Dubai continues to attract professionals from around the world with its tax-friendly salary structure, global career opportunities, and high quality of life. If you are planning to work in the UAE, one of the first things you’ll need is a valid employment visa.
A common question among job seekers is: What is the 2-year employment visa in Dubai price in 2026?
The answer depends on several factors such as whether the company is based in Mainland Dubai or a Free Zone, the employee’s profession, medical test fees, Emirates ID charges, and processing speed. In most cases, the total employment visa cost ranges between AED 3,000 and AED 7,500.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Dubai employment visa process, updated costs, required documents, processing time, and important rules for employees in 2026.
What Exactly Is a Dubai Employment Visa?
A Dubai employment visa is a legal permit that allows foreign nationals to both live and work in the UAE. It combines two things at once: a work permit (issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, or MOHRE) and a residence visa (issued by GDRFA/ICP). Without both, you cannot legally work or reside in Dubai.
For most professionals joining a private-sector or government company, the standard validity period is two years, after which it can be renewed as long as your employment continues. The entire process is employer-driven – your company initiates the application, manages the paperwork, and, under UAE law, bears the full cost.
2-Year Employment Visa in Dubai Price: 2026 Breakdown
The total cost of a 2-year employment visa in Dubai ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000, depending on several factors, primarily whether your employer is a mainland or free zone company, your MOHRE worker category, and your age.
Here’s a breakdown of what goes into that total:
| Cost Component | Approximate Cost (AED) |
| MOHRE Work Permit / Labour Card | AED 300 – AED 5,000 (by category) |
| Application / Filing Fee | AED 50 – AED 200 |
| Medical Fitness Test | AED 260 – AED 800 |
| Emirates ID (2-year validity) | AED 370 – AED 570 |
| Residence Visa Issuance | AED 1,000 |
| Visa Stamping & Typing Fees | AED 300 – AED 500 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance (Basic) | AED 700 – AED 1,100/year |
| Total (Estimated) | AED 3,000 – AED 7,000 |
Note: Degree attestation costs (if your employer requires MOFA verification) start from around AED 750 and can go up depending on the document type.
What Affects the Final Price?
The range above is wide because the final cost genuinely varies. Here’s what moves the needle:
1. MOHRE Worker Category
This is often the biggest factor. MOHRE classifies employees into three broad categories:
- Category 1 (Bachelor’s degree or above): Labour card fees as low as AED 300
- Category 2 (Post-secondary diploma or equivalent): AED 600 – AED 2,000
- Category 3 (High school diploma or below): Can reach up to AED 5,000
As an Indian professional with a university degree, you’ll most likely fall into Category 1, which is the most cost-efficient.
2. Mainland vs. Free Zone
Where your employer is registered makes a significant difference:
- Mainland companies are governed by MOHRE and typically cost AED 5,000–7,000 all-in, but offer the flexibility to work anywhere across the UAE.
- Free zone companies operate under their own regulatory authority, tend to have lower labour card fees, and the total cost often falls in the AED 3,000–5,500 range, roughly 30–40% less. However, free zone employment is generally restricted to working within that zone unless additional approvals are obtained.
3. Age of the Applicant
Employees over 65 may attract additional surcharges from employers under MOHRE regulations. For most Indian professionals in their working years, this won’t apply.
4. Status Change (If You’re Already in Dubai)
If you’re in Dubai on a tourist or visit visa and want to convert it to an employment visa without leaving the country, an additional “change of status” fee applies, typically around AED 550–600.
Who Pays for the Visa?
Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, the employer is legally responsible for all costs related to your employment visa, including the work permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. You should not be asked to pay for your own visa or have these costs deducted from your salary. If a company is asking you to cover visa costs upfront, review the job offer carefully before proceeding.
The exception is dependent sponsorship, if you want to sponsor your spouse or children on your visa, those costs are typically your personal responsibility.
Who Is Eligible for a UAE Employment Visa?
To qualify for an employment visa in Dubai, you need to meet the following basic criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid job offer from a UAE-licensed employer
- The employer’s business activity must align with your role
- Your employer must have a valid trade licence and, for mainland companies, an approved visa quota from MOHRE
There is no upper age limit for employment in the UAE, though additional fees may apply for workers aged 65 and above.
Documents Required
When your employer initiates your employment visa, you’ll typically need to provide the following:
- Original passport (and a copy)
- Attested degree certificate (verified by MOFA, if required for your role)
- Passport-size photographs as per UAE specifications
- Medical fitness certificate from a MOHRE-approved clinic
- Emirates ID (applied for during the process)
- Copies of academic credentials authenticated by the UAE embassy in India (for certain roles)
Your employer handles submission of the labour contract, company licence, and MOHRE approvals on their end.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Employment Visa
Here’s how the process typically works once you have a job offer in hand:
Step 1: Visa Quota Approval
Your employer confirms there’s an available visa slot (quota) for your position, approved by MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority.
Step 2: Submit Employment Contract
A signed labour contract is submitted to MOHRE for registration.
Step 3: Entry Permit
An entry permit (valid for 60 days) is issued, allowing you to enter the UAE legally and begin the residency process.
Step 4: Medical Exam
You undergo a medical fitness test at a government-approved clinic, which includes a blood test and chest X-ray.
Step 5: Emirates ID Application
You apply for your Emirates ID at an authorised EIDA centre by providing biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Processing usually takes 5–7 working days.
Step 6: Residence Visa Stamping
Your residence visa is stamped in your passport, completing the process.
Step 7: Health Insurance
Your employer must arrange basic health insurance coverage, mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Total processing time: Typically 10–15 working days from entry into the UAE, though free zone applications can often be completed in 5–10 days.
How Shuraa India Can Help
If you’re an Indian professional relocating to Dubai for a job or an Indian entrepreneur planning to set up a business there, Shuraa India is your end-to-end partner for everything UAE. For individuals, we handle the full employment visa journey – from document review and MOHRE coordination to Emirates ID, health insurance, and visa stamping, so you’re not navigating government processes alone.
For Indian businesses, our support goes well beyond visas. We assist with company formation across mainland and free zones, trade licence applications, corporate bank account opening, PRO services, and ongoing compliance. Once your business is set up, we also manage employment visas for your team, so whether you’re hiring one person or building an entire workforce in Dubai, we take care of the paperwork end to end.
With over two decades of experience and a dedicated India desk that understands the specific needs of Indian entrepreneurs and professionals, Shuraa India is the trusted name for UAE business setup from India.
Contact Shuraa India today for a free consultation and a personalised cost estimate.
Disclaimer: Visa fees and regulations are subject to change by UAE authorities. The figures mentioned reflect 2026 market rates and are indicative. Always verify current fees with official MOHRE and GDRFA portals or consult a registered business setup expert.