United Arab Emirates: Employment Residence Permit Validity Reduced to Two Years for Applicants in Free Zones
October 6, 2022
Effective immediately, UAE employment residence permit applicants in free zones are no longer eligible for a permit with a three-year validity; instead, the maximum validity has been shortened to two years. This stems from the recent amendment of immigration regulations which reduced UAE residence permit validity to two years maximum, matching the mainland’s current two-year maximum validity. However, there are other factors that may affect permit duration, including visa category or the applicant’s age. Dependent family members will typically be issued a permit with corresponding validity to the principal applicant’s permit. Upon completing the UAE immigration process, foreign nationals will also be issued an Emirates Identity Card with matching validity to the residence permit.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your Fragomen immigration professional or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
In this blog, Maja Sugui and Priyanka Gadekar explain how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Germany, and the changes for the apostille and final certification request in 2025.
Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.
Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.
Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.
Blog post
In this blog, Maja Sugui and Priyanka Gadekar explain how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in Germany, and the changes for the apostille and final certification request in 2025.
Media mentions
Country Manager María Inés Menvielle outlines Argentina’s updated immigration rules and their implications for business and foreign talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Mark Buchanan says governments across Asia-Pacific are tightening visa rules while supporting key industries vital to economic growth.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen is recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Germany.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline the impact of new visa skill requirements and sponsorship rules on UK construction firms.
Media mentions
This article in Irish Legal News covers the firm's recent announcement of its new office opening in Cork, Ireland.
Media mentions
Director Audrey Morew outlines how US retirees may apply for Finnish residency under the “residence permit on other grounds” route.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock explains how the UK’s decision to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain is creating uncertainty for international talent and increasing pressure on employers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the appointment of Partner Daniel Brown to the position of Chief Executive Officer of WorkRight U.S., the firm’s I-9 employee verification technology.
Fragomen news
Fragomen earned top rankings in Chambers USA 2025, with Band 1 recognition nationally.