Dubai Employment Visa Cost 2025 | Fees, Process & Updates

Generally, the Dubai employment visa cost in 2025 is between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000. This all-encompassing fee includes visa processing, medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, and residency stamping. The cost can vary depending on the job class, type of company (mainland or free zone) and other fees such as medical examinations and ID card fees. For similar reasons, renewal of an employment visa in Dubai will cost the same, including medical and Emirates ID renewals. Most of the time, employers pay these fees, though it is possible to share the costs or adopt different policies. Overall, it is recommended to allocate a budget between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000 for the initial fee for the employment visa and renewal costs in Dubai.

What is the Dubai Employment Visa Cost in 2025?

The price of the employment visa in Dubai for the standard work permit of 2 years starts from AED 3000 and extends up to AED 7000 in 2025. The cost will vary for the different professions of the employee, classification of the company (mainland or free zone), and other associated fees of medical examination, Emirates ID, labour card, visa stamping fee and mandatory basic health insurance.

1. Cost Structure Breakdown

• Visa Application and Approval Costs

• Initial application fees are approximately AED 200.

• MOHRE approval fees depend on the type of workers:

• Category 1 (Bachelor's degree and above): Pendant (approx. AED 300).

• Category 2 (Post-secondary diploma): AED 600 - AED 2,000

• Category 3 (High school diploma or below): Less than AED 5,000

2. Medical Examination Costs

• Mandatory medical tests are between AED 300 and AED 800, depending on the extent of tests.

3. Emirates ID

• The cost of getting an Emirates ID for 2 years starts at AED 370 up to AED 600.

4. Visa Stamping and Labour Card Charges

• Stamp visa and labour card application could cost from AED 500 to AED 1,000+

5. Health Insurance

• Basic health coverage is required and often provided by employers, and varies in price.

6. Why Costs Vary

• The fees are heavily influenced by the kind of work (skills and qualifications) you do.

• Company types: fees of mainland companies are generally higher than those of free zones.

• Final cost may change depending on the option for additional services, processing speed, and the price for biometric testing.

• Premiums are charged for post-65-year-old workers and increase with age.

7. Relative prices of mainland vs. free zone

Also Read: Dubai Visa Check Online by Passport Number: New Guide

What Are the Different Types of Employment Visas in Dubai?

Dubai has three types of employment visas with different fees, validity, and eligibility:

1. Standard Work Visa

• Validity: 2 years

• Sponsorship: Employer-sponsored

• Cost Range: AED 3,000 to AED 7,000

• Best For: Salaried professionals and most talented professionals

• Details: Most common type of visa for which an employer needs to sponsor; includes medical and Emirates ID fees.

2. Green Visa

• Validity: 5 years

• Sponsorship: Self-sponsored (for skilled workers)

• Cost Range: Above average visa costs (Varies)

• Best For: Freelancers, skilled professionals, etc., who require more flexibility

• Details: Introduced in 2022, this enables more job movements without immediate employer sponsorship.

3. Golden Visa

• Validity: 5 to 10 years

• Sponsorship: Investor/specialist based/small scale

• Cost Range: Requires investment of at least AED 2 million in the business or demonstration of specialised skills; other charges will be applicable.

• Best For: Actresses, authors, creators, who are really specialised in investing, Building Startups, capitalism, and Green MLAs

• Information: Long-term residency for outstanding contribution

How Much Does a 2-Year Employment Visa Cost in Dubai 2025?

A 2-year employment visa in Dubai costs between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000 for mainland companies, while free-zone employment visas start at AED 2,500, plus medical and Emirates ID fees. The total employment visa cost for Dubai includes government fees, labour card (AED 300-5,000 based on qualification category), medical examination (AED 500-800), Emirates ID (AED 370-570), visa stamping (AED 493-546), and basic health insurance (AED 700-1,100). Under UAE labour law, employers must cover 100% of the cost for an employment visa in Dubai, ensuring workers face no out-of-pocket expenses for standard visa processing.​

Complete Cost Breakdown

The employment visa renewal Dubai cost follows similar pricing structures, with employers responsible for covering all renewal fees, including updated medical examinations and Emirates ID extensions.. Always budget 10-15% above the quoted Dubai employment visa cost to account for potential document attestation fees, typing centre charges, or medical test retakes that may not be included in standard packages

Also Read:  2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price Full Breakdown Guide

What Are the Labour Card Fees for Dubai Employment Visa?

