2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price Full Breakdown Guide 2025

Written by

Sukanta Bera

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Oct 30,2025

2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price: Complete Guide - TerraTern

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In 2025, the cost of a 2 years employment visa Dubai price from AED 3,000 to AED 7,500, depending on various factors, such as the type of job, supporting body (mainland or free zone) and other services provided by the sponsoring company. These costs include visa processing, medical examination, Emirates ID, and basic insurance.. It is vital to know this information when you are planning to move to Dubai with a legal employment offer.

What is the 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price in 2025?

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The complete breakdown of 2 years employment visa Dubai price is as follows:

Cost Component

Fee Range (AED)

Fee Range (INR)

Mandatory/Optional

Entry Permit

1,140

INR 25,400

Mandatory

Medical Tests

500-800

INR 11,000-17,800

Mandatory

Emirates ID

370-570

INR 8,200-12,700

Mandatory

Visa Issuance Fee

500-2,000

INR 11,100-44,500

Mandatory

Basic Health Insurance

700-1,100

INR 15,600-24,500

Mandatory

Knowledge Dirham

10

INR 220

Mandatory

Innovation Dirham

10

INR 220

Mandatory

Typing Centre Services

200-500

INR 4,450-11,100

Optional

PRO Service Charges

500-1,500

INR 11,100-33,400

Optional

Total Cost Range

3,210-7,000

INR 71,500-1,56,000

-

 

Worker Category Classification Impact on Dubai Employment Visa

Worker Category

Education Requirement

Base Visa Fee (AED)

Total Estimated Cost (AED)

Category 1 (Skilled)

Bachelor's degree or higher

300

3,210-4,500

Category 2 (Semi-Skilled)

Diploma or technical certificate

1,000

4,200-5,500

Category 3 (Basic)

No formal qualifications

5,000

8,000-10,000

 

What is the Entry Permit Cost for a Dubai Employment Visa?

The Entry Permit for 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price AED 1,140 in 2025. It is valid for 60 days from issuance, allowing candidates to enter the UAE to complete the remaining formalities to obtain the visa.

  • The Entry Permit fee for the 2-year employment visa is AED 1,140 in 2025.

  • This permit is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and can be used for legal entry into the UAE to complete visa formalities.

  • This application is made by the employer on the GDRFA portal, and the payment is usually the employer's responsibility.

  • Extensions may be possible but will incur extra fees; refusal to make entry within 60 days will require you to restart the visa process.

  • Processing usually takes 5-7 working days, though express options are available at an extra cost.

How Much Do Medical Tests Cost for a Dubai Employment Visa?

Cost for Medical Tests 2 years employment visa Dubai price is as follows

  • Mandatory medical tests cost between AED 500 and AED 800 in 2025, which is about 11,000 to 17,800.

  • These tests include HIV and Hepatitis B/C blood tests, a chest X-ray for tuberculosis, and a general fitness assessment at government-approved clinics.

  • Medical certificates are valid for 90 days; re-examination is possible if the results are initially inconclusive at an additional cost of AED R300 to R500.

  • It is vital to come to the MOHRE-approved clinics to prevent delays and extra costs.

What Are the Emirates ID Fees for an Employment Visa?

The Emirates ID Fees For an Employment Visa are as follows. 

  • The issuance fee for the Emirates ID is between AED 370-570 in 2025 (INR 8,200-12,700).

  • The process involves biometric scanning (fingerprinting and photography) and associating the ID with residency status.

  • The ID is valid for the duration of the visa and can be renewed or replaced for AED 300 and above.

  • The Emirates ID serves as official identification for banking, healthcare, and government services.

What Health Insurance Costs Should I Expect?

Health Insurance costs are:

  • Basic mandatory health insurance that requires conversion for visa approval costs AED 700 to AED 1,100 a year (INR 15,600-24,500).

  • Employers will often offer more comprehensive plans, valued at between AED 2,000 and AED 3,000 a year.

  • The company requires health insurance (mandatory); family health insurance is offered for an additional cost.

  • Major providers are Daman, AXA and Orient.

  • It is recommended to negotiate for comprehensive coverage to prevent out-of-pocket medical expenses. 

Also Read: Job Seeker Visa Dubai: Latest Experts UAE Job Guide

Who Pays for the 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price?

Employers in the UAE have a legal duty to cover the cost of a 2 years employment visa Dubai price, including work permits, visa application fees, medical tests, Emirates ID, and MOHRE registration charges; these costs should never be asked from employees in advance or deducted from their salaries. 

