Dubai Work Visa 2025: Process, Requirements & Fees Guide

The Dubai employment visa entitles foreign professionals to live and work legally in the UAE under the sponsorship of an employer. In the year 2025, knowing the entire Dubai employment visa process is significant for a smooth relocation. Applicants should be able to fulfil the eligibility requirements, be medical test compliant for the mandatory Dubai employment visa medical test, and submit all verified documents. The Dubai employment visa cost is different depending on the type of company, the category of job, and the period of visa validity. Typically, Dubai employment visa processing time varies from a couple of days to a few weeks, depending on employer verification and immigration approvals.

What is a Dubai Employment Visa and Why Do You Need It in 2025?

A Dubai employment visa is a legal document issued to foreign nationals through employer sponsorship and approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), allowing them to work and live in the UAE for a specific duration (usually 2-3 years). 

• UAE job visas (employment visa), according to the Dubai employment visa, foreign employees have the right to live and work in Dubai with the sponsorship of a company, and the job sponsor is subject to UAE labour laws.

• It is divided up into three main parts: a work permit (issued by MOHRE), an entry permit (for first arrival) and a residence visa (for extended stay).

• Compared to tourist or visit visas, the Dubai employment visa scheme is linked to the right to earn income and take advantage of the benefits associated with personal employment.

• Fines of up to AED 100,000, deportations and entry bans are the penalties for working in the country without a valid employment visa.

• Labour law in the UAE covers all Dubai employment visa holders and ensures fair wages, working conditions, health insurance, and end-of-service benefits.

• The Dubai employment visa processing time has decreased from several weeks to 2-4 weeks due to the artificial intelligence-powered automation implemented since 2025.

• Employment visa holders must complete a Dubai medical exam to be approved.

• The average Dubai employment visa cost is from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000, based on the type of company and profession.

• Visa validity usually lasts 2 to 3 years, with an easy renewal process through company sponsorship. 

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

What Are the Different Types of Dubai Employment Visas Available in 2025?

Different types of Dubai employment visas available are 

Standard Work Visa: The Most Common Employment Option in Dubai

Standard Work Visa - This is the most common type of Dubai employment visa issued for 2 years with renewal on the same employer. 

• Employers must be sponsored by a company registered in the mainland, the government, or a free zone.

• The visa holder is linked to the sponsoring employer throughout the visa's validity and is not permitted to work for any company other than the sponsoring employer.

• The cost of an employment visa to work in Dubai is AED 3,000 to AED 7,000, depending on the company category and location.

• The AI-based system is employed under the 2025 system, which typically takes 7-10 working days to process the Dubai employment visa.

• A job change during the validity of the visa requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the current employer or a labour ban of 6 months.

• The Dubai employment visa application consists of the work permit, entry permit, Dubai employment visa medical test, and the residence visa stamping.

How Much Does a Dubai Employment Visa Cost in 2025? Latest Update

The Dubai employment visa fee 2025 is between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000 for a normal 2-year validity, with the extra fee, such as medical tests (AED 300-700), emir ID (AED170-370), and healthcare insurance (AED 600+) per year, around AED 5,000-9,000 for the entire duration of the Dubai employment visa process.

Complete Cost Breakdown Table

Paying the cost of the Dubai visa for the Dubai Employment Visa 2025:

 Also Read: Average Salary in Dubai for Software Engineers

What is the Dubai Employment Visa Processing Time in 2025?

Answer: Dubai employment visa processing time is mostly 7-10 working days starting from the date of the application in 2025, with fast track options being 36 hours (1.5 days) later, while the overall process from the work permit approval to the residence visa stamping day takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the document availability and employer efficiency. 

Step-by-Step Processing Timeline for Dubai Employment Visa

Step by step processing timeline for Dubai Employment Visa is:

What Documents Are Required for a Dubai Employment Visa Application in 2025?

 Essential documents for a Dubai employment visa include: 

Document Attestation Process: A Critical Step in Dubai Employment Visa

The Dubai medical test for employment visa is done at DHA-approved centres (Dubai) or at EHS centres (other emirates), and the results are electronically connected to your application for the Dubai employment visa for faster Dubai employment visa processing time. Undocumented education certificates are the number one reason for a delay in Dubai employment visa processing time, adding 15-25 days to the expected time. 