The Labour card fees for Dubai employment visa are:

1. Worker Category Fees (Primary Cost Factor in Dubai Employment Visa Cost):

• Category 1 (Bachelor's degree): AED 300 - lowest cost for employment visa in Dubai​

• Category 2 (Diploma): AED 600-2,000 depending on company classification​

• Category 3 (High school): AED 5,000 - the highest labour card fee impacting employment visa cost for Dubai​

2. Age Premium:

• Workers aged 65+ pay an additional AED 5,000 across all categories, significantly increasing the Dubai employment visa cost​

3. Company Classification Impact:

• Category A companies: AED 250-300 labour card fees (high compliance)​

• Category B companies: AED 600-2,000 (partial compliance)​

• Category C companies: AED 3,450-5,000 (low compliance/violations)​

4. Additional Labour Components:

• Labour insurance: ~AED 262 mandatory coverage​

• Work permit processing: AED 200 initial approval fee​

• Replacement fee: AED 200 if reissued​

5. Total Cost Impact:

• The labour card represents the most significant variable expense in the cost of an employment visa in Dubai​

• Proper Category 1 classification saves AED 4,700 compared to Category 3​

• Employment visa renewal in Dubai costs follow the identical labour card fee structure​

6. Key Requirement:

• Educational certificates must be MOFA-attested for proper category classification to minimise employment visa cost for Dubai

What is the Employment Visa Renewal Dubai Cost in 2025?

Employment visa renewal in Dubai costs approximately AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 for a 2-year extension, including government fees (AED 1,263.53), labour fees (AED 300-5,000 based on category), medical examination (AED 300-800), Emirates ID renewal (AED 274-570 for 2 years), and PRO service fees (AED 1,260-1,575). The employment visa renewal costs in Dubai are often slightly lower than the initial issuance costs because one-time setup fees do not apply. Under UAE labour law, employers must cover 100% of the cost of employment visa renewal in Dubai, ensuring employees incur no out-of-pocket expenses. Starting the renewal process 3-4 months before expiry helps avoid rush fees, salary disruptions, and costly overstay penalties of AED 50 per day.​

Complete Renewal Cost Breakdown

The employment visa cost for Dubai renewal includes several mandatory components that must be completed for continued legal employment:

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

What Medical Examination Fees Apply to a Dubai Employment Visa?

• Medical examination fees for Dubai employment visas range from AED 500 to AED 800 at government-approved clinics.

• The mandatory medical screening covers:

1. Blood tests: HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis to ensure no communicable diseases.
2. Chest X-ray: Screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis.
3. General physical examination: Assessment of overall health status.

• Testing must be done at MOHAP or Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approved clinics.

• Processing time typically takes 1 to 2 days for standard results; VIP options provide faster results at a higher cost.

• If results are unclear or positive for certain conditions (e.g., hepatitis), re-testing may be required, adding an extra AED 200 to AED 400.

• The medical fitness certificate is valid for 3 months to be submitted with the visa application.

• Pregnant applicants are usually exempt from chest X-rays for safety.

This mandatory health screening ensures workers meet Dubai's health fitness standards for employment, supporting public health safety and visa approval.

How Much Does an Emirates ID Cost for an Employment Visa in 2025?

The Emirates ID fee for employment visa holders in Dubai in 2025 ranges from AED 370 to AED 570, depending primarily on the visa validity period.

1. Emirates ID Fee Breakdown

2. What is the Emirates ID, and why is it Mandatory?

• Emirates ID is a mandatory biometric identity card issued by the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) to all UAE residents.

• It serves as proof of legal residency and is required to access government services, banking, healthcare, and employment.

• Biometric data (fingerprints and photos) must be collected at authorised EIDA centres.

• Processing time for Emirates ID issuance or renewal usually takes 5 to 7 working days.

• The validity of the Emirates ID must align with the employment visa validity period.

3. Application Process

• The application or renewal is linked to the visa process and typically completed through the employer or PRO.

• Fees include both the issuance cost and typing/service centre charges, which can vary.

• Failure to renew the Emirates ID in a timely manner results in fines and legal restrictions in the UAE.

Also Read: UAE Immigration: How to Move to the United Arab Emirates?

What Are the Hidden Costs of a Dubai Employment Visa in 2025-26?

Hidden costs beyond the quoted Dubai employment visa cost include document attestation (AED 750-1,500), certificate translation (AED 100-300 per document), visa typing services (AED 100-300), courier charges (AED 50-150), photographs (AED 20-50), and potential re-medical testing (AED 500-800) if initial results are unclear. These additional expenses can add 15-20% to the total cost for an employment visa in Dubai, potentially increasing your budget by AED 600-1,400 beyond the standard quoted price. While the UAE labour law mandates employers to cover primary visa costs, some hidden fees may fall into grey areas where responsibilities are unclear, making upfront clarification essential.​

Complete Hidden Costs Breakdown

Who Pays for an Employment Visa in Dubai: Employer or Employee? 2025 Update

UAE labour law mandates that employers must pay 100% of employment visa costs, including work permit, labour card, medical examination, Emirates ID, government approvals, and health insurance. Employees should never be asked to pay visa fees or have costs deducted from their salary—such practices violate UAE labour regulations under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The Dubai employment visa cost, employment visa renewal Dubai cost, and all associated expenses are legally the employer's responsibility, ensuring foreign workers face no financial burden for obtaining legal work authorisation. Any company requesting employees to pay their own visa costs is engaging in illegal practices and should be reported to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).​