Employer Payment Responsibility: Labour Law in the UAE

  • According to the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), the employers are responsible for paying 100% of visa, work permit, and recruitment costs on a non-clawback, salary deduction, or up-front payment basis for employees.

  • Fees covered by law include the entry permit, visa processing, Emirates ID, medical testing, health insurance, MOHRE registration, and all government-mandated charges.

  • Exceptions, made in rare cases (in some small companies or select free zones), may involve hybrid payment models, but these arrangements are discouraged and carefully monitored by UAE authorities.

  • Any request for upfront payment by an employer is an indication of a potential scam or illegal employment practice -- employees should never send money, and legitimate employers will never require employees to pay for costs.

  • In the case of family sponsorship visas, the employer does not bear the costs of the spouse and children; the main employee is responsible, provided the expenses are fully covered by the company.

What Factors Affect the 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price in 2025?

Skylight lit at night; Factors Affect the 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price - TerraTern

Seven main factors are involved in the final 2 years employment visa Dubai price: category of worker qualification (Category 1/2/3), age of the applicant (65+ years additional premium AED 5,000), type of employer (mainland & free zone), classification of the company (A/B/C rating), speed of processing (standard & express), attestation of documents, and other services such as status change fees. 

  • MOHRE groups workers into three categories (Category 1, 2 & 3), and this has an impact on the class of visa.

  • Applicants aged 65+ will be charged an additional premium of AED 5,000 across all categories.

  • Mainland employers tend to pay 30-40% more than free zone companies.

  • Company classification (A, B, C) affects the visa issuance fee by up to AED 2,000.

  • Extra costs are incurred for express processing, attestation of documents and for the change of entry status.

How Do Worker Categories Affect Visa Costs?

MOHRE's workers' categorisation system significantly affects the price of the 2-year employment visa in Dubai, with degree level determining the base fee. 

  • Category 1 (Bachelor's degree or higher): AED 300 Base Fee

  • Category 2 (Technical diploma or certificate): AED 600-2,000 Base Fee

  • Category 3 (High school or below): AED 5000 Base Fee.

  • Higher qualifications reduce costs by demonstrating skill level and reducing employer liability.

  • Upgrading by attestation of degree by AED 500-1000 will amount to a total saving of AED 4700.

Does Age Impact Dubai Employment Visa Pricing?

Applicant age plays a vital role in determining the total 2-year employment visa price in Dubai due to the higher premiums for older workers. 

  • Workers aged 65 years or above are required to pay AED 5,000 per cycle per visa.

  • The premium reflects the UAE's incentive to attract a younger, long-term workforce.

  • Renewal fees for older employees are not exempt from the surcharge.

  • In limited cases, unless skills are highly specialised, employers don't hire over age 65.

  • Senior professionals can escape from this surcharge by using the 5-10 year Golden Visa route.

What's the Difference Between Mainland and Free Zone Visa Prices?

Mainland and free zone jurisdictions are a world apart in terms of the price of the 2-year employment visa and the working rights (on visas) they offer. 

  • Mainland visa cost: almost AED 5,500-7,000 for 2 years.

  • Free zone visa cost: Usually AED 2,500-4,000, depending on the authority.

  • Mainland visas that enable transfers within the company and UAE-wide employment rights

  • Free zone visas are limited to work in the zone that sponsors them unless additional permits are secured to work in other zones.

  • Free zones allow for easier, more streamlined processing, but require some mobility restrictions. 

Also Read: Turkey Visa Price for Indians: Latest Fees & Updates

What Documents Are Required for Dubai 2 Years Employment Visa?

The passport, photographs, employment contract, attested certificates, medical fitness, and Emirates ID registration documents are the essential documents required to calculate and approve the cost of the 2 years employment visa in the UAE. 

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and two blank pages.

  • UAE Standard passport size photos (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background)

  • Signed work contract sent to MOHRE within 14 days of signing

  • Attested certificates (degree/diploma) from MEA & UAE Embassy for employment.

  • Medical Mafia medical fitness certificate for UAE clinics approved by MOHRE for HIV and Tuberculosis Screening.

  • Emirates ID, Health Insurance, and Trade License of the employer. 

The attestation of documents should be done in India before receiving job offers. On the other hand, MEA and UAE embassy attestation takes 2-4 weeks, and these delays directly impact salary start dates and the overall 2 years employment visa Dubai price timeline.

