2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price 2026: Rules and Process

A 2 year-employment visa in the UAE allows foreign employees, hired by a local (UAE) licensed company, to legally live and work in the country, while enjoying the full benefits of a residency. Some of the notable benefits of this visa are: 

• Legal right to live and work in the UAE for a period of two years

• Eligibility to sponsor family members for residency visas

• Right to open a local bank account

• Eligibility for long-term residential rentals

• Right to obtain a UAE driving licence

• Salary is exempt from personal income tax

• All visa and residency-related costs are fully covered by the employer

To obtain a 2-year employment visa, you should have a valid employment contract, complete the required medical tests and biometrics, and have a valid health insurance coverage in the UAE. It is issued in accordance with the company’s visa quota, and the employer is responsible for ensuring the employee is lawfully permitted to remain in the country. 

This blog provides a simple guide to the visa cost and the step-by-step application process. 

What is the cost of a 2-year employment visa in Dubai? 

The total cost of a 2-year employment visa in Dubai depends on several factors under UAE labour law, including the employer’s MOHRE category, whether the application is processed inside or outside the UAE, and the employee's age. Below is a clear explanation of the main cost components.

Work permit (2 years)

This is the largest fee and is paid to MOHRE. The amount depends on the employer’s company classification:

• Category 1 (A): AED 250

• Category 2 (B): AED 1,200

• Category 3 (C): AED 3,450

Initial application and approval

A federal application fee is required to initiate the visa process. This typically ranges from AED 50 to AED 200, depending on how the application is submitted.

Medical fitness test

All employees must complete a medical examination, including a blood test and chest X-ray. Government fees usually range between AED 260 and AED 360, with minor variations depending on the emirate and medical centre.

Emirates ID (2 years)

The Emirates ID fee is approximately AED 300 to AED 370, calculated as AED 100 per year, plus smart service and typing fees.

In-country status change (if applicable)

If the employee is already in the UAE and changes visa status without exiting the country, an additional AED 520 to AED 575 is charged by GDRFA.

Senior worker surcharge (65 years and above)

For employees aged 65 or above, a one-time surcharge of AED 5,000 is applied to the work permit.

The approximate total costs include: 

• Mainland (Cat-1/2): AED 5,000-7,000 in most straightforward cases.

• Mainland (Cat-3): AED 6,500-12,000 when higher MOHRE fees and optional add-ons apply (e.g., status change).

• Free zone (mid-range): AED 3,500-6,500, depending on zone/package.

These government fees are subject to VAT/typing centre charges. The packages generally bundle many items, such as IED, stamping, medical, and entry permits, makinga wider range. These cost breakdowns are approximate and do not reflect final charges. The added health insurance provides basic coverage and may not cover essential medical needs.

Sponsoring family under the employment visa

For family members to be sponsored, the employee should bear the cost. In some cases, the employer may cover this cost, depending on the policy and benefits. To facilitate this, the following requirements should be met: 

• Monthly income of at least 4,000 AED for spouse and children, 20,000 AED for parents

• Tenancy contract (proof of UAE residence)

• Legalised family documents proving relationship (marriage, birth certificates, etc.)

The estimated cost for sponsoring family members under the employment visa ranged from AED 2,000 to 4,000 per person. 

How to obtain a 2-year employment visa? Step-by-step process

The visa process is initiated by the employer, and the cost is also borne by them. The employee, on the other hand, should cooperate in providing the requested documents and completing medical tests.

Once everything is arranged and in order, the employer can then submit the visa for approval. They can then prepare the employment contract and register it with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) if the company is mainland-based or with the relevant free zone authority if the company is located in a free zone.

Here’s a breakdown of the step-by-step process on how to apply for a 2-year employment visa from the side of an employer and employee: 

From the employer’s side

Company requirements:

• A valid trade licence with available visa quotas (Establishment Card)

• Rented office space (including flexi-desk options). 

Note: Generally, visa allocation is based on office size, typically 9 sq m per employee. Flexi-desk arrangements can allow from 1 to 6 visas, depending on the free zone. These quotas also directly impact the rental cost. 

Steps to folllow:

1. Issue an offer letter clearly specifying the position, salary, contract duration, and role responsibilities, signed and confirmed by the prospective employee.

2. Then, apply for a work permit by submitting the offer letter to MOHRE for initial approval (handled by the free zone authority if the company is in a free zone).

3. Submit an application for the employee’s entry permit through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).

4. The employee may enter the UAE with an entry permit valid for 60 days.

5. After arriving in the country, the employee should sign the official employment contract, which is registered with MOHRE.

6. The employee undergoes the mandatory medical test, including a blood test for HIV and a chest X-ray.

7. Give biometric data, such as fingerprints.

8. Arrange health insurance coverage for the employee.

9. Once the visa is processed and approved, the residence visa is issued along with the Emirates ID, giving the employee legal residency and the right to work in the UAE.

Please be informed that in mainland Dubai and some free zones, registration with the Wage Protection System (WPS) is required for salary payments.

From the employee’s side

Required documents:

• Passport (valid for no less than 6 months)

• Photo

• Offer letter

• Educational documents (attested in the UAE, depending on profession)

Steps to follow:

• First, receive the job offer from the employer.

• Enter the UAE with an entry permit issued by the relevant immigration authority at the employer’s request.

• Sign the employment contract.

• Complete medical test and biometrics.

• Get health insurance.

• Receive an electronic visa and an Emirates ID.

• Start working

Key Takeaways 

A 2-year employment visa in Dubai grants legal residence and the right to work, with the option to sponsor family members. Costs typically range from AED 3,000 to 12,000, depending on the company’s classification, visa type, and employee age. Employers manage the application and most associated fees, while employees are responsible for medical tests, biometrics, and health insurance. Seeking professional support can simplify the process, ensure compliance, and help businesses and expatriates start smoothly in the UAE.