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

Key Fact: As per UAE Labor Law (Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022), the employer is required by law to cover the cost of visa, work permit, medical tests, and onboarding. It is unlawful for an employer to deduct these costs from the salary of the employee.

How Much Does a 2-Year Employment Visa Cost in Dubai?

It costs somewhere around AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 and more for a 2-year employment visa for Dubai in 2026. The cost will depend on the category of the firm, whether the application is being made from within or outside the UAE, and the kind of medical insurance.

2-Year Employment Visa Dubai Price at a Glance

• Estimated Total Cost: AED 3,000 – AED 7,000+
• Government Fee Range: AED 2,000 – AED 4,000
• Who Pays: Employer (mandatory by UAE Labour Law)
• Validity: 2 Years
• Processing Time: 2 – 4 Weeks

2-Year Employment Visa Dubai Cost Breakdown

Knowing what you’re paying for can help you avoid any unexpected fees when processing. The following is a breakdown of the payment schedule.

Work Permit Fee at MOHRE

This fee is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The fee amount varies between AED 250 to AED 3,450 and depends on the employer’s company classification category and the worker’s skill tier.

Employment Entry Permit

To enter the UAE legally for employment  (or start processing from within the country), an entry permit will be issued by the GDRFA. The cost of this is estimated at AED 200 – AED 1,140 depending on the applicant’s location.

Medical Fitness Test

All applicants are required to undertake a mandatory health check-up (HIV, Hepatitis, and TB blood tests & Chest X-rays). The normal package prices start from AED 250 – AED 400, whereas VIP/Express packages may cost up to AED 700+.

Emirates ID

The official ID card offered by the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) is priced at AED 270 – AED 370 for 2 years validity.

Residence Permit

The cost of stamping or electronic processing of your Residence Visa is around AED 500 – AED 600.

Health Insurance

In Dubai, having health insurance is compulsory. EBP (Basic Essential Benefits Plan) covers are AED 600 – AED 1,100 per year, while full coverage may exceed AED 3,000+ per year.

Status Change Fee

It is only needed if you are already in the UAE with visit visa or expired visa. Changing the visa status in the UAE without leaving the country is priced at AED 600 – AED 1,150.

Typing & Administrative Fees

Charges for typing services provided by typing centers, PRO agencies, or online submission platforms are around AED 200 – AED 500.

Government Fees vs Total Employment Visa Cost

It is common to confuse official government fees with the total cost of securing a visa.

Why Does the 2-Year Employment Visa Price Vary?

No two visa applications cost the same amount. Several critical factors influence the final price tag:

MOHRE Company Classification

Classification of mainland companies is done based on Emiratization ratio and labor compliance. The Tier 1 company incurs a lower cost (AED 250) for obtaining work permits than other tiers (AED 3,450).

Mainland vs Free Zone

The free zones include DMCC, IFZA, and DAFZA and charge the cost of visas as part of packages given to corporations, while mainland companies pay government institutions.

Inside UAE vs Outside UAE

Applying while already inside the country triggers in-country status modification fees (AED 676 – AED 1,150). Applying from abroad eliminates this specific charge.

Medical & Insurance

Choosing standard vs. VIP medical screening speeds up the timeline but increases the fee. Higher insurance coverage also pushes costs up.

Service and Processing Fees

Using a third-party Corporate PRO or expedited government processing adds a service premium.

Who Pays for the 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai?

Under UAE Labour Law (Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022), the employer is legally obligated to pay all costs associated with recruitment and visa sponsorship.

Costs Normally Paid by the Employer

• MOHRE work permit & application fees
• Entry permit fees
• Residence visa fees & Emirates ID
• Mandatory health insurance
• Labor contracts and quotas

Costs the Employee May Need to Pay

• Degree attestation fees in their home country
• Personal document translations (if required)
• Family sponsorship costs (if bringing dependents)

Can an Employer Ask an Employee to Pay Visa Costs?

No. It is strictly illegal for a UAE employer to deduct visa costs from an employee’s salary or demand reimbursement if the employee leaves the company early.

