At Dubiz, we understand the complexities & challenges of establishing a business in UAE’s evolving landscape. Our suite of expert business setup services is specially designed to support your venture at every stage, from inception to expansion.

2 years employment visa Dubai price

Dubai has entered 2026 with the same excitement and appeal for expatriates. The city offers many opportunities, tax-free income, a luxurious lifestyle, and a fast-growing economy. Anyone who wants to explore Dubai’s job market and work here must get an employment visa. The most popular type is a 2 year employment visa which offers residency of up to 2 years.

If you are also planning to get one and doubt the budget you need, read this article. It provides details on 2 years employment visa Dubai price, along with its application process and other information.

What is a 2 Year Employment Visa in Dubai?

A 2 year employment visa in Dubai, also known as a work visa, is a legal document that allows foreigners to stay and work in the UAE for 2 years. It is a highly sought-after option for those looking to make their career in the UAE and is usually sponsored by employers or companies based in Dubai.

Dubai has a vibrant job market and professionals from across the globe want to be part of it. The work visa is the key that lets you do so. Imagine you got a job offer in Dubai. The next thing you will require is the employment visa which will allow you to enter Dubai and join your company. After 2 years, if you wish to continue your job, the work visa needs to be renewed.

Types of Employment Visas in Dubai

There are three types of employment visas that foreign workers can get based on their qualification and skills:

  • Category 1: For bachelor’s degree holders (or higher)
  • Category 2: For individuals with post-secondary diploma in any field
  • Category 3: For those with high school diploma or equivalent

Other general categories:

  • Standard employment visa: Most popular, typically valid for 2 years.
  • Freezone work visa: For those working with companies located in freezones.
  • Green visa: 5 year validity, meant for skilled professionals, freelancers and investors.
  • Golden visa: 10 year residence of skilled professionals with minimum AED 30k monthly salary.

Please note that the 2 years employment visa Dubai price can vary based on under what category you fall.

What are the Benefits of 2 Year Employment Visa in Dubai?

As a professional, whether you get the employment visa in Dubai Mainland or in one of the thriving free zones, there are many advantages that you will enjoy.

A 2 year employment visa in Dubai offers many benefits:

1. Residency status under law: First of all, it is a legal requirement to hold a visa for staying and working in the UAE. An employment visa gives an employee that residency status.

2. Family sponsorship: With this visa, employee can sponsor their family, including parents and children, and they can live together in the UAE.

3. Job opportunities: In Dubai, the job market is shining in its full glory and individuals can explore many good job opportunities while on your visa stay.

4. Job stability: Getting a 2 year employment visa offers stability for a reasonable period in which employees can work towards their profession without worrying about frequent short-term renewals.

5. Access to services: With a valid work visa, individuals can access various essential services, such as healthcare, utilities and bank account opening.

6. Developed community: Dubai is home to amazing professional and business community thriving across range of industries. The opportunity of networking is everywhere.

7. Tax savings: UAE’s tax friendly environment is one of the magnets that attracts individuals across the globe. Employees can enjoy 0% personal income tax!

What is the Eligibility for 2 year Employment Visa in Dubai?

Employee must meet the following conditions to be eligible:

  • Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Job offer: From a UAE based employer
  • Qualification: Minimum bachelor’s degree or a post-secondary diploma in any field or a high school diploma.
  • Job alignment: Role must match the business activities of hiring organization.
  • Medical and security: Medically fir and clean security background.

Employer sponsoring work visa needs to meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Vaid business license: Must hold a valid business license issued by a UAE authority.
  • Cost bearing: Employer may bear additional costs for workers above 65 years.

Please note that the eligibility requirements are set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) and is subject to timely updates.

Requirements of a 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai

To apply for 2 year employment visa, you must submit the following documents with the authorities:

  • Sponsor’s valid trade license
  • Signed employment contract
  • Valid passport with 6 months validity
  • Recent passport sized photographs
  • Educational certificates
  • Medical fitness certificate
  • Entry permit issued by Ministry of Labor
  • Medical insurance
  • Emirates ID
  • No objection certificate
  • Previous visa cancellation, if any

There may be additional 2 years employment visa Dubai requirements depending on your specific needs. It is recommended to check the official website of government for latest updates.

2-Year Employment Visa Dubai: How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a 2 year employment visa in Dubai is around AED 5,000* to AED 7,000*.

There are many factors that impact the total employment visa Dubai cost:

  • Job category/visa type: Visa cost can vary based on the qualification and skills of applicant.
  • Location of employer: Dubai employment visa price may be different in mainland and in freezones.
  • Applicant’s age: For older people, extra charges may apply. Example, a premium of AED 5,000* may apply for workers 65 and older.
  • Additional services: Choosing VIP or fast processing may involve higher prices.
  • Previous visa status: Prices can vary based on applicant is inside the country (status change fees apply) or outside (entry permit fees differ).
  • Health insurance: Premium or family plans costs extra than basic insurance.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Here’s a complete breakdown of 2 years employment visa Dubai Price for your reference:

Cost item Estimated Fees (AED)
Labour contract and offer letter 279
Labor card fee (based on category) 1285 – 3551
Dubai insurance – WPS 189
Visa issuance inside country 1126
Status change 676
Medical application 323
Eid application 684
Tawjeeh submission 152
Visa stamping (normal) 546
TOTAL (approx. range) 5260* – 7,560*

Please note that the costs are subject to changes. It is advisable to consult experts for more details. Also, the renewal cost for the employment visa will be similar to initial costs.