How to Get Educational Certificates Attested for a Dubai Visa?

Indian educational certificate attestation for visa 2 years employment in Dubai is a 4-step process that costs $2000-5000. 

  1. Step 1: Issue a certificate from the State Home Department,/the State Human Rights Department

  2. Step 2: MEA attestation in this matter at New Delhi. (Ministry of External Affairs)

  3. Step 3: UAE Embassy attestation in India, Document verification

  4. Step 4: Attestation of the MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) upon arrival in the UAE.

  5. Total Processing Time: Self-processing is two to four weeks, processing time through authorised agencies is 10-12 working days.

  6. Authorised attestation: Agencies provide services at a cost of INR 3,000-4,000, of which four steps are involved.

Authorised attestation agencies save 2 weeks of processing time, which justifies the INR 3000-4000 fee in processing time for speedy visa approval and earlier start salary, positively impacting 2 years employment visa Dubai price ROI.

 

What is the Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Dubai Employment Visa in 2025?

fIREWORKS IN THE SKY; Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Dubai Employment Visa - TerraTern

 The 2 years employment visa Dubai price and workflow involves the following basic steps for mainland and free zone jobs: 

  • The employer obtains MOHRE quota approval and initiates the visa sponsorship process (3-5 working days).

  • Both parties sign and submit a standardised employment contract, the employer applies for work and an entry permit via GDRFA (2-5 days).

  • Entry permit issued (valid for 60 days). Employee enters the UAE to begin residence formalities.

  • Employee undergoes mandatory medical examination in health centres (Results in 2-3 days).

  • Biometric information and photo taken for Emirates ID at ICP authorised centres (3-7 days).

  • The residence visa is processed and digitally stamped; the sponsor/employee collects the final documents (2-5 days).

  • Process tracking and updates are available through the ICP/MOHRE Smart App at each stage.

  • The typical timeline for completing the process is 10-15 working days if you have all documents pre-attested by the employer and the same quota is available.

How Does the Initial Approval Process Work?

 The approval phase is company-driven and a guarantee to be eligible for this 2 years employment visa, with a Dubai price sponsorship: 

  • Employer applies the quota to MOHRE based on office size (usually nine sq m per visa) and worker allotment limits.

  • Employer's compliance history & classification (A/B/C) can impact approval speed and allocation of quota.

  • Employment contract registration is mandatory within 14 days, according to MOHRE.

  • Quota approval usually takes 3-5 working days for good-performing companies.

  • Delays may occur if the company is at its quota limit or if office expansion is needed; check the employer's quota before accepting the offer.

What Happens During the Medical Testing Phase?

Medical screening is terribly essential for the 2 years employment visa Dubai price approval - without clearance, visa approval stands still: 

  • Employees must visit MOHRE/DHA-approved medical fitness centres within 60 days of their date of entry.

  • Required tests are HIV, hepatitis B/C (tested by blood test), tuberculosis (x-ray of chest), and \for some jobs, additional health checks are required.

  • Results provided digitally (ordinary service - 1-3 days, VIP service - up to 30 min at selected centres).

  • Only a "fit" result allows visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance, and "unfit" status leads to medical appeals or re-testing.

  • All results are sent electronically to government portals (ICP/DHA) and directly integrated into the next processing step for the visa.

  • Running out of time for medical testing (risk of entry permit expiry and disproving applications at exorbitant costs) — plan tests on arrival in the UAE immediately. 

Also Read: How to Apply for a Job in Dubai from India? A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals

How Long is the Processing Time for 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai?

 The standard processing time for an employment visa Dubai is 10-15 working days from UAE arrival (while expedited options are available in 2025). 

  • Medical tests and results need 2-3 days after the entry of noise from the air (choose MOHRE-approved clinics for the digital reporting).

  • Biometric enrollment for the Emirates ID takes 1 to 2 days, with receipt of the medical fitness certificate.

  • Residence visa stamping & digital issuance operation takes typically 5 - 7 working days after medical clearance.

  • Emirates ID issue takes an additional 3-5 days, very often in parallel with residence permit issuing.

  • Express services can be offered for a quicker total processing time of 5-7 working days for an additional fee of AED 200-500 and are recommended for urgent cases.

  • Status tracking is available through ICP, GDRFA and MOHRE Smart Apps to track each stage of the application in real time.

What Are the Additional Costs for 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai?