 Also Read: Primary Teacher Vacancy in Dubai: Latest Job Updates

What is the Dubai Employment Visa Medical Test Requirement in 2025?

Dubai Employment visa medical test requirement:

• Mandatory Health Screening: Required for all Dubai employment visa applicants, from July 2025, due to new health regulations.

• Testing Authorities: Tests should be carried out in centres authorised by DHA (Dubai Health Authority), such as Smart Salem in Dubai or EHS (Emirates Health Services) authorised centres of other Emirates.

• Test Components:

1. Bloodwork for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B & C.
2. Active Tuberculosis Chest X-Ray screening
3. Physical Examination of the General Clinic
4. Additional screenings for select high-risk jobs, such as food handlers and domestic workers.

• Test Duration and Procedure: Usually takes 10-30 minutes (including registration, blood draw, x-ray, and physical exam). 2 hours or more may be required for patients who have time to visit; efficient processes at Smart Salem offer express services.

• Medical Test Costs: AED 300 - AED 700 depending on level of service - standard (24-48 hours) or VIP/express (30 minutes to same day results).

• Result Timeline: Standard results are received in 24 to 48 hours, and VIP results in 30 minutes, electronically submitted directly to visa authorities to expedite Dubai employment visa processing time.

• Failure Consequences: Positive tests for HIV, active TB, and hepatitis B/C result in outright visa refusal and the inability to work in the UAE.

• Medical Fitness Certificate Validity: 90 days from the test; tests need to be scheduled post-receiving the entry permit to avoid expiry before completion of the visa.

• Required Documents for Test: Passport, Entry Permit, Recent Passport Photos and Appointment Confirmation Medical Test.

• Preparation Instructions: A lot of water intake is specified; no fast is required for preparation. Ensure all medicines & supplements are disclosed, and don't take alcohol 24 hours before the test for results. 

In order to avoid expiry of the fitness certificate and avoid delays, schedule your Dubai employment visa medical test only after your entry permit. The test results are electronically integrated into your Dubai employment visa application via DHA/EHS to expedite the process and eliminate paper-based bottlenecks.

Understanding the Medical Fitness Certificate Procedure

• Medical Fitness Certificate Explained: A mandatory health clearance document issued after passing the Dubai employment visa medical test, verifying that the applicant is fit for employment in the UAE.

• DHA vs. EHS Certificates:

1. DHA certificates are issued in Dubai by Dubai Health Authority-approved centres such as Smart Salem.
2. EHS certificates are issued in other emirates by the certified Centres of Emirates Health Services.

• Both certificates serve the same purpose and are accepted for visa processing in all the UAE.

• Electronic Submission: Medical test results and fitness certificates are now automatically submitted to MOHRE/GDRFA systems, eliminating the need for physical certificate submissions and making the process of obtaining a Dubai employment visa much faster.

• Certificate Validity Period: The certificate is valid for 90 days from the test date. If the visa process takes longer than that, then retesting will be required, with an additional cost to the Dubai employment visa cost and processing time.

• Linking Results to Visa Application: The fitness certificate is electronically linked to your Dubai employment visa application file, ensuring seamless verification and approval by immigration authorities.

• Tracking Medical Fitness Approval: DHA or EHS has rapid and user-friendly online portals for applicants to receive updates on the status of their medical tests and certificate issuance, or to get follow-up on applications by typing centres and PRO services.

• Common Medical Test Failures and Reasons for Failure: Failure is generally due to communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or C. Invalid/expired medical certificates, incomplete documentation, delay or prevent retests from taking place.

Only after getting the entry permit, schedule your Dubai employment visa medical test for an early expiry of the test. The electronic linkage of the medical fitness certificate to your Dubai employment visa application significantly reduces processing time, and no physical paperwork is required.

What is the Complete Dubai Employment Visa Process in 2025?

 Complete Dubai Work Permit 2025 Process

1. Offer of Employment & signing of Employment Contract

• Accept a bona fide offer of employment and enter into a contract setting out remuneration, conditions and incidents of employment.

• Contract attestation may be required according to the employer and profession.

• Employee's responsibility: Review and sign the contract as soon as possible. 

2. Employer applies for Work Permit Quota through MOHRE

• The employer applies for a labour quota based on the company's size and office area.

• MOHRE verifies the company's license and the eligibility to sponsor visas.

• Employer responsibility: Fill in and transmit quota documents.