Importance of Understanding the Visa Cost

It is essential for those looking to work in Dubai to understand 2 years employment visa Dubai price. Here’s why:

  • Helps in budgeting: Once you know what costs to expect, you can plan financially in advance, ensuring there are no shortfalls later on.
  • Ensures compliance: For a successful visa application, payment of the fees stipulated by the government is necessary. If you fail to do so, it may cause application cancellations and delays.
  • Smooth visa renewals: When choosing a 2 year employment visa in Dubai, you must understand the future renewals, extensions and the additional costs associated.

Step-by-Step: How to Obtain a 2-Year Work Visa in Dubai

Here are the steps for securing a 2 year employment visa in Dubai:

Step 1 – Getting job contract:

No job, no visa! Therefore, employee must first secure a valid job with a UAE-based company. The company registers the job contract with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Step 2 – Visa quota approval:

Employer requests visa quota approval from the Ministry of Labor (or relevant freezone authority). The number of visas a company can apply for depends on the size of the office.

Step 3 – Work permit approval:

The employer submits the application for a work permit for employee with the MoHRE or relevant freezone authority. The authority reviews the application and issues a pre-approval, after which the employer can proceed further with the process.

Step 4 – Getting entry permit:

The employer must secure an entry permit, allowing the employee to enter the UAE and complete further visa formalities. The entry permit is valid for a period of 60 days.

Step 5 – Medical test:

After entering the UAE, the employee must undergo a medical assessment at a government-approved healthcare center. The tests ensure that the individual is free from any disease and fit to reside in the UAE.

Step 6 – Emirates ID application:

Next, is application for Emirates ID at an authorized center. It serves as an identification document for employee in the Emirates.

Step 7 – Finalize the work permit:

Next, the employer must finalize the work permit application through MoHRE. The work permit officially authorizes the foreign employee to work in the UAE.

Step 8 – Residence visa stamping:

Once the above steps are completed, the employer must apply for the employment visa (residency visa) with the respective authority and submit the employee’s passport for stamping. The residency visa will allow the employee to live for up to two years in the UAE.

Upon successful completion of the above process, the 2 year employment visa in Dubai will be granted to the applicant, and they will have the right to stay and work in the UAE as per law.

Have a look at some essential pointers about the 2-year employment visa that you must know:

  • To get a work visa, a work permit is required. Both need a sponsor (the hiring company).
  • Typically, the sponsoring company pays the 2 years employment visa Dubai price. In some cases, the candidate may be responsible for paying the visa fees.
  • Sponsored employees can only work for the sponsor.
  • An Azad visa is available for maids, helpers, and drivers, where there is no restriction on working for anyone but job options are limited. Additionally, the labor in that case is not under any labor law.
  • A dependent visa is a personal thing, where the father or husband (holding employment visa) will have to bear the expenses.

Get UAE Visa Assistance with Dubiz!

A 2 year employment visa is beneficial for those looking to shift to the UAE for job purposes and become part of the growing economy. Also, the 2 years employment visa Dubai price is fundamental to understand for those looking to work in Dubai. While there are many requirements, when the process is followed and legal essentials are met, employment visa can be obtained hassle-free.

For businesses looking to obtain employee visas for foreign staff, we at Dubiz Business Setup offer specialized assistance. Our expert professional team can handle the entire process and documentation, including approvals on their behalf, relieving them of the burden.

Our Services Include:

  • Guidance on the visa process and costs
  • End-to-end application guidance
  • Document and approval handling
  • Customized solutions for unique Dubai business setup needs

In addition to that, we can also help with the entire UAE company formation, including trade licenses, business registration, business bank account opening, golden visas, and more.

Reach out to us today!

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co

Frequently Aksed Question (FAQs)

1. What is the total 2 years employment visa Dubai price?

The costs of 2 year employment visa in Dubai starts from around AED 5,000*. You can consult experts for more cost details.

2. Who is responsible for paying employment visa Dubai cost?

Typically, it is the employer who is responsible for paying the majority of the work visa cost. Some companies may however require employees to pay some part of expenses.

3. Can I sponsor my family with 2 year employment visa?

Yes, you can easily sponsor your family members including your spouse, children and parents with a 2 year employment visa in Dubai.

4. What is the 2 years employment visa Dubai processing time?

The 2 year employment visa in Dubai takes 2 to 3 weeks to be processed. The time, however, may vary depending on the accuracy of application, approvals needed and other factors.

5. What is the age limit for obtaining work visa in Dubai?

The applicant must be at least 18 years old to obtain an employment visa in Dubai. There is no upper limit on age but for applicants above 65 years old, employers may have to bear additional expenses.

6. Can application be made online for 2 years employment visa in Dubai?

Yes, you can. For 2 years employment visa Dubai apply online through the official UAE government portals.

Stay Updated With

Insights on UAE Business Setup

Stay updated on latest insights and trends about business formation in Dubai through our expert articles. Find out what’s new in UAE’s vibrant business landscape.

Compassionate Leave in UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

People often have to go through unforeseen personal challenges, such as the death or serious injury...

What is the UAE Blue Visa and Who is Eligible to Apply

The UAE is a proud environmental advocate. The nation is committed to promoting sustainability and e...

How to Start a Successful Oil Trading Business in Dubai, UAE? 

Dubai is the land of rich oil fields, positioned among the top 10 oil-producing destinations. The in...

How to Open a Retail Shop in Dubai

Starting a retail business in Dubai can be a highly rewarding decision. Dubai, the center of worldwi...

How to Start a Biotechnology Company in Dubai?

Dubai is slowly turning into a powerhouse of biotechnology and life sciences. As the city is swiftly...

How to Open a Grocery Store in Dubai? 

With over 3 million residents from different countries, the demand for convenience retail is consist...

How to Start a Media And Entertainment Business Setup in Dubai

Dubai has become the creative capital of the Middle East. Global talent, investors, and creators are...

The Difference Between Professional and Сommercial License in the UAE

A business license is a vital component for entrepreneurs and investors looking to set up their busi...