2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price

2-year employment visa Dubai price can be just AED 5,000*, but it can also be more, as there are multiple factors that determine the final pricing. Employees themselves may not even have to pay for it. Then who does? What are the various cost elements? You will get all the answers in this guide. 

A 2 year employment visa in Dubai allows foreigners to live in UAE while working for a Dubai-licensed company for up to 2 years. Since the visa is usually sponsored by the employer, they are the ones who pay the visa-related costs. After 2 years, if job continues, the visa also goes through renewal.  

If you are also planning or about to start a new job in UAE, read this 2026 comprehensive guide first to understand the 2-year employment visa price so that: 

• You can plan your finances
• There are no last-minute surprises
• Visa application goes smoothly
• All government requirements are met

Cost of a 2-year employment visa in Dubai in 2026 

The cost of a 2 year employment visa in Dubai is around AED 5,000* to AED 7,000* which, in most cases, is paid by the employer / hiring company.  

Along with the visa, there are several other expenses mandatory in the process, such as the labour card, labour contract, medical tests, and Emirates ID. 

Based on our lowest possible pricing and current market rates, here is a complete breakdown of the 2-year employment visa cost in UAE. 

Costs can change based on government updates, industry regulations, and your nationality. We encourage you to contact our PRO experts in Dubai for personalised assistance.  

Key fact: The renewal cost for the employment visa will be similar to initial costs. 

Common cost elements of 2 year employment visa 

To get more clarity, go through the various cost elements that make up the total Dubai 2 year employment visa price: 

Direct visa costs: 

These are the direct Dubai employment visa costs. 

1. Entry permit: An entry permit is issued by the UAE’s immigration authority to allow foreigners to enter and stay in the UAE while completing visa formalities.
2. Medical fitness test: It is necessary for anyone applying for an employment visa to be medically fit. There are expenses related to X-rays and blood tests.
3. Emirates ID: All UAE residents must hold a UAE national identity card, called the Emirates ID. The process includes biometric screening, along with application fees.
4. In-country status change (if applicable): If the applicant is already in the UAE on another visa (such as a tourist visa), a fee must be paid to the GDRFA to change the visa status to an employment visa.
5. Visa stamping: The final visa stamping charges are determined by the government. 

Indirect visa costs: 

These are the costs associated with UAE employment and work. 

Work permit / Labour card fee (2 years): 

This is a major expense in the employment visa process. Anyone working in the UAE must have a valid work permit issued by MoHRE. The cost depends on the category: 

• Category A: AED 250*
• Category B: AED 1,200*
• Category C: AED 3,450* 

Labour contract and offer letter: 

The employee and employer must sign a valid employment contract in UAE. A copy is usually submitted to MoHRE. Its preparation and