Dubai Employment Visa Cost. Staying on top of the Dubai employment visa cost in 2025 is essential if you’re planning to work in the UAE or hire foreign staff. While most expenses are handled by the employer, understanding the full fee structure helps you budget correctly, avoid surprises, and stay compliant with UAE labour laws.
This guide breaks down all key costs: visa fees, labour card, medical tests, Emirates ID, health insurance, renewals, hidden charges, and how company classification or free zone/mainland setup can change the overall price.
How Much Does a Dubai Employment Visa Cost in 2025?
In 2025, the Dubai employment visa cost for a standard 2-year work permit generally falls between:
- AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 for mainland companies
- From around AED 2,500 in free zones (excluding medical and Emirates ID)
This overall cost usually includes:
- Work permit and visa application
- MOHRE approvals and labour card fees
- Medical examination at an approved clinic
- Emirates ID fees
- Residence visa stamping
- Basic health insurance
Under UAE labour law, employers are legally required to cover the full employment visa cost, including renewals.
Cost Structure Breakdown: Dubai Employment Visa 2025
1. Visa Application & Approval
- Initial application / entry permit: around AED 200
- MOHRE approval and labour fees depend on worker category:
| Worker Category | Typical Education Level | Approx. Labour Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Bachelor’s degree or higher | ~ 300 |
| Category 2 | Post-secondary diploma | 600 – 2,000 |
| Category 3 | High school or below | Up to 5,000 |
2. Medical Examination Costs
- Mandatory medical test: AED 300 – 800
- Includes:
- Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis)
- Chest X-ray (TB screening)
- General health assessment
- Re-tests (if needed): extra AED 200 – 400
3. Emirates ID Fees
For employees on a work visa in 2025:
- 2-year Emirates ID: around AED 370 – 570
(includes base fee plus typing/service charges)
4. Visa Stamping & Labour Card
- Residence visa stamping + labour fees: typically AED 500 – 1,000+, depending on category and company type.
5. Health Insurance
- Basic health insurance (mandatory for visa approval): approx.
- AED 700 – 1,100 per year for basic coverage
- Higher for comprehensive plans
6. Why Dubai Employment Visa Costs Vary
Total cost depends on:
- Worker category (education/skills)
- Company classification (Category 1, 2, or 3 under MOHRE)
- Mainland vs free zone jurisdiction
- Processing speed (standard vs VIP)
- Age of worker (extra premium for 65+)
- Additional services (attestation, PRO, typing, etc.)
Mainland vs Free Zone Employment Visa Costs in Dubai
In general, free zone visas are cheaper than mainland visas, but come with work location restrictions.
Cost Comparison: Mainland vs Free Zone (2-Year Visa)
| Cost Component | Mainland (AED) | Free Zone (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application + Work Permit | 3,000 – 7,000 | From ~2,500 + medical/ID |
| Medical Examination | 300 – 800 | 300 – 800 |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 370 – 600 | 370 – 600 |
| Visa Stamping & Labour Fees | 500 – 1,000+ | Usually lower / varies |
| Total Estimated Cost | 3,000 – 7,000 | Typically lower overall |
- Mainland Visa:
- Higher costs but full flexibility to work anywhere in the UAE.
- Free Zone Visa:
- Lower fees and faster processing but work is limited to the specific free zone / related entities.
Types of Employment Visas in Dubai (2025)
1. Standard Work Visa
- Validity: 2 years
- Sponsor: Employer
- Typical Cost: AED 3,000 – 7,000 (paid by employer)
- Best for: Most salaried professionals
- Includes medical tests, Emirates ID and residence visa stamping.
2. Green Visa
- Validity: 5 years
- Sponsor: Self-sponsored (for skilled workers/freelancers)
- Cost: Higher than standard employment visa; varies by case
- Best for: Skilled professionals, freelancers who want more independence from employer sponsorship.
3. Golden Visa
- Validity: 5 – 10 years
- Sponsor: Self / investment / special talent
- Requirements: Usually investment of AED 2 million+ or exceptional professional/creative achievements
- Best for: Investors, entrepreneurs, specialised professionals, and top talents seeking long-term residency.
2-Year Employment Visa Cost in Dubai: Detailed Breakdown
For a typical 2-year mainland employment visa, the cost structure often looks like this:
| Cost Component | Fee Range (AED) | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Approval / Entry Permit | ~200 | Yes |
| Labour Card – Category 1 | 300 | Yes (Cat. 1) |
| Labour Card – Category 2 | 600 – 2,000 | Yes (Cat. 2) |
| Labour Card – Category 3 | 5,000 | Yes (Cat. 3) |
| Medical Examination | 500 – 800 | Yes |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 370 – 570 | Yes |
| Residence Visa Stamping | 493 – 546 | Yes |
| Basic Health Insurance | 700 – 1,100 | Yes (employer-covered) |
| Typing / PRO Services | 290 – 500 | Optional |
Tip: It’s wise to assume 10–15% extra for unexpected costs like re-medical, extra attestations, or service centre fees.