Legal Framework: Employer Responsibility

UAE Labour Law Requirements:

Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its implementing regulations explicitly state that employers bear complete financial responsibility for all recruitment and visa-related costs:​

• Residence visa fees: Complete cost for employment visa in Dubai, including government processing charges​

• Work permit and labour card: All MOHRE application and approval fees​

• Medical examination: Mandatory health screening at approved clinics (AED 250-800)​

• Emirates ID: Application, processing, and card issuance fees​

• Health insurance: Annual coverage premiums as mandated by UAE law​

• Visa stamping: Final residence visa stamping in the passport​

• Entry visa: Initial employment entry visa (pink visa) for legal entry​

These costs cannot be deducted from salaries or recovered through salary reductions, bond agreements, or post-employment clawback provisions.

Also Read: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Latest Guide for

How Does Company Classification Affect Employment Visa Cost in Dubai in 2025?

Companies in Dubai are classified as Category 1, 2, or 3 by MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation), directly impacting the Dubai employment visa cost through differential work permit fees. Category 1 companies with excellent labour compliance pay AED 250-300 per work permit, Category 2 companies with average compliance pay AED 500-1,500, and Category 3 companies with poor compliance pay AED 3,450-5,000 plus potential restrictions on hiring foreign workers. This classification system, implemented under Cabinet Resolution No. 209 of 2022, aims to protect workers' rights and incentivise businesses to maintain high labour standards, thereby significantly affecting the total cost of an employment visa in Dubai, depending on the employer's classification.​

MOHRE Company Classification System

The three-tier classification system evaluates companies based on labour law compliance, Emiratisation achievements, wage protection adherence, and workforce diversity:​

What is the Difference Between Mainland and Free Zone Employment Visa Costs in Dubai?

Free zone employment visas cost significantly less, starting at AED 2,500-4,000 plus medical and Emirates ID fees (total approximately AED 4,000-5,500), while mainland employment visas average AED 5,000-7,000+ for the complete package. Free zones offer streamlined processing, lower labour card fees, and operate under independent regulatory frameworks separate from MOHRE, resulting in 30-40% cost savings on the Dubai employment visa cost.

However, free zone visas come with geographical work restrictions limiting employment to the specific free zone jurisdiction, while mainland visas permit work anywhere in the UAE, making the cost of an employment visa in Dubai a trade-off between budget and operational flexibility.​

Complete Cost Comparison

The employment visa cost for Dubai varies substantially based on jurisdiction, with free zones offering clear financial advantages.

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How Long Does Dubai Employment Visa Processing Take in 2025? Experts Update

Dubai Employment Visa Processing take:

• Visa Quota Approval: 2-3 working days

• Employment Contract Submission: 1-2 working days

• Entry Permit Application: 3-5 working days

• Entry Visa Issuance: 2-3 working days

• Medical Examination: 1-2 working days

• Emirates ID Application and Biometrics: 5-7 working days

• Residence Visa Stamping: 2-3 working days

Total Processing Duration

• Standard processing typically takes 7-14 working days from quota approval to the issuance of an entry visa.

• The complete process, including medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, and residence visa stamping, takes 3-5 weeks.

Expedited Options

• Fast-track services can reduce overall processing to 5-7 days for an additional fee of AED 500 to AED 1,000.

Factors Influencing Processing Time

• Company classification and MOHRE compliance levels.

• Completeness and accuracy of documents.

• Seasonal demand and public holidays.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for a Dubai Employment Visa in 2025?

Health Insurance Cost for Dubai Employment Visa

Also Read: Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa: Latest Complete Guide

 What Are the Costs for Different Worker Categories in Dubai?

Worker category costs vary significantly based on educational qualifications: Category 1 (Bachelor's degree+): AED 300 labour card, total visa approximately AED 3,000-4,000 | Category 2 (Post-secondary diploma): AED 600-2,000 labour card, total visa approximately AED 4,000-5,500 | Category 3 (High school): AED 5,000 labour card, total visa approximately AED 7,500-9,000. These MOHRE classifications directly impact the Dubai employment visa cost, with Category 1 workers saving AED 4,700 compared to Category 3 through lower labour fees, faster processing, and preferential quota allocation​. Proper educational certificate attestation proving bachelor's degree qualifications is essential for Category 1 classification, making the attestation investment of AED 750-1,500 immediately cost-effective by securing the lowest employment visa cost for Dubai​.

Complete Cost Comparison by Worker Category

The cost for an employment visa in Dubai varies dramatically based on MOHRE's educational qualification assessment:

What Additional Costs Apply to Workers Aged 65 and Above in Dubai?

Workers aged 65 and above face an additional AED 5,000 premium applied across all worker categories, regardless of educational qualifications or professional level. This surcharge applies to both initial visa issuance and renewals and significantly increases the total employment visa cost, often bringing senior workers’ expenses to AED 8,000 to AED 12,000.

Why Does the Age Premium Exist?

• The premium covers increased healthcare risks and insurance costs associated with senior workers.

• Even Category 1 workers (typically with the lowest fees) pay the same labour card fee as Category 3 after this surcharge.

• The age premium is mandated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) under the UAE government’s labour regulations.

• Some exceptions exist for individuals with specialised expertise, but these are rare.

Alternatives for Senior Professionals

• The Golden Visa investment route is a popular alternative, requiring investments of AED 2 million or more.

• This option offers long-term residency (5-10 years), removes employer sponsorship, and eliminates recurring age premiums.

• Senior professionals are advised to explore consultancy arrangements or dependent visas for family sponsorship to mitigate costs.

Comparison Table of Costs for Workers Aged Under 65 vs. 65+

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

How Can You Reduce Dubai Employment Visa Costs?

Dubai Employment Visa Costs can be reduced by:

Documentation Strategies:

1. Secure Category 1 Classification through Proper Certificate Attestation

• Investing AED 750–1,500 in MOFA attestation can save AED 4,700 in labour card fees.
• Proper attestation ensures faster processing and more favourable fee categories.

2. Submit Complete Documentation on First Submission

• Avoids delays and reapplication fees costing AED 500–1,000.
• Ensures smooth processing and prevents additional costs from document rejection.

3. Time Medical Examinations Within the Validity Window

• Taking medical tests with 3 months validity prevents costly re-tests of AED 500–800.
• Scheduling reduces unnecessary expenses and delays in visa applications.

4. Plan Attestation and Visa Application Early

• Starting attestation 3–4 months in advance avoids rush fees and last-minute processing costs.

5. Choose Free Zone Employment Where Possible

• Free zone visas cost AED 2,000 to 3,000 less than mainland visa fees, mainly due to streamlined processes and lower levies.

6. Negotiate Employer-Covered Dependent Visas

• Bundling family visas into the employment package can save out-of-pocket expenses for dependents.

7. Compare PRO Service Fees

• Select competitive and transparent PRO providers to avoid inflated charges.

What Government Websites Should You Check for Official Dubai Employment Visa Costs?

Government Websites that You Should Check for Official Dubai Employment Visa Costs

• MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation)
  Website: mohre.gov.ae. Information: Labour card fees, work permit costs, company classifications, and official visa-related labour regulations. Employers apply for work permits via MOHRE's Tas'Heel system here.

• GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai)
  Website: gdrfad.gov.ae. Information: Residence visa issuance fees, visa stamping, visa status checks, and renewal procedures specific to Dubai.

• ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship)
  Website: icp.gov.ae. Information: Federal visa regulations, biometric enrollment, Emirates ID issuance rules, and unified visa policy details.

• U.ae (UAE Government Services Portal)
  Website: u.aeInformation: Consolidated visa information, government services for residents, company classification checks, and visa application status tracking.

• EIDA (Emirates Identity Authority)
  Website: Emiratesid.Information: Emirates ID fees, application process, biometric registration requirements, renewal procedures, and validity periods

Also Read: Qatar Visa Check Online by Passport Number: Expert Guide

When Should You Start Budgeting for Dubai Employment Visa Costs?

Budgeting for Dubai Employment Visa Costs should be done:

Budget Timeline

• 4 Months Before Relocation:
  Start document attestation for educational and legal certificates.
  Budget: AED 750 - 1,500
  (Allow 6-8 weeks for attestation process)

• 6 Weeks Before Relocation:
  Schedule and complete a mandatory medical examination.
  Budget: AED 500 - 800

• 2 Weeks Before Relocation:
  Prepare for visa application processing, including work permit and labour card fees.
  Budget: AED 3,000 - 7,000

Cost Allocation by Stage (Including Hidden Costs)

Conclusion

Understanding the Dubai employment visa cost is essential for both employers and employees planning to work in the UAE. The cost for an employment visa in Dubai ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000, depending on the worker category (Category 1: AED 300, Category 2: AED 600-2,000, Category 3: AED 5,000 labour fees), company classification, and mainland versus free zone jurisdiction. UAE labour law mandates that employers cover 100% of the employment visa cost for Dubai, including medical examinations, Emirates ID, labour cards, and health insurance.

The employment visa renewal Dubai cost follows similar structures at AED 4,000-6,000 every two years. Strategic planning around worker categories, proper educational credential attestation, and jurisdiction selection can optimise costs significantly, with free zones offering 30-40% savings over mainland options.

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