Firewoks near a building; Additional Costs for 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai - TerraTern

The Additional Costs for 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai are as follows: 

Fee Type

Amount (AED)

When Applies

Refund Status

Notes / Hidden Costs

Status Change Fee

500–640

Tourist/visit visa holders converting to work visa

Non-refundable

Required for all in-country applicants

Document Attestation Fee

500–1,500

For degree, diploma, marriage & birth certificates

Non-refundable

Especially for Indian applicants

Typing Centre Charges

100–300

For e-form submission and application processing

Non-refundable

Compulsory for MOHRE/GDRFA forms

PRO Service Charges

200–500

If the employer/professional handler assists

Non-refundable

Can add up for fast-tracking

Security Deposit

Up to 2,000

Select cases, category-specific

Refundable (employer)

Most workers get refunded on exit

Express Processing Premium

200–500

Optional, for faster service

Non-refundable

Reduces timeline from 10–15 to 5–7 days

Family Sponsorship Costs

2,000–4,000 per member

If you are sponsoring a spouse/child for your residency

Non-refundable

In addition to your employment visa fee

Medical Test Re-examination

300–500

If re-test/appeal required

Non-refundable

Applies to failed fitness screenings

Also Read: Kuwait Visa for Indians: Types, Prices, Eligibility

Can I Sponsor My Family on a Dubai Employment Visa?

 Yes, the holders of 2 years employment visa Dubai price can sponsor their immediate family members under these conditions: 

  • A minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 is needed to sponsor their spouse and children. The allowance is AED 3,000 if the company provides accommodation.

  • For sponsoring parents, a much higher salary of AED 20,000 + per month is needed.

  • Family visa costs per member range from AED 2000 to 4000 and cover residence permits, medical tests, Emirates ID, and application fees.

  • Required documents include copies of passports, marriage and birth certificates (attested), proof of income, a tenancy contract, and health insurance for sponsored members.

  • Family visa application processing, in general, takes 7-14 working days.

  • Family sponsorship enables long-term residence and access to services in the UAE, beyond the limitations of a short-term visit visa.

Consider family sponsorship expenses when negotiating salaries, as these can account for 10-20% of annual income for a family of four, which consequently influences the 2 years employment visa Dubai price budget.

How to Renew a 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai? Experts Tips & Guide 2025

Fireworks; How to Renew a 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai? - TerraTern

Renewal of a 2 years Employment Visa Dubai price is as follows..

  • Begin the renewal process 1-2 months before the current visa's expiry to avoid a penalty.

  • Employer creates the renewal through MOHRE and GDRFA through online portals with new documents.

  • Renewal of medical fitness tests will be renewed by new fitness tests costing AED500-800, plus a new Emirates ID at AED370-570.

  • Health insurance must still be valid and renewed, too.

  • Total renewal costs range from AED 2,500 to AED 4,000, usually lower than the original visa fee.

  • Processing is 7-10 working days, provided that all the documents are complete and valid.

  • Late renewal may incur rush fees of AED 300- 500 and daily overstaying fines of AED 50. 

Also Read: America Visa Price in India, New Fees & Key Insights

What Happens if My Dubai Employment Visa Gets Cancelled? Experts Insights 2025

  • Common cancellation reasons include resignation, termination, or company closure.

  • Visa holders are granted a 30-day grace period to find new employment, change their visa status, or exit the UAE legally.

  • During this grace period, sponsoring family visas are also cancelled unless individual status adjustments are made.

  • Options include switching to an investor visa, a tourist visa, or exiting the country.

  • Employers and employees should negotiate end-of-service gratuity and notice payments to cover living expenses during the grace period (AED 3,000-5,000).

  • Failure to exit or adjust status within 30 days leads to fines and possible deportation.

What Are the Benefits of Dubai 2 Years Employment Visa?

two people clicking pictures; Benefits of Dubai 2 Years Employment Visa - TerraTern

The benefits of the Dubai 2 Years Employment Visa are as follows.

  • Legal work authorisation and residence for 2 years with potential renewal.

  • Zero personal income tax on salaries results in take-home pay 30-40% higher than in India.

  • Access to excellent healthcare, education, and world-class infrastructure.

  • Eligibility to open bank accounts, rent long-term housing, and obtain UAE driving licenses.

  • Family sponsorship rights enable spouses and children to reside with the visa holder.

  • Pathway to permanent residency via Golden Visa programs based on qualifications or investments.

Also Read: Spain Visa Price in India: New Costs & Key Details

What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid with Dubai Employment Visa?