 3. Work Permit Approval (1-5 days)

• MOHRE assesses employment contracts and companies' compliance with labour laws.

• A printed piece of paper containing an electronic confirmation of a foreign worker's eligibility.

• Timing is based on the company's status (free zone vs. mainland).

 4. Entry Permit Issuance (3-7 days)

• An entry permit (pink visa) will be issued, allowing the employee to enter the UAE within 60 days.

• Facilitates travel and commencement of medical, Emirates ID and visa stamping processes.

 5. Travel to the UAE

• An employee's entry to the UAE is based on an entry permit.

• Bring a passport, an entry permit, a signed contract and documents.

 6. Dubai Employment Visa Medical Examination (1-2 days)

• Compulsory health screening at DHA or EHS authorised centres, including blood and chest x-ray.

• Test results are electronically sent to the authorities for visa processing.

 7. Emirates ID Application (2 to 5 working days)

• Biometric data (fingerprints, photograph) Collection at ICP or authorised typing centre.

• This is for a national ID, which is used for residence and work.

 8. Labour Contract Submission

• Employer returns signed contract to MOHRE within 14 days of the employee's date of employment.

• Contract registration makes the employment official, as well as visa approval.

 9. Application to Stamping of your Residence Visa (5-10 days),

• A residence visa is stamped on the residence visa passport or electronic visa given by the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

• Valid for 2 years, usually, and linked with the Emirates ID

 10. Activating the Final Work Permit

• The employer obtained a labour card and an employment permit; employment will be legal.

• The employer arranges for employees' compulsory health insurance registration.\

 11. Timeline Overview

• The total Dubai visa processing time is approximately 2-4 weeks (10-20 working days), depending on the preparedness and efficiency of the documents.

Employer vs. Employee Obligations

This comprehensive step-by-step guide to the entire process of the Dubai employment visa in 2025 combines essential aspects of timelines, costings and role responsibilities. It guides applicants and employers through the system as efficiently as possible. 

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Who is Eligible to Apply for a Dubai Employment Visa in 2025?

MOHRE’s category-based classification directly influences your salary brackets and Dubai employment visa processing time. Applicants in Category 1 benefit from simpler approvals and lower visa costs compared to Category 3 applicants.

What Are the Benefits of Working in Dubai with an Employment Visa in 2025?

Benefits of Working in Dubai with an Employment Visa are:

Also Read: Architect Job Vacancy in Dubai: Salary, Scope & More

What Are Common Dubai Employment Visa Challenges and Solutions?

Common challenges in Dubai employment visas are: delay in attestation of documents leading to delays (2 to 4 weeks), medical test not passed for infectious disease, application form parts missing causing the rejections, expired passport with less than 6 months validity, missing No Objection Certificates (NOC) from previous employer, and delays in visa processing due to quota reach. All such challenges can be avoided by proper preparation and expert consultation during the Dubai employment visa process.

1. Document-Related Challenges

• Attestation Delays and Complexity: The attestation process takes 3-4 weeks, resulting in significant delays. Start the attestation process well in advance and use professional attestation services that are familiar with MEA and UAE embassy requirements to avoid mistakes.

• Missing or Incorrect Documents: Use a checklist that covers all required documents, double-check all requirements, and ensure document formats and specifications are correct before submitting.

• Expired or Insufficient Passport Validity: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your trip. It is always better to renew your passport before initiating the process of obtaining an employment visa in Dubai, so that you don't get rejected in such cases.

2.  Issues of the Application Process

• Incomplete or Incorrect Application Forms: Often, these forms are reviewed in their entirety. Confirm names, spelling, passport numbers and job codes. Some professional visa services can help ensure accuracy.

• Medical Test Failures: Find out about medical tests disqualification for Dubai employment visa, such as infectious diseases. Get the health documentation ready in advance and book your tests only at the approved medical centres.

• Employer-Related Issues: Verify the employer's license, confirm whether the company has an MOHRE quota, and confirm whether the employer is willing to sponsor your Visa.

3. Costs and Delays

• Unexpected Processing Delays: Make a sojourn well in advance, preferably 4-6 weeks before your targeted start date. Have a habit of following application status and also opt for fast-track application processing when time constraints apply.

• Job Change Complications: Understanding NOC requirements to avoid labour bans (usually 6 months). Organise, but only in a manner that clearly documents job transitions.

