office space or applying for a higher quota, which is subject to approval by the free zone authority.

For example:

• Hamriyah Free Zone: Visas are issued based on the name on the trade license, and certain documents, including attested educational certificates, are required for certain positions.
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre: The number of visas a company can obtain depends on office size:
  • Flexi desk: Up to 3 visas.
  • Serviced office: 4-5 visas, depending on office size.
  • Physical space: 1 visa for every 9 square meters.
• Twofour54: The number of visas a company can obtain depends on the licence fee and office size.

Additionally, the average salary in the UAE varies depending on the emirate and the sector, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering higher salaries due to their developed economies, while Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah tend to have slightly lower average wages.

What Happens After 60?

If you're approaching retirement age, don’t worry—UAE laws allow you to continue working beyond 60 years, provided:

• Your employer applies for a work permit renewal.
• The necessary approvals are obtained from MoHRE.

For employees above 65, additional approvals are required, and the work permit renewal process becomes more expensive for employers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Understanding the UAE employment visa age limits is essential for both employees and employers. The UAE offers flexible work options for all stages of life, whether you're a student gaining experience, a professional nearing retirement, or a new expat. Students can also apply for student visas, which allow them to work while studying. By following these regulations and securing the right permits, you can build a successful career in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.