2-Year Employment Visa Cost From Inside vs Outside UAE

Applying From Outside UAE

The candidate receives an electronic entry permit, enters the UAE, and completes medicals and biometrics. This avoids internal status change fees.

Applying While Already in UAE

If the employee is on a visit visa or transferring from another company, they can adjust their residency without leaving the country.

Status Change Costs

The status change process adds AED 650 to AED 1,150 to the baseline visa fees.

Mainland vs Free Zone Employment Visa Cost

Which Is Cheaper?

Mainland visas for Category A/Tier 1 companies are generally cheaper. However, for small businesses, Free Zones often offer predictable bundle pricing.

How to Get a 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai

The following are the necessary steps in processing your application:

Step 1: Job Offer. Affix your signature to the official MOHRE job offer.

Step 2: Sign the Labour Contract. Sign the labour contract that stipulates the terms and salary of the employment.

Step 3: Apply for Work Permit. The application will be made through the submission of the necessary documents by the employer to either MOHRE or the Free Zone Authority.

Step 4: Entry Permit. A 60-day visa will be issued to you.

Step 5: Enter UAE / Change Status. Enter the UAE or change your status in the country.

Step 6: Complete Medical Fitness Test. Blood and chest X-ray tests will be taken at an approved health center.

Step 7: Apply for Emirates ID.  Do your biometric capture (fingerprints and photo) at the ICP center.

Step 8: Complete Residence Permit. You will get the e-visa/residence permit approval.

Step 9: Complete Insurance Requirements. You will get a valid insurance cover from your employer.

Documents Required for a 2-Year Employment Visa

Employee Documents

• Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport-size photo (white background)
• Attested educational certificates (for skilled roles)
• Tourist/Visit Visa copy (if applying inside UAE)

Employer Documents

• Valid Trade License
• Establishment Card
• Authorized Signatory Card / Power of Attorney

How Long Does a 2-Year Employment Visa Take?

Typical Processing Timeline

• Work Permit & Entry Visa: 2 – 5 Working Days
• Medical & Biometrics: 1 – 3 Working Days
• Emirates ID & Visa Approval: 3 – 7 Working Days
• Total Duration: 2 – 4 Weeks

What Can Cause Delays?

• Mismatched names on personal certificates.
• Security clearance delays.
• Unattested educational documents.
• Failing medical fitness screenings.

Can You Get a 2-Year Employment Visa While Already in Dubai?

Yes, applicants who are already in Dubai under a visitor/tourist visa or transferring from another company can have their visa changed without exiting the UAE. A Status Change application needs to be filled to convert one’s status and will cost an additional AED 650 – AED 1,150 to your total expenses.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew a 2-Year Employment Visa?

Renewing a visa costs a bit cheaper than the first-time application since you save on entrance permit and status change fees.

• Average Renewal Cost: AED 2,500- AED 4,500
• Cost Includes: Medical retest, Emirates ID renewal, Residence renewal, and submission of a new labour contract.

What Happens When a 2-Year Employment Visa Expires?

Upon visa expiry, people are allowed 30 days to either renew the visa, change sponsors, or leave the country without penalty. However, overstaying beyond 30 days would cost a fine of AED 50 daily.

What Happens When Employment Ends?

Once employment comes to an end, the sponsor is supposed to cancel the work and residence visa. In that case, the employee is offered a 30- to 90-day grace period (based on the skill of the job) to look for another job or leave the UAE.

Can You Sponsor Your Family With a 2-Year Employment Visa?

Yes, males and females with a minimum monthly income of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation) are eligible to sponsor their spouses and kids. For sponsoring one’s parents, the minimum monthly salary is AED 20,000. Family visa charges range from AED 2,500 to AED 4,500 per individual.

Why Do Different Websites Quote Different Dubai Visa Prices?

• Insurance Charge: Most websites provide the government charges alone, neglecting the insurance charge.
• Tier Difference MOHRE: The price quoted to a Tier 1 firm is much cheaper than that quoted to a Tier 3 firm.
• Difference Between In-Country/Out-of-Country: Additional cost for the status change process may not be included in the general estimate.