Common Mistakes to Avoid with 2 years employment visa Dubai price.

 Dubai Employment Visa

  • Agreeing to pay visa fees yourself (employer must bear costs as per law).

  • Missing the 60-day deadline for the entry permit is causing application rejections.

  • Using non-approved medical centres leads to costly re-tests and delays.

  • Submitting unattested educational or professional documents risks visa denial.

  • Accepting lower salary offers without budgeting for family sponsorship and related expenses.

  • Signing employment contracts without fully understanding the terms or the employer’s legal status.

  • Failing to verify the employer’s license and MOHRE registration causes legal complications. 

How Does 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Compare to Other Gulf Countries?

 A 2 years employment visa Dubai price is about 15-20% higher than in other GCC countries are:

Feature

Dubai

Saudi Arabia

Qatar

Kuwait

Oman

Bahrain

Visa Cost (AED/SAR/QAR)

AED 3,000-7,000

SAR 2,000-4,000

QAR 3,000-5,000

KWD 200-400 (~AED2,400-4,800)

OMR 300-500 (~AED 5,700-9,500)

BHD 200-400 (~AED 40,000)

Processing Time

10-15 days

20-30 days

15-20 days

20-30 days

15-20 days

12-18 days

Salary Requirement for Family Sponsorship

AED 4,000 min

SAR 6,000+ min

QAR 5,000+ min

KWD 250+ min

OMR 500+ min

BHD 300+ min

Worker Rights & Protections

Strong, MOHRE-regulated

Moderate, labour laws evolving

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Quality of Life

High, tax-free, world-class

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

 Also Read: Work Visa for Gulf Countries: Latest Expert's Guide

What Expert Tips Can Save Money on Dubai Employment Visa Costs?

Expert tips can save money on 2 years employment visa Dubai price are as follows 

Expert Tip

Cost Savings (AED)

Details & Benefits

Negotiate employer-covered family visa costs

8,000–16,000

Avoid out-of-pocket expenses for spouse and children sponsorship, a significant cost component in family visas.

Complete degree attestation in India before arrival

500–1,000

Early attestation avoids premium fees and delays, speeding up visa processing and saving salary days.

Use the MOHRE Smart App for direct application

200–300

Bypasses typing centres and associated mandatory service fees.

Choose MOHRE-approved budget medical centres

200–300

Avoid inflated charges at premium clinics without compromising medical clearance.

Apply for multiple family visas simultaneously

300–500

Reduces duplicate fees for document submission and processing for each family member.

Enter the UAE on an employment entry permit initially

500–640 (status change avoided)

Avoids separate visa status change fees by entering directly on a work visa entry permit.

DIY attestation services with authorised agencies

1,000–2,000

A cost-effective alternative to expensive private agents, with faster turnaround times.

Bundle visa processing with trusted PRO services

200–500

Economical when combined with a visa application for faster processing and error reduction.

Negotiate for company housing or allowance

1,000+ monthly savings

Reduces family sponsorship salary thresholds and housing costs.

Plan document preparation and submission early

500–1,000+

Prevents emergency rush fees and multiple submission rejections, reducing repeated costs.

What Are the Latest Facts About 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price in 2025?

 The standard 2 years employment visa Dubai price remains between AED 3,000 and 7,000 in 2025, covering entry permit, medical tests, Emirates ID, visa issuance, and insurance fees.

  • UAE implemented AI-driven visa processing automation in early 2025, reducing processing times to 10-15 days without increasing fees.

  • MOHRE introduced digital verification systems for document attestation and biometric data collection, enhancing accuracy and reducing manual errors.

  • New worker protection reforms require transparent fee disclosures to ensure agents or employers do not overcharge applicants.

  • Indian passport holders benefit from streamlined attestation procedures and priority processing agreements, speeding approvals by 10-15%.

  • In 2025, visa issuance volume grew by approximately 4.6%, reflecting a steady rise in labour demand across sectors.

  • The Golden Visa program expanded eligibility, allowing more skilled employment visa holders to apply for 5-10 year long-term residency.

  • Fee revisions in Q2-2025 introduced minor increases in document attestation and medical test costs, but overall visa fee ranges remain stable.

