Navigating the cost and process of obtaining a UAE employment visa can be complex. With recent updates to visa laws, including the introduction of the long-term Green Visa, many are curious about the standard 2-year employment visa Dubai price.
If you’re asking, “How much does a work visa for Dubai actually cost?”, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will clarify the employment visa cost in the UAE, breaking down every fee involved, explaining the process, and providing a clear picture of the 2-year employment visa Dubai processing time.
Understanding the 2-Year Employment Visa
First, it’s crucial to understand that a “work visa” is a multi-step process. It’s not a single payment but a series of government fees, medical checks, and administrative costs. The 2-year employment visa for Dubai is the standard residency permit tied to an employment contract, sponsored by a company licensed in the UAE.
Breaking Down the 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai Price in 2026
The total Dubai work visa cost is not a fixed number, as it can vary slightly based on the company’s size, the emirate, and whether you are applying from inside or outside the country. However, we can provide a highly accurate estimate.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the expected employment visa Dubai cost:
| Fee Component | Estimated Cost (AED) | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Work Permit (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) | |||
| • Work Permit Application Fee | 100 | ~$27 | Standard fee for application processing. |
| • Work Permit Issuance Fee | 500 – 700 | ~$136 – $190 | Depends on the company’s category. |
| • Knowledge & Innovation Fees | 10 | ~$3 | Mandatory government fees. |
| • HR & Labour Card Fee | 50 | ~$14 | Fee for the physical labour card. |
| 2. Status Adjustment & Entry Permit (If applicable) | |||
| • Change of Status Fee (Inside UAE) | 550 | ~$150 | For applicants switching from a tourist/other visa. |
| • Entry Permit Fee (Outside UAE) | 300 – 550 | ~$82 – $150 | For applicants entering the UAE for the first time. |
| 3. Emirates ID | |||
| • Application & Issuance (1 Year) | 270 | ~$74 | Mandatory biometric ID card. |
| • Application & Issuance (2/3 Years) | 370 | ~$101 | This is the cost for a 2-year visa. |
| 4. Medical Test | 250 – 350 | ~$68 – $95 | Conducted at government-approved health centers. |
| 5. Residence Visa Stamping | |||
| • Application Fee | 50 | ~$14 | Fee for the residency application. |
| • Issuance Fee (1 Year) | 500 | ~$136 | Standard issuance fee. |
| • Issuance Fee (2/3 Years) | 1,000 | ~$272 | This is the cost for a 2-year visa. |
| • E-Service Fee | 20 | ~$5 | Digital service fee. |
| 6. Other Potential Costs | |||
| • Typing Center Fees | 100 – 200 | ~$27 – $55 | For application form submission assistance. |
| • Insurance (if not provided) | Varies | Varies | Health insurance is mandatory. |
Estimated Total 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price: AED 3,000 – AED 4,000 *(Approximately $815 – $1,090 USD)*
Disclaimer: This is an estimate. The final dubai employment visa price can vary. For a precise quotation tailored to your situation, contact Biz Invest Firm for a free consultation.
Eligibility: Who Can Get a 2-Year Dubai Work Visa?
To be eligible, you must:
- Have a valid employment offer from a UAE-based company.
- Meet the educational and professional requirements for the role (attested degrees are often required).
- Pass the mandatory medical fitness test.
- Be at least 18 years old.
Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai
Understanding the process helps manage expectations. Here’s a simplified flow:
- Job Offer & Work Permit: Your employer applies for and obtains your work permit from the MOHRE.
- Entry Permit: If you are outside the UAE, an entry permit is issued. If you are inside on another visa, you may need a “Change of Status”.
- Medical Fitness Test: You undergo a test for communicable diseases at an approved health center.
- Emirates ID Application: You apply for your biometric Emirates ID.
- Residence Visa Stamping: Your passport is stamped with the residency visa, valid for two years.
- Labour Card Issuance: You receive the physical labour card.
The total 2-year employment visa Dubai processing time typically ranges from 2 to 5 weeks, depending on government processing speeds and document readiness.
What is an “Azad Visa” in Dubai?
You may have heard the term “azad visa Dubai price”. “Azad” means “free” in Arabic, and this refers to a work visa where the employee is not bound to a specific employer for daily work. It’s often associated with freelance or part-time permits or, in some cases, a visa sponsored by a company without the obligation of a 9-to-5 job. The Azad visa Dubai cost is generally similar to the standard employment visa breakdown above, but it’s crucial to understand the legal terms of your sponsorship.
Confused about the different visa types? Let Biz Invest Firm clarify the best option for your career goals in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1: What is the difference between a 1-year and 2-year employment visa Dubai price?
The main cost difference lies in the Residence Visa Issuance Fee (AED 500 for 1 year vs. AED 1,000 for 2 years) and the Emirates ID fee (AED 270 for 1 year vs. AED 370 for 2/3 years). Overall, the 1-year employment visa Dubai price is slightly lower, but the 2-year visa offers better long-term value and stability.
2: Can I convert a visit visa to an employment visa in Dubai?
Yes, this is a common process. The visit to employment visa Dubai cost will include an additional “Change of Status” fee (around AED 550) on top of the standard visa costs outlined above.
3: Who pays the Dubai work visa cost?
By law, the employer is responsible for the costs of recruiting and sponsoring the employee, including the work permit, visa fees, and medical test. However, some companies may have different policies outlined in the employment contract.
4: Is the Dubai employment visa price the same in all emirates?
The core government fees are largely consistent across the UAE. However, typing center fees and other minor administrative charges can vary slightly between emirates like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
5: What is the difference between a Dubai work visa and an employment visa?
In common usage, they refer to the same thing. Technically, the “work visa” or “work permit” from MOHRE allows you to work, while the “employment visa” or “residence visa” from the immigration authority (GDRFA) allows you to live in the country. They are two parts of the same process, and you need both.
6: Is health insurance included in the Dubai employment visa price?
The government fees do not include health insurance. By law, the sponsor (your employer) is required to provide you with a health insurance plan. The cost of this is typically borne by the employer and is a separate cost from the official government fees.
7: What documents are needed for a 2-year employment visa application?
While the exact list can vary, you will typically need:
- Passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
- Passport-sized photographs with white background
- Attested educational certificates
- The employment contract signed by both parties
- The entry permit or status adjustment application
- Medical fitness test results
8: Does the company size affect the Dubai work visa price?
Yes, it can. The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) categorizes companies into three tiers. Tier 1 companies (which prioritize hiring skilled workers and cultural diversity) pay lower fees for work permits, while Tier 2 and 3 companies pay higher fees. This is why the Work Permit Issuance Fee in our breakdown has a range.
Conclusion: Planning Your Move to Dubai
Understanding the 2-year employment visa Dubai price is the first step in a successful relocation. While the costs are broken down here, the process involves meticulous documentation and navigation of government portals.
Don’t let complex procedures delay your dream career in Dubai. The experts at Biz Invest Firm have the experience to guide you or your business through every step, ensuring a smooth and efficient visa processing experience.
Contact Biz Invest Firm today for a transparent cost breakdown and hassle-free visa processing assistance. Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on your future.