Dubai continues to attract professionals from across the globe, thanks to its booming economy, tax-free salaries, modern lifestyle, and abundant career opportunities. Whether you’re an engineer, marketer, teacher, or entrepreneur, securing a job in Dubai can be a life-changing experience. One of the key steps in working legally in the UAE is obtaining a valid employment visa. Understanding both the 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price and the process involved is essential to ensure a smooth transition.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai, including the associated costs, the visa process, and required documents. With this guide, you can start your professional journey in Dubai with confidence.
What is a Dubai Employment Visa?
A Dubai employment visa (also known as a UAE work permit and residence visa) allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in Dubai and throughout the UAE. The visa is typically sponsored by your employer and grants you the right to stay in the country, open a bank account, rent accommodation, and access other essential services.
Employment visas are generally issued for either 2 years or 3 years, depending on your employer’s company type. In this article, we focus specifically on the 2-Year Employment Visa—one of the most common for private sector workers. Knowing the 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price is crucial if you’re planning your move.
Key Benefits of a Dubai Employment Visa
- Legally live and work in Dubai and across the UAE.
- Open a UAE bank account to manage your finances easily.
- Rent or purchase property in designated areas.
- Sponsor family members, including your spouse and children.
- Access to healthcare and education services available to residents.
- Travel freely in and out of the UAE without additional permits.
Who Needs a 2-Year Employment Visa?
A 2-year employment visa is typically applicable to:
- Private sector employees in mainland companies
- Free zone company employees (in some cases, though free zones also offer 3-year visas)
- Professionals on fixed-term contracts of 2 years
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners (under specific company setups)
If you’re planning a career in Dubai, knowing the 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price will help you budget properly for your relocation.
Dubai Employment Visa Process (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a simplified view of how the process works (note that your employer handles most of the formalities on your behalf):
- Receive a Job Offer and Contract
Your employer offers you a job and prepares a formal employment contract. - Work Permit Application (Approval)
Your employer applies for an initial work permit (valid for 60 days) through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). - Entry Permit (if outside UAE)
If you’re outside the UAE, you’ll get an entry permit (visa) to enter Dubai for employment purposes. - Medical Fitness Test
You’ll undergo a mandatory medical test (blood test and chest X-ray) at an authorized health center in Dubai. - Emirates ID Application
Your employer will apply for your Emirates ID national ID card required for all residents. - Labour Card and Contract Registration
Your labor contract is registered with MOHRE, and you’ll be issued a labor card (work permit). - Residence Visa Stamping
Finally, your 2-year residence visa is stamped into your passport. You’re now legally allowed to work and live in Dubai!
How Much Does a 2-Year Employment Visa Cost in Dubai?
The 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price can vary based on multiple factors:
- Whether your employer is a mainland or free zone company
- The size of the company and its categorization (Category A, B, or C under MOHRE)
- Whether you are inside or outside the UAE at the time of application
As of 2025, here is an approximate breakdown of the costs (for mainland companies):
| Visa Component | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Work permit (approval) | AED 250 – AED 500 |
| Entry permit | AED 500 – AED 1,000 |
| Medical fitness test | AED 300 – AED 700 |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | AED 370 |
| Labor contract fee | AED 200 – AED 500 |
| Residence visa stamping | AED 500 – AED 1,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 (USD 820 – USD 1,640) |
In most cases, your employer will cover the 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price, but smaller companies or startups may pass some costs to the employee.
Important Note:
In most cases, the fees for the employment visa are covered by the employer, particularly in mainland companies. However, in some small businesses, startups, or free zone companies, certain costs, such as medical tests or the Emirates ID may be passed on to the employee.
Employment Visa Costs in Free Zones
If you’re employed by a Dubai free zone company, the process and fees are managed directly by the free zone authority. Costs are typically higher than mainland companies because free zones handle visa services internally.
| Free Zone Visa (2 years) | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Full visa package (incl. medical, Emirates ID, stamping) | AED 6,000 – AED 8,000 (USD 1,640 – USD 2,180) |
While the 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price is typically higher in free zones, the process is usually streamlined.
Additional Costs to Consider
Even though the company pays for most of the visa processing fees, as an employee you might have to pay for:
- Medical insurance (mandatory in Dubai)- AED 700- AED 3,000/year depending on coverage
- Visa cancellation fee (if you change jobs or leave) -AED 200- AED 500
- Overstay fines (if applicable) -AED 50/day after visa expiry
How Long Does the Process Take?
The entire employment visa process in Dubai typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly the required documents are submitted and how efficiently they are processed by the relevant authorities. Knowing the full 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price including hidden costs helps avoid surprises.
Can I Renew My 2-Year Employment Visa?
Yes, you can renew your employment visa once it expires (after 2 years). The renewal process closely mirrors the initial application, and in most cases, your employer will manage the renewal on your behalf to ensure continuous legal residency and employment.
Renewal fees are similar to the initial visa cost (~AED 3,000 – AED 6,000).
Can I Sponsor My Family with a 2-Year Visa?
If your monthly salary is AED 4,000 or more (or AED 3,000 plus accommodation), you are eligible to sponsor your spouse and children for a family residence visa in the UAE. Please note that separate fees apply for sponsoring family members.
Pros and Cons of a 2-Year Employment Visa
| Pros | Cons |
| Legal right to work and live in Dubai | Tied to employer (need NOC to switch jobs) |
| Eligible to sponsor family | Visa expires after 2 years (requires renewal) |
| Access to banking, property, healthcare | Costs if visa canceled prematurely |
Conclusion
Understanding the 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price is essential for any professional planning to work in Dubai. While the process is often employer-managed, being informed about the actual costs, required documents, and timelines ensures a smoother transition.
Key takeaways:
Understand your employer’s policies on visa costs
Ensure all your documents are valid and updated
Follow timelines carefully to avoid penalties
Dubai offers incredible opportunities for career growth, networking, and lifestyle and with your employment visa sorted, you’re ready to make the most of it!
Useful Link for Further Reading
👉 UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)– The official government portal for employment laws, labour contracts, work permits, and visa regulations in the UAE. This resource provides comprehensive information to help you understand your rights, obligations, and procedures related to employment and visas.
FAQs
What is the current 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price?
The 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 for mainland companies, and AED 6,000 to AED 8,000 for free zone companies. This includes work permit, medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
Who pays for the 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai?
In most cases, the employer covers the 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price. However, some startups or free zone companies may pass certain costs (like medical tests or Emirates ID fees) to the employee.
How long does it take to get a 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai?
The processing time for a 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly documents are submitted and processed by authorities.
Can I renew my 2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai?
Yes, the 2-Year Employment Visa can be renewed once it expires. The renewal process and cost are similar to the original application—approximately AED 3,000 to AED 6,000.
Is medical insurance included in the 2-Year Employment Visa Dubai price?
No, medical insurance is not usually included. Employees or employers must separately pay for it. Costs range from AED 700 to AED 3,000 per year, depending on the coverage.
Can I sponsor my family with a 2-Year Employment Visa?
Yes, if your salary is AED 4,000 or more (or AED 3,000 + accommodation), you can sponsor your spouse and children. Separate visa fees and documentation will apply.
What happens if I cancel my employment visa before 2 years?
You or your employer will have to pay a visa cancellation fee, typically ranging from AED 200 to AED 500. Overstay fines may also apply if the visa is not cancelled promptly.