4. Cost-Related Challenges

• Hidden or Unexpected Costs: Ensure costs are clear upfront in the employment contract with the worker. Budget for all the visa-related expenses (Test attestation, medical and processing expenses)

• Sharing in Expenses: Clearly outline and document the employer's and employee's obligations for bearing expenses.

5. Legal and Compliance Challenges

• Visa Rejection by Eligibility Issues: Check the Eligibility Issues of the MOHRE Category. Make sure your job position is consistent with the company's licensed activities and the age and qualification requirements.

6. Post-Visa Challenges

• Visa Renewal Complexities: Start the renewal process 3 months before the visa's expiry. Maintain the validity of employment contracts for its employees and keep all related documents up to date.

Expert Takeaway: Around 70% of the delay in the Dubai employment visa application is due to improper document attestation. Hiring the services of professional attestation services (costing AED 750-1,500) can save 2-3 weeks of processing time, and the risk/collections of rejections is tiny.

How Can You Renew or Cancel Your Dubai Employment Visa? Experts Guide 2025

The procedure for renewing or terminating a Dubai employment visa involves separate steps and timelines to remain in a legal position to reside and work.

Visa Renewal Process

• When to Start: To renew a visa, it needs to be at least 3 months before the visa expiry.

• Eligibility: Having a continuous contract (valid contract for employment with a permanent employer) with the same sponsor.

• Procedure: The employer makes the initiation for renewal application, you make an updated medical fitness test, you apply for a new Emirates ID or renew it, you renew and resubmit updated employment contracts and other required documents.

• Costs: Total cost of renewal ranges from AED 2,500 to AED 7,000, costs including Government fees, medical tests and affiliation to Emirates ID renewal.

• Turnaround Time: Typically,2-3 weeks.

• Consequences of Non-Renewal: There is a 30-day grace period starting after expiry during which you can leave the UAE/renew your visa - Overstaying will result in a fine of AED 50 per day.

Visa Cancellation Process

• When Necessary: Visa cancellation will occur due to termination of employment, resignation, change of job, permanent departure from the United Arab Emirates, or company closure.

• Procedure: The employer must cancel the labour contract through MOHRE and the visa to reside through GDRFA. As a part of this process, the Emirates ID is deactivated.

• Timeline: The entire cancellation process usually takes 7-14 days.

• Post-Cancellation: Allow a 30-day grace period for the employee to exit or transfer sponsorship. New visa applications are required for staying.

• Without Employer Cooperation: Employees can approach the Ministry of Labour or the court to enforce the cancellation.

Understanding the 30 Day grace period and the overstay penalty.

The grace period of 30 days will begin as soon as your Dubai employment visa is terminated/cancelled. During this period, you are free to leave the UAE, make a visa renewal request or transfer to a new sponsor. However, you cannot work (during this grace period).

• If you continue to stay in the US for more than these 30 days, penalties apply as follows:

• AED 50 per day (for the first 6 months)

• Fines increase with longer overstays.

• Additional administrative charges may be charged.

• Overstays can result in travel bans and difficulties when applying for a visa in the UAE in the future.

• Avoid these penalties - timely renewal, cancellation, or departure in the grace period.

Also Read: Pharmacist Job Vacancy in Dubai: Salary, Scope & More

How Does Dubai Employment Visa Compare with Other UAE Work Visas? Latest Comparision 2025

Dubai employment visas also fall under the same federal rules of the UAE, but the processing processes are carried out under the administration of Dubai-specific authorities, such as the DHA for the medical tests and GDRFA Dubai for the issuance of the residency. For example, Dubai visas are usually valid for 2 years in the mainland and 3 years in the Freezones, with prices fluctuating depending on the emirate, zone and type of employer (mainland vs. free zone). In contrast, other Emirates, such as Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, have their own authorities and sometimes different processes and requirements, although the most basic regulations are based on the guidelines of the MOHRE in the UAE as a whole.

What Should You Know About Family Sponsorship with a Dubai Employment Visa?

 Dubai employment visa holders are able to sponsor their immediate family members (spouse, children, parents) for residence visas.

• Minimum pay (salary) requirements:

• AED 4,000+ per month with accommodation for sponsoring spouse/children.

• AED 10,000+ per month without accommodation (varies with each emirate).

• An increased salary (AED 20,000+) is required to sponsor parents with a refundable deposit.

