2-Year Employment Visa Dubai Price 2026 | Process & Eligibility Guide

If you’re searching for 2-year employment visa Dubai cost, process, or requirements, this guide answers exactly that.
This article explains what a 2-year employment visa in Dubai is, who it’s for, how much it costs in 2026, and how the application process works step by step.
You’ll also learn about eligibility rules, renewal, family sponsorship, FAQs, and how employers handle the visa

1. What is a 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai?

A 2-year employment visa in Dubai allows a foreign national to live and work legally in the UAE for two years under employer sponsorship.

It combines:

• Work permit (legal right to work)
• Residence visa (legal right to live in the UAE)

The visa is issued through MoHRE (for mainland companies) or the relevant free zone authority, depending on where the employer is registered.

2. Why Choose a 2-Year Employment Visa?

This visa has great benefits for those who aim to establish a life and career in Dubai:

• Job Security and Stability: It has a structured legal framework for your employment, which in turn gives you that stability.
• Residency Rights and Lifestyle Benefits: With a residence visa, you also include all that Dubai has to offer, like its dynamic lifestyle and top-quality infrastructure.
• Ability to Sponsor Dependents: A great benefit is that you can bring over your family to Dubai, which includes your spouse and children.
• Access to Essential Services: You will have access to health care, banking, and education. 

3. Key Benefits of the 2-Year Employment Visa

Beyond what is basic, the 2-year employment visa includes:

• Long-term Stay and Work Opportunities: It is a step towards long-term stays and careers in the UAE.
• Pathway to Long-Term Residency or Golden Visa: For certain individuals, this visa is a step toward the Green Visa or the very competitive Golden Visa, which is a prestigious option.
• Flexibility for Career Progression: While with a certain employer, we see this as a chance for professional growth within the UAE.
• Simplified Renewal and Administrative Processes: The renewal process is easy in most cases, and we have ensured that the administrative procedures for residents are well laid out.

4. Updated 2026 Pricing: How Much Does a 2-Year Employment Visa Cost?

In 2026, a 2-year Dubai work visa will cost between an approximate AED 3,000 to AED 7,000. Also, it is to be noted that these are average ranges that may vary based on many factors.

Factors Affecting the Cost

• Employer Type: Mainland and free zone companies may have different fee structures.
• Job Category/Qualifications: MoHRE puts workers in different categories, and fees also depend on skill level, which may result in higher fees for professionals with bachelor’s degrees.
• Age of Applicant: A charge (for example, AED 5,500) is applied to those 65 and over.
• Additional Services: Choosing premium or fast-track options will raise the 2 year employment visa Dubai price.

5. Table: Typical Cost in 2-year Employment Visa (2026)

6. Eligibility Criteria for a 2-Year Dubai Employment Visa

To be eligible, you do this and that, which includes:

• Minimum Age: 18+ age.
• Job Offer: From a Middle Eastern-based employer.
• Qualifications: Appropriate education or skills.
• Employer License: Valid UAE trade license.
• Medical & Security: Must have a clean health record and security background.

7. Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process includes these stages, which are mainly handled by your employer:

Pre-Application

• Visa Quota Approval: Your employer first gets what is required from MoHRE or the relevant free zone authority for visa quota approval.
• Job Contract Registration:  Your agreement is on file with the MoHRE or the free zone authority.

Entry Permit & Arrival

• Issuance of Entry Permit: Once approval is given, we issue an entry permit.
• Arrival in Dubai:  You will present that permit at the time of entry into Dubai, which will trigger the next set of procedures.

Medical & Biometrics

• Medical Examination:  At a government-approved health care centre in the UAE, you will go through a medical exam. This may include blood work and a chest X-ray.
• Biometrics: At an ICP service centre, you will provide your biometrics (fingerprint and retinal scan) for your Emirates ID.

Visa Stamping & Residence Permit

• Passport Stamping: Your residence stamp in your passport.
• Work Permit Granting: At the same time, your work permit is granted.

Post-Approval

• Start Employment: Your legal right to work is granted.
• Option to Sponsor Dependents: Once you have your visa sorted out, you may proceed to sponsor your immediate family.

8. Types of Employment Visas in Dubai

While what is most common is the 2-year employment visa, the UAE also provide other options:

• Standard Employment Visa: Most often, it is for a term of two years.
• Free Zone Employment Visa: Similar to the standard visa, but for companies operating within one of Dubai’s many free zones.
• Green Visa:  Presenting for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors, we are offering a 5-year residence visa that, in some fields, doesn’t require an employer sponsor. Also, which of these categories you fall into may require a degree and earning a certain amount (for skilled employees, that’s AED 15,000 per month).
• Golden Visa: A ten-year visa for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talent, and certain professional residents. We are to see what very permissive terms and conditions they come with.

9. Factors That Influence the Total Cost

Beyond the basic fees, several elements can affect your overall expenditure:

• Company Type: Mainland vs. Free Zone – fee structures may differ.
• Job Designation & Education Level: Higher skill levels may affect fees.
• Age & Nationality: Older applicants or certain nationalities may incur extra charges.
• Optional Services: Express processing, courier, etc., cost more.
• Health Insurance: Basic is covered; enhanced or family plans cost extra.

10. Renewal, Cancellation, and Refund Policies

• Renewal & Fees: You can extend a work extension visa to 2 years at a cost of about AED 3,000. Health checkups, Emirates ID update, and stamping are also included during the renewal.
• Visa Cancellation: It is cancelled in the event of any employment termination. A majority of the fees are non-refundable.
• Early Termination: In case you move out of the job even before the lapse of the visa, you get a grace period of 30 days, within which you must seek employment elsewhere or leave the UAE.

11. FAQs

12. Tips for a Smooth Visa Application

• Work with reputable employers or experienced PRO services.
• Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and properly attested.
• Stay updated on the latest UAE visa regulations.
• Plan for additional costs and contingencies.

13. How Arnifi Can Help?

Make life easier with the assistance of the professional and experienced PRO services of Arnifi in applying for your 2-year Dubai employment visa.

We have the expertise to take care of all the processes, including the preparation of your documents and ensuring that all the regulations are met.

We deal directly with government authorities to ensure that there are no delays and complexities, thus you can sleep well when the process has been coordinated by us. Be it a first-time visitor or a renewal, Arnifi assists in a reliable, efficient, and transparent process and makes your journey of obtaining the Dubai visa smooth and hassle-free.

14. Conclusion

Securing a 2-year employment visa in Dubai is a thrilling juncture towards starting a new career and life. Costs involved, eligibility, and the step-by-step application process will help one approach the relocation with confidence.

It is not usually a sweet work for an individual, but rather a survey of knowledge. One ought to be empowered through knowledge.

For personalized advice and the latest updates tailored to your situation, it’s best to consult your employer or a trusted visa expert.

Proper planning will yield a successful and smooth experience in Dubai. Don’t navigate the visa process alone. Speak with an Arnifi expert today for personalized advice tailored to your situation.