Labour Card Fees for Dubai Employment Visa
Labour card fees are one of the largest variable components in the employment visa cost for Dubai.
1. Fees by Worker Category
| Worker Category | Typical Education Level | Labour Card Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Bachelor’s degree or above | ~ 300 |
| Category 2 | Diploma / post-secondary | 600 – 2,000 |
| Category 3 | High school or lower | 5,000 |
- Category 1 offers the lowest labour cost.
- Moving from Category 1 to Category 3 can increase the employment visa cost by up to AED 4,700.
2. Age Premium (65+)
- Workers aged 65 and above pay an additional AED 5,000 labour premium across all categories.
- This significantly raises total costs to roughly AED 8,000 – 14,000, depending on worker type.
3. Company Classification Impact
MOHRE classifies companies into three categories:
| Company Category | Labour Compliance Level | Typical Labour Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | High compliance | ~ 250 – 300 |
| Category B | Average compliance | 600 – 2,000 |
| Category C | Low compliance / violations | 3,450 – 5,000 |
Companies with better compliance pay lower work permit fees, directly reducing the visa cost per employee.
Employment Visa Renewal Cost in Dubai 2025
Renewing a Dubai employment visa usually costs slightly less than the first issuance because some setup costs are not repeated.
- Typical 2-year renewal cost: AED 4,000 – 6,000
Renewal Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component | Fee Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government Fees | ~1,263.53 | Base processing |
| Labour Fee – Category 1 | 300 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Labour Fee – Category 2 | 600 – 2,000 | Diploma holders |
| Labour Fee – Category 3 | 5,000 | High school level |
| Medical Examination | 300 – 800 | Repeat medical required |
| Emirates ID Renewal (2 years) | 274 – 570 | Depends on validity |
| Visa Stamping | 500 – 600 | Residence renewal stamping |
| PRO Service Fees | 1,260 – 1,575 | Optional outsourcing |
| Health Insurance Renewal | 800 – 1,100 | Annual coverage |
Under UAE law, employers must also pay 100% of renewal costs.
Medical Examination Fees for Dubai Employment Visa
For a Dubai employment visa, medical testing is mandatory and must be completed at a MOHAP or Dubai Health Authority (DHA)–approved centre.
- Standard cost: AED 500 – 800
Tests typically include:
- Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis)
- Chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening)
- General physical exam
Additional points:
- Results are usually available in 1–2 working days (standard).
- VIP / fast-track options are available at a higher fee.
- Re-tests due to unclear/positive results can add AED 200 – 400.
- The medical fitness certificate is often valid for around 3 months.
- Pregnant applicants are normally exempt from chest X-rays.
Emirates ID Cost for Employment Visa Holders (2025)
The Emirates ID is a mandatory biometric ID card for all UAE residents.
1. Emirates ID Fee Range
| Validity Period | Base Fee (AED) | Extra Service Fees (AED) | Approx. Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 170 | 50 – 100 | 220 – 270 |
| 2 years | 270 | ~100 | ~370 |
| 3 years | 370 | 100+ | 470 – 570 |
2. Why Emirates ID Is Essential
- Serves as official identification and residency proof
- Required for:
- Banking and SIM cards
- Government services
- Healthcare and insurance
- Employment records
Applications are usually coordinated by the employer or PRO, and processing takes around 5–7 working days after biometrics.
Hidden Costs of a Dubai Employment Visa (2025–26)
Beyond the headline Dubai employment visa cost, there are several hidden or indirect expenses that can increase your total budget by 15–20%.
Common Hidden Costs
| Hidden Cost Category | Fee Range (AED) | Typical Payer |
|---|---|---|
| MOFA Document Attestation | 750 – 1,500 | Employer / Employee |
| Embassy Attestation (Home Country) | 300 – 800 | Employee (pre-arrival) |
| Certificate Translation | 100 – 300 / doc | Employer or shared |
| Typing Centre Services | 100 – 300 | Usually employer |
| PRO Services | 1,000 – 2,000 | Employer (optional) |
| Courier / Delivery | 50 – 150 | Varies |
| Passport Photographs | 20 – 50 | Employee |
| Re-Medical Testing | 500 – 800 | Usually employer |
| Security Deposit (some zones) | 500 – 2,000 | Employer (refundable) |
| VIP / Express Processing | 500 – 1,500 | Negotiable |
Clarifying who pays what in the offer letter or employment contract helps avoid misunderstandings.
Who Pays for the Employment Visa in Dubai? (2025 Update)
Under UAE labour law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), the employer must cover 100% of all costs related to:
- Work permit and labour card
- Residence visa fees and stamping
- Medical exams
- Emirates ID
- Health insurance
- Entry / employment entry visa
- Any other recruitment or visa processing charges
These cannot be deducted from the employee’s salary or recovered through bonds or hidden agreements. If an employer asks workers to pay their own visa costs, this is against UAE law and can be reported to MOHRE.