• No job title restrictions; all professions are eligible for family sponsorship.

• Required documents include a valid employment visa, a salary certificate, a tenancy contract, attested marriage and birth certificates, copies of passports and bank statements.

• Sponsorship steps: Entry permit application - Family enters UAE - Medical fitness tests - Mandatory for people above 18 - Emirates ID application - Residence visa stamping - Health insurance enrollment.

• Family visa costs range from AED 3,000 to 5,000 per dependent for entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID & stamping.

• Processing time will generally be between 2 and 4 weeks.

• Sponsored family members can live and study, and are required to have health insurance in the UAE; Work permits are required to work.

• Family visas are valid for the same period as the sponsor's Dubai employment visa and are due for renewal.

• It is essential to plan finances properly; sponsoring a spouse and two children can cost about AED 12,000-15,000 on average.

• This brief guide includes family sponsorship basics of the Dubai employment visa, cost, processing time, and medical test factors within the Dubai employment visa process.

Also Read: Employment Visa India: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreigners

What Are the Latest 2025 Updates for the Dubai Employment Visa?

The New 2025 Dubai Employment Visa Updates are 

• 2025 AI-Driven Automation: The Dubai employment visa processing time has been reduced to 7-10 working days due to the UAE's new AI-powered visa processing system, implemented at the beginning of 2025.

• Mandatory Medical Screening: From July 1, 2025, all Dubai employment visa applicants must undergo a Health Authority Dubai-approved dubai employment visa medical test at Dubai Health Authority medical centres before the approval of a visa, work permit, or driving license.

• Golden Visa Updates: The Golden Visa policy was revised in 2025 to target highly skilled professionals and special occupations.

• Employment Visa Growth: Recent numbers show that since 2024, the rate of employment visas in Dubai has increased by 4.6%, suggesting an increase in labour market demand.

• Simplified Entry for Indians: Indian passport holders will benefit from seamless entry procedures under the 2025 Regulations, thereby simplifying the Dubai employment visa process.

• Digital Platform Enhancements: Enhanced Digital portals were launched in 2025 to minimise documentation errors and improve applicant tracking and transparency in approvals.

• Cost Range Update: The Dubai employment visa cost for a year visa ranges from AED 3000 to AED 7500 by profession, with AED 3000 + AED 5000 for the 7000 range, depending on profession and type of employer sponsorship.

• Last Updated: These updates are current as of October 2025 and reflect the latest Dubai employment visa policy environment and digital transformation initiative.

How TerraTern Can Help with Your Dubai Employment Visa in 2025?

TerraTern makes your Dubai Employment Visa experience easier with professional services and personalised approaches.  

• Eligibility Check: Understand your visa options and receive personalised advice, depending on your own background and employment opportunity.  
• Document Verification and Preparation: TerraTern has to verify and prepare all documents and minimise delays in processing.  
• Application Support: Easy administration of all visa procedures, including work permit application, medical examination arrangement and Emirates ID registration. 
• Mock Interviews: Train to get ready for your visa interview and to train to be approved.  
• Fast-Track and Renewal Support: Benefit from fast-track alternatives, prompt renewal notifications and ongoing encouragement of extensions or family sponsorship.  
• Clear Prices and Personalised Customer Service: No hidden fees, transparent cost structure, customer service that is responsive and post-arrival assistance to settle in Dubai.  

TerraTern offers you the advantage of professional consultants, technologically advanced processing and a high visa approval rate- so that you can easily and stress-free move to Dubai.

Conclusion

Securing a Dubai employment visa in 2025 offers unparalleled opportunities in one of the world's most dynamic economies with tax-free income and world-class infrastructure. Understanding the complete Dubai employment visa process—from document preparation and attestation to medical tests and final stamping—ensures a smooth transition. The Dubai employment visa costs range from AED 5,000 to 9,000 and cover work permits, Emirates ID, and health insurance.

In contrast, the Dubai employment visa processing time averages 7-10 working days, thanks to AI-driven efficiency. The mandatory Dubai employment visa medical test at DHA-approved centres ensures compliance with health requirements. By starting early, preparing documents correctly, and understanding each step, applicants can successfully navigate the visa journey and unlock Dubai's exceptional career prospects, financial benefits, and quality of life in 2025.

Contact TerraTern for more information on Dubai Employment Visa: Your Complete 2025 Guide to Costs, Process & Requirements.