Getting hired in Dubai involves more than receiving an offer letter and booking a flight. Your employer must arrange the correct work authorisation and residence status before you can legally work in the UAE.
For most private-sector employees in Dubai, this means an employer-sponsored residence permit valid for two years. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA) confirms that private-sector residence permits are issued for two years and can be renewed for similar periods.
The confusing part is the cost. There is no single government fee called the “2-year employment visa Dubai price.” Several separate charges are involved, including the work permit, entry or status-change process, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, residence permit and health insurance.
This guide explains what employers and employees should expect.
What Is a 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai?
A 2-year employment visa is the commonly used term for the combination of permissions that allows a foreign employee to work and reside legally in Dubai under a UAE employer’s sponsorship.
The work authorisation and residence permit are separate but connected. For mainland private-sector companies, the work permit is generally processed through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), while Dubai residence procedures are handled through GDRFA.
If these terms sound similar, Nexture’s UAE Labour Card guide explains the difference between a labour card, work permit, residence permit and Emirates ID.
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How Much Does a 2-Year Employment Visa Cost in Dubai?
A practical budget for a standard 2-year employment visa in Dubai is often around AED 3,000 to AED 8,000+ per employee.
This is a market planning range, not a fixed government tariff. The actual amount can be lower or considerably higher depending on the employer’s MOHRE classification, free zone, health insurance, applicant location, medical service speed and additional processing.
Here is a clearer breakdown.
Cost Component | Published or Typical Cost |
MOHRE work permit application | AED 50 |
2-year MOHRE work permit | AED 250 to AED 3,450 |
GDRFA work visa | AED 200 + applicable VAT |
Dubai private-sector residence permit | AED 200 + applicable charges |
In-country charge, where applicable | AED 500 |
Standard medical fitness package | Around AED 270 |
Emirates ID government fee for 2 years | AED 200 + AED 100 smart service fee |
Health insurance | Varies by employee and policy |
Typing, delivery or service-centre charges | Varies |
Typical overall planning range | AED 3,000 to AED 8,000+ |
The biggest variable for many mainland employers is the work permit.
MOHRE’s current overseas work permit service lists an AED 50 application fee followed by a two-year permit fee of AED 250 for Category 1 establishments, AED 1,200 for Category 2 and AED 3,450 for Category 3.
That means two companies hiring employees into similar positions can face different employment-processing costs simply because their MOHRE classifications differ.
Dubai Residence Permit Fees
GDRFA currently lists the private-sector residence permit fee at AED 200, plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham and AED 20 delivery. An additional AED 500 fee applies when the relevant process is completed inside the country.
GDRFA separately lists a work visa fee of AED 200 plus 5% VAT, with additional in-country charges where applicable.
These charges help explain why quoting only the residence permit fee gives an unrealistic picture of the full employment visa cost.
Medical Fitness Test Cost
Employees completing UAE residence formalities must undergo an approved medical fitness examination.
Dubai Health’s Medical Fitness Exam for Residency Visa service covers the residency screening process. Dubai’s published fee schedule lists the standard 24-hour medical fitness package at AED 270, while premium and faster services cost more.
Emirates ID Cost
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security charges residents AED 100 per year of residence for a new Emirates ID, plus an AED 100 smart-service fee.
For a two-year residence permit, the published government component is therefore generally AED 300, before any additional typing, delivery or service-centre charges.
Who Pays for the Employment Visa in Dubai?
The employer.
This is not simply standard company practice. Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 states that an employer cannot charge a worker the fees and costs of recruitment and employment, either directly or indirectly.
The UAE Government also states that recruitment, travel and residence-permit expenses should be borne by the employer.
An employee should therefore be cautious if a company asks them to reimburse standard employment visa or recruitment costs.
2-Year Employment Visa Dubai Requirements
Requirements depend on the job, company and jurisdiction, but a standard mainland application normally requires:
A passport with sufficient validity, generally at least six months
Recent colour photograph meeting UAE specifications
Official job offer signed by the employer and employee
Employment contract
Academic qualification where required by the occupation or skill level
Professional licence or regulatory approval for regulated professions
Approved medical fitness result
Emirates ID application and biometrics
Valid health insurance
Valid employer trade licence and establishment records
Sufficient employee or electronic quota
MOHRE also requires employers recruiting workers from overseas to maintain the appropriate electronic quota and meet the conditions of the work-permit service.
How to Apply for a 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai
- Receive and Sign the Job Offer
The process starts with a genuine job offer from a UAE-licensed employer.
The UAE Government states that the private-sector employment process involves the job offer, employment contract, work permit and work visa. The terms of the final employment contract should remain consistent with the agreed offer unless lawful amendments are accepted by the employee.
