Difference Between Limited and Unlimited UAE Visas

In the UAE, the terms limited visa and unlimited visa usually relate to the employment contract attached to the residency visa, not the visa sticker itself. You can identify it in these ways:

1. Employment Contract

o Limited Contract → Has a fixed duration (e.g., 2 or 3 years) and an end date mentioned in the contract. The visa is tied to this contract.

o Unlimited Contract → Has no specific end date, only a start date. It continues until either employer or employee ends it as per UAE labor law.

2. Offer Letter / Labour Contract (MOHRE or Free Zone)

o You can log in to the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) portal or the free zone authority portal and download your labour contract. It will clearly state if it is “limited” or “unlimited.”

3. Visa Sticker / Emirates ID

o The residency visa on passport or Emirates ID itself does not mention limited or unlimited. It only shows the sponsor, profession, and validity period.

o To know the type, you must check the employment contract, not the visa sticker.

In short:

• Check your labour contract (via employer, MOHRE, or free zone portal).

• If it shows a fixed duration → Limited.

• If it shows open-ended → Unlimited.