  • MOHRE’s digital platform updates integrate with GDRFA and Emirates ID portals, allowing real-time visa status tracking via mobile app 

Also Read: US Visa Fees from India for 10 years: Latest Full Guide 

 

Conclusion

The 2 years employment visa Dubai price typically costs between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000 in 2025. Key savings include negotiating employer-covered family visa costs, completing attestation in India early, and using the MOHRE Smart App. Despite costs, Dubai’s zero-income-tax boost makes the visa a wise investment. For expert help, consult TerraTern for seamless application and cost optimisation. 

Contact TerraTern for more information on the Years Employment Visa Dubai Price in 2025.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact 2 years employment visa Dubai price in 2025?

The complete 2 years employment visa Dubai price ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 (approximately INR 67,000 to INR 1,56,000) in 2025, including entry permit (AED 1,140), medical tests (AED 500-800), Emirates ID (AED 370-570), visa issuance fee (AED 500-2,000), and basic health insurance (AED 700-1,100).

Do I have to pay for my Dubai employment visa or does my employer pay?

According to the UAE Labour Law, employers are legally obligated to pay 100% of employment visa costs, including work permits, visa fees, medical tests, Emirates ID, and MOHRE registration. Legitimate UAE employers cover all official visa costs as part of their legal responsibility, though employees typically pay their own family sponsorship visa costs (AED 2,000-4,000 per family member).

How long does the 2-year Dubai employment visa process take?

Standard processing time for a complete 2-year Dubai employment visa is 10-15 working days from UAE arrival, broken down as medical tests and results (2-3 days), Emirates ID biometric enrollment (1-2 days), residence visa processing (5-7 days), and final document issuance (3-5 days). Express processing services reduce this timeline to 5-7 working days for an additional fee of AED 200-500.

What documents do I need for a Dubai 2-year employment visa?

Essential documents include a valid passport with 6+ months validity, passport-size photographs meeting UAE specifications, a signed employment contract, attested educational and professional certificates (through State HRD, MEA, UAE Embassy, and MOFA), an entry permit approval from GDRFA, a medical fitness certificate from MOHRE-approved clinics, mandatory health insurance proof, an employer's valid trade license copy, and Emirates ID registration documents.

Can I sponsor my family on a Dubai employment visa, and what does it cost?

Yes, 2-year employment visa holders can sponsor immediate family members (spouse, children) with a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 with company-provided accommodation. Parent sponsorship requires an AED 20,000+ monthly income. Family visa costs range from AED 2,000 to 4,000 per person, including residence permits, medical tests, and an Emirates ID.

What happens if I change jobs or my employment visa gets cancelled?

When a Dubai employment visa is cancelled due to resignation, termination, or company closure, you receive a 30-day grace period to find new employment, change visa status (to investor or tourist visa), or exit the UAE. During this period, you can job search and interview, but cannot work until a new employer completes the full visa sponsorship process.

Which worker category classification affects visa costs and how much?

MOHRE classifies workers into three categories significantly affecting costs: Category 1 (bachelor's degree or higher) pays the lowest base fee of AED 300, Category 2 (post-secondary diploma) pays AED 600-2,000, and Category 3 (high school diploma only) faces the highest fee of AED 5,000. This classification determines work permit approval fees, with skilled professionals (Category 1) saving AED 4,700 compared to unskilled workers (Category 3)—a 1,500%

Are there additional hidden costs beyond the quoted visa price?

Yes, beyond standard visa fees (AED 3,000-7,000), budget for additional costs including status change fees (AED 640 for tourist-to-work conversion), document attestation (AED 500-1,500), typing and PRO service charges (AED 100-300), security deposits (up to AED 2,000, often refundable), express processing premiums (AED 200-500), and potential re-testing medical fees (AED 300-500).

How much does it cost to renew a 2-year Dubai employment visa?

Employment visa renewal costs range from AED 2,500-4,000, including updated medical tests (AED 500-800), new Emirates ID (AED 370-570), continued mandatory health insurance, and visa renewal processing fees (AED 500-1,500). Renewal processing takes 7-10 working days and should begin 60 days before expiry to avoid rush fees (AED 300-500) and overstay penalties (AED 50/day).

Is Dubai employment visa worth the cost compared to staying in India?

Yes, Dubai's zero income tax policy means 30-40% higher take-home income versus equivalent Indian positions, with a INR 10 lakh annual Indian salary equaling approximately INR 14-15 lakh purchasing power in Dubai. The one-time visa cost (AED 3,000-7,000 / INR 67,000-1,56,000) represents just 3-7% of typical annual Dubai salaries (AED 100,000-150,000 / INR 22-33 lakh), paid by employers.