Example: Calculating the Total 2-Year Employment Visa Cost

Example for an Employee Outside UAE

• MOHRE Approval: AED 600
• Entry Permit: AED 500
• Medical Test: AED 320
• Emirates ID: AED 370
• Visa Stamping: AED 550
• Basic Insurance: AED 800
• Total Expense: AED 3,140

Example for an Employee Already in UAE

• MOHRE Approval: AED 600
• Entry Permit (In-Country): AED 1,100
• Status Change Fee: AED 675
• Medical Test: AED 320
• Emirates ID: AED 370
• Visa Stamping: AED 550
• Basic Insurance: AED 800
• Total Expense: AED 4,415

Note: Actual visa costs may vary depending on official government fee updates, company tier classifications, medical test selection, and chosen health insurance packages.

2-Year Dubai Employment Visa Cost Calculator

To quickly calculate estimated costs before hiring, use this logic framework:

Common Mistakes That Increase Visa Costs

• Typing Errors: Incorrect passport details require paid amendment requests.
• Delayed Status Changes: Delaying status adjustment leads to overstay fines before visa completion.
• Incomplete Attestations: Submitting unattested degrees causes application rejections and resubmission fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the price for a 2-year employment visa to Dubai in 2026?

The overall price can be within AED 3,000 – AED 7,000+ depending on the company category and medical insurance.

2. What is the price for a 2-year employment visa to Dubai?

The visa price itself is usually around AED 3,500 – AED 5,000 including all costs – governmental and medical.

3. What are the governmental fees for a 2-year employment visa to Dubai?

Governmental fees are only within AED 2,000 – AED 4,000.

4. What is the price for a 2-year work visa to Dubai including medical examination, Emirates ID and residence visa?

The medical examination, Emirates ID, and visa stamping, in addition to the cost mentioned above, will cost at least AED 3,500.

5. Whose responsibility is it to pay for a 2-year employment visa in Dubai – an employer or an employee?

According to UAE regulations, an employer is obliged to cover all visa costs.

6. What is the cost of a 2-year UAE work permit?

Approvals of MOHRE work permits vary from AED 250 to AED 3,450 according to the company tier classification.

7. Does the cost of a 2-year employment visa differ depending on the company being in Dubai Mainland or Free Zone?

Yes, mainland fees vary according to MOHRE classification tiers, but Free Zone companies have their own packages of fees.

8. Is a 2-year employment visa cheaper if I am currently in the UAE?

No, it usually costs more money since the status change fee is AED 650-1,150.

9. What is the visa status change cost in Dubai?

In-country status change costs between AED 650 and AED 1,150.

10. What is the cost of renewing my 2-year employment visa in Dubai?

The cost usually varies between AED 2,500 and AED 4,500.

11. What are the components of the cost for a 2-year employment visa in Dubai?

They include work permit fees, entry permit, medical examination, Emirates ID, residence visa application process, and health insurance.

12. What is the difference between work permit fees and the overall cost of an employment visa?

Work permit fees mean only MOHRE approval fees, but the overall cost is inclusive of the medical, Emirates ID, and residence permits.

13. How much is the cost of an Emirates ID for 2 years?

An Emirates ID costs AED 270 – AED 370 for a 2-year validity period.

14. Is the medical examination included in the cost of Dubai employment visa?

Not at all, it is a mandatory procedure, which is charged AED 250-AED 400.

15. Why do various companies give different prices for a 2-year Dubai employment visa?

The reason for price differences among various companies is company tiers and services and insurance coverage level.

16. What is the processing time for a 2-year employment visa in Dubai?

The entire processing time will take around 2 to 4 weeks.

17. Can I apply for a 2-year employment visa from inside UAE?

Yes, you can apply for the 2-year visa while in UAE through an in-country status change.

18. Is it possible to change my visit visa into an employment visa in Dubai?

Yes, your employer can arrange for your work permit and do an in-country status change.

19. What will happen after expiry of my 2-year employment visa in Dubai?

You will be in a 30 days grace period after which you have to either extend your visa or leave the country.

20. Can my employer ask me to pay my Dubai employment visa cost?

No, it is strictly illegal under UAE Labour Law for an employer to demand visa costs from an employee

REFERENCES:
ICP Smart Services Portal
CGI Dubai Government Portal