- Employer Applies for the Work Permit
For a mainland company regulated by MOHRE, the employer submits the employee’s information, signed offer and required supporting documents.
The company must have the necessary licence, employment quota and authority to sponsor the proposed position.
Dubai free-zone companies follow their respective authority’s employment process instead.
- Employment Entry Permit or Status Change
If the employee is outside the UAE, the employer completes the required employment entry procedure so the worker can enter the country.
If the applicant is already legally inside the UAE, an in-country status change may be possible instead. This normally adds an additional government charge.
The UAE Government specifically warns that a tourist or visit visa does not give a person permission to work. Working without the correct status can create legal liability for both the employee and employer.
- Complete the Medical Fitness Test
After entering the UAE or completing the appropriate status procedure, adult applicants complete the required residency medical screening.
The standard process includes the health checks required for residence applicants, with additional examinations applying to certain occupational categories.
- Apply for Emirates ID
The Emirates ID application is linked to the residence process.
First-time applicants aged 15 and above generally need to complete fingerprint and signature procedures. ICP then issues the physical Emirates ID after the residence requirements have been completed.
- Arrange Health Insurance
Dubai employers are required to provide qualifying health insurance for their employees.
The exact premium is not a fixed visa fee. It depends on the insurer, employee age, benefits, medical profile and selected coverage.
- Residence Permit Is Issued
Once the required immigration, medical and identification requirements are completed, GDRFA can issue the private-sector residence permit.
The permit is valid for two years and may be renewed for similar periods while the relevant employment and immigration conditions continue to be met.
How Long Does a 2-Year Employment Visa Take?
There is no guaranteed end-to-end timeline because each government step is completed separately.
MOHRE lists around two working days for its overseas work-permit service, while GDRFA lists an expected 48-hour completion period for its private-sector residence service when the application is complete. Standard Dubai medical fitness results may also be available within around 24 working hours.
In practice, employers commonly allow approximately one to three weeks for the full journey from employment approval to completed residence and Emirates ID formalities.
Delays can occur because of incomplete qualifications, incorrect job titles, unavailable quota, document attestation, medical results or additional authority checks.
We’ll model the requirements and send back a single-page breakdown within 24 hours.
Mainland vs Free Zone Employment Visa Costs
Do not assume every Dubai employment visa has the same price.
Mainland companies normally deal with MOHRE work-permit charges and GDRFA residence procedures. Free-zone companies usually process employment through their respective authorities and may offer bundled visa pricing.
For example, DMCC’s official schedule lists different two-year employment residence permit prices depending on whether an employee is applying from inside or outside the UAE. JAFZA also publishes separate normal, urgent and VIP employment visa packages.
This is why employers should calculate visa costs based on their actual jurisdiction rather than relying on a generic Dubai visa price found online.
For a wider comparison of employment routes, Nexture’s MOHRE Services guide explains the mainland employment framework and related employer responsibilities.
What Happens When the Employment Visa Expires or the Job Ends?
A two-year employment residence can normally be renewed if the employment relationship and sponsoring company remain valid.
If employment ends, the employer generally completes the work permit and residence cancellation procedures. GDRFA currently states that private-sector residence holders receive a 60-day grace period after residence expiry or cancellation.
Employees should still check the dates on their own immigration record rather than assuming the same grace period applies to every visa category.
Nexture’s UAE Visa Status and Cancellation guide explains how to check visa status and what to expect during cancellation.
Conclusion
A 2-year employment visa in Dubai allows foreign employees to legally work and reside in the emirate under employer sponsorship. While the residence permit itself is generally valid for two years, the overall cost depends on several components, including the work permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, health insurance and immigration processing.
For most employees, the employer is responsible for the standard recruitment, work permit and residence-related costs. Companies should therefore calculate the total expense based on their jurisdiction, MOHRE category and employee requirements rather than relying on a single advertised visa price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 2-year employment visa cost in Dubai?
A typical overall budget may range from around AED 3,000 to AED 8,000+, depending on the employer, MOHRE category, insurance and processing requirements.
Who pays for the employment visa in Dubai?
The employer is generally responsible for recruitment, work permit and employment-related residence costs.
How long does a 2-year employment visa take to process?
The full process commonly takes around one to three weeks, although individual government steps may be completed faster.
What documents are required for a Dubai employment visa?
Common requirements include a valid passport, photograph, signed job offer, employment contract, medical fitness result, Emirates ID application and qualifications where required.
Is medical testing required for a Dubai employment visa?
Yes. Adult applicants generally need to complete an approved medical fitness examination as part of the residence process.
Can a 2-year Dubai employment visa be renewed?
Yes. It can normally be renewed if the employment relationship continues and the employer and employee still meet the applicable requirements.
