UAE Employment Visa | Process, Costs & Everything You Need to Know

Preparing to work in the UAE? A UAE employment visa permits you to live and work legally across the Emirates. Dubai employment visas offer more exposure but are a bit costly. Find out the process, price, and requirements. Need help? Leave it to Arnifi for a quick UAE visa process and expert guidance.

1. Introduction

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been a fantastic destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers. A tax-free salary, top-notch infrastructure, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle are among the main draws for global talent in the UAE. The person wishing to work legally in the country must apply for a UAE Employment Visa. The Dubai employment visa is popular among the various emirates due to the city’s vibrant job market, internationally recognized businesses with career advancement prospects, and so on. 

One of the first questions many expats ask themselves before making the final decision to move is about the cost of a UAE employment visa. Similarly, the cost of a Dubai employment visa might differ from the rest of the Emirates due to some extra perks and charges. This guide entails everything from visa types to costs and procedures.

2. What is a UAE Employment Visa?

A UAE employment visa is a legal document that allows a foreign national to be in the UAE for work. It is given to persons sponsored by an employer based in the UAE. To be eligible, these conditions must be fulfilled:

• A legitimate employment offer has to be made to the candidate by a company that is obligated to register in the UAE
• An employer must apply for the visa and be the visa sponsor of the employee
• The applicant needs to fulfill health requirements and undergo a successful background check

Once issued, the UAE employment visa confers upon the holder the following rights:

• Employment in accordance with the laws of the UAE
• Residence in the country is valid for the duration of an employee contract
• A person with an employment visa in the UAE may be able to obtain a license to drive a motor vehicle

Even though some mechanics argue that the nationality of the person must be proven, documentation is often required. Besides, a valid UAE employment visa must be held as one of the requirements for applying for family sponsorship, which will allow the dependents to live with the employee in the country.

3. Types of Employment Visas in the UAE

Depending on the emirate, job role, or type of employer, there are various types of employment visas in the UAE.

Dubai Employment Visa

The Dubai employment visa is the most sought-after one as regards employment in Dubai, the financial and creative capital of the country, and a place that has attracted a multitude of highly skilled talent in finance, technology, tourism, healthcare, hospitality, and creative arts.

Employment Visas in Other Emirates

Abu Dhabi grants employment visas, and Sharjah and Ajman do so in the same manner, but the route and costs differ slightly. They differ as follows:

• Abu Dhabi: Best for professionals in government, oil & gas, and academia
• Sharjah & Ajman: SMEs and industries prefer them because these Emirates have low costs of setting up a business

Despite the synchronization of the entire employment visa process across the Emirates, Dubai tends to have faster processing times and more international employer registrations.

4. Process to Get a UAE Employment Visa

To apply for a UAE employment visa, you have to undergo several stages, all of which are carried out mostly by the employer:

Step-by-Step Process:

Offer Letter & Employment Contract

The employer makes a formal offer to the employee and signs with the employee.

Work Permit Application (MOHRE)

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) accepts the employment offer.

Entry Permit

An entry permit for the employee to come legally into the UAE.

Medical Fitness Test

After entering the country, the employee shall go for a medical examination for contagious diseases.

Emirates ID Registration

Biometric data and personal data will be collected for the Emirates ID card.

Visa Stamping

Residency visa stamping on the employee’s passport brings an end to the UAE employment visa process.

This multi-step procedure generally lasts 5–10 working days, depending on the emirate and the company.

5. UAE Employment Visa Cost

What is the UAE employment visa cost?

The costs differ from one emirate to another, company classification, and duration of the visa (mostly 2–3 years). They encompass government fees, medical test fees, Emirates ID fees, and stamping charges.

The general calculation based on Arnifi’s Visa Services is:

UAE Employment Visa Cost Breakdown:

• Entry Permit Fee: AED 300–500
• Medical Test Fee: AED 250–350
• Emirates ID (2 years): AED 370
• Visa Stamping & Typing: AED 500–800
• E-channel registration (first-time): AED 2200 (company-related)

Total UAE Employment Visa Cost: AED 3,000–AED 6,000 for individuals, except companies, for establishment fees. Depending upon whether the company is a government body, free zone, or mainland company, this may vary a little in price. So, it is advisable to check with your employer or a reliable visa consultant like Arnifi concerning these costs.

6. Dubai Employment Visa Cost (Explained)

The cost of acquiring a Dubai employment visa tends to be a little higher than in other emirates due to:

• Higher company categorization charges
• Faster processing services
• Premium medical test options

Dubai Employment Visa Cost Structure:

• Medical Test (VIP): AED 700+
• Visa Stamping (Fast-track): AED 1000+
• Typing & Service Charges: AED 300–500
• Additional charges for free zone or DMCC companies
• Average Dubai Employment Visa Cost: AED 4,000 – AED 7,000

Despite having a costly Dubai employment visa, you are getting practically unrivaled exposure, better job opportunities, access to international companies, and networking.

For expats aiming for term growth and higher salaries, additional costs incurred in the Dubai employment visa are widely accepted as a good investment.

7. Validity and Renewal of Employment Visas in the UAE

The UAE employment visa is normally granted a validity of 2 to 3 years, subject to the employer and mode of contract.

Renewal Process:

• Employers initiate the renewal process 30 days before the expiration of the visa
• Another medical fitness test needs to be taken
• The Emirates ID needs to be renewed
• Only then is the visa re-stamped on the passport

The renewal costs are similar to the original application but may vary slightly on the basis of emirate or company category.

For instance, the Dubai employment visa renewal might be AED 500-1000 more than that of Sharjah or Ajman.

8. Common Challenges and Solutions

While the process is streamlined, applicants may face a few hurdles:

1. Delays in MOHRE Approvals

Solution: Make sure your employer has a valid quota and has their licenses updated.

2. Medical Test Failures

Solution: A visa rejection follows when tests fail on account of contagious diseases. For better health, a person should consult a doctor before traveling.

3. Sponsor Responsibilities

Employees are embedded in their sponsor. Therefore, changing the employer means that the old visa has to be cancelled and a new one applied for.

For instance, the employee risks overstaying and incurring penalties, even after having deposited the amount for the Dubai employment visa, should the employer fail to complete the right visa processing in time for the renewal of the employee’s work permit.

9. FAQs

Q1. What is the cost of a UAE employment visa?

The cost of a UAE employment visa falls between AED 3,000 and AED 6,000, depending on the company type, emirate, and available services.

Q2. How much is a Dubai employment visa?

Usually, the Dubai employment visa falls between AED 4,000 and AED 7,000; extra is for VIP services and emirate charge.

Q3. How long does it take to process a UAE employment visa?

This usually takes about five to ten working days, based on whether all documents are in order and the approvals flow.

Q4. Can I change employers on a Dubai employment visa?

Yes, however, the cancellation of the visa should be done by the last employer, who must then be prepared to put in another application for the Dubai employment visa.

Q5. Is the UAE employment visa renewable?

Yes, it is renewable usually for a period of about 2-3 years. Renewal would follow about the same steps and costs as the initial application.

10. Conclusion

From software engineers to hospitality managers and teachers, the UAE Employment Visa is your gateway to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

While a Dubai employment visa offers great professional exposure, emirates such as Sharjah or Ajman provide slightly more affordable options, equally promising in benefits.

Regardless of this option, knowledge concerning the cost and the process of obtaining the UAE employment visa will ease the transition into the new job function.

Ready to start your UAE journey?

Talk to Arnifi for a hassle-free, fast, and reliable end-to-end service on UAE employment visas, Dubai employment visa costs, and advisory throughout the process.