How Company Classification Affects Visa Cost
MOHRE classifies companies into Category 1, 2, and 3, and this classification directly affects visa cost through different work permit fees.
| Category | Compliance Level | Work Permit Fee (2 years) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Excellent | AED 250 – 300 | Strong compliance, high Emiratisation |
| Category 2 | Satisfactory | AED 500 – 1,500 | Standard compliance |
| Category 3 | Non-compliant | AED 3,450 – 5,000 | Violations, wage issues, penalties |
The better the company’s compliance, the lower the employment visa cost per worker and the faster the processing.
Processing Time for Dubai Employment Visa in 2025
Typical timelines (approximate working days):
- Visa quota approval: 2–3 days
- Employment contract submission: 1–2 days
- Entry permit application: 3–5 days
- Entry visa issuance: 2–3 days
- Medical examination: 1–2 days
- Emirates ID biometrics: 5–7 days
- Residence visa stamping: 2–3 days
Overall Duration
- Standard processing: around 7–14 working days from quota approval to entry visa.
- Full process including medical, Emirates ID, and stamping: usually 3–5 weeks.
Fast-track services can cut this to 5–7 days for extra fees (often AED 500 – 1,000).
Health Insurance Cost for Dubai Employment Visa
Health insurance is mandatory for employment visa holders.
| Coverage Type | Features | Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Health Insurance | Emergency, basic hospitalisation, chronic disease, limited network | 700 – 1,100 |
| Comprehensive Insurance | Wider network, specialists, outpatient care, family options | 1,500 – 5,000+ |
Employers are required to provide at least basic coverage for employees.
Extra Costs for Workers Aged 65+ in Dubai
Workers aged 65 and above pay an extra AED 5,000 premium on top of standard labour and visa fees.
Typical Cost Ranges
| Category | Under 65 Total (AED) | Extra Age Fee (AED) | 65+ Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | 3,500 – 5,000 | 5,000 | 8,500 – 10,000 |
| Category 2 | 4,500 – 6,000 | 5,000 | 9,500 – 11,000 |
| Category 3 | 7,500 – 9,000 | 5,000 | 12,500 – 14,000 |
Many senior professionals instead explore:
- Golden Visa (investment route)
- Consultancy/independent setups
- Family / dependent visas, where applicable
How to Reduce Dubai Employment Visa Costs
You can’t change government fee structures, but you can optimise how much you pay overall:
- Target Category 1 Classification
- Get degrees properly attested (MOFA + embassy) even if it costs AED 750 – 1,500.
- This can reduce labour fees by up to AED 4,700 compared with Category 3.
- Submit Complete Documents the First Time
- Correct, complete paperwork helps avoid reapplications and extra fees of AED 500 – 1,000.
- Time Medical Tests Wisely
- Take medical exams within their validity window (~3 months) to avoid repeat tests (AED 500 – 800).
- Use Free Zone Structures Where Suitable
- Free zone employment visas can be AED 2,000 – 3,000 cheaper than mainland, depending on your business model.
- Negotiate Dependent Visa Support
- Some employers are open to covering partial or full family visa costs as a benefit.
- Compare PRO and Typing Centre Charges
- Fee differences between providers can be significant; choose transparent, fairly-priced services.
Official Government Websites to Check Dubai Employment Visa Costs
Always confirm current fees from official UAE government websites, such as:
- MOHRE – Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Work permits, labour card fees, company classification
- GDRFA Dubai – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (Dubai)
- Residence visa, status checks, renewals
- ICP (formerly ICA) – Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship
- Federal visa rules, entry permits, Emirates ID
- U.AE – Official UAE Government Portal
- Central information hub for residents and visa-related services
- Emirates ID / ICP ID services
- Emirates ID fees, application steps, validity periods
Checking these sources ensures you base decisions on up-to-date official information
When Should You Start Budgeting for Dubai Employment Visa Costs?
If you’re planning to relocate or hire staff in Dubai, it’s smart to budget in stages:
Around 4 Months Before Moving
- Start document attestation (degrees, marriage/birth certificates if needed)
- Budget: AED 750 – 1,500
Around 6 Weeks Before Moving
- Plan for medical examination
- Budget: AED 500 – 800
Around 2 Weeks Before Processing
- Allocate money (for planning purposes) for:
- Visa processing + labour card: AED 3,000 – 7,000
- Basic health insurance and Emirates ID (if not clearly covered by employer)
Also keep a buffer of AED 500 – 1,000 for hidden costs (typing, courier, translations, extra photos, etc.).
Conclusion
Dubai employment visa cost in 2025 helps both employers and professionals plan realistically and stay compliant. For a standard 2-year employment visa, you should expect a total cost in the range of AED 3,000 to AED 7,000, depending on worker category, company classification, and whether the visa is issued in the mainland or a free zone.
By choosing the right worker category, keeping documents in order, using compliant companies, and considering free zone structures where appropriate, it’s possible to optimise and reduce overall employment visa expenses. Remember, under UAE labour law, all core employment visa costs must be paid by the employer, including medical tests, Emirates ID, labour card and health insurance, ensuring foreign workers are not burdened with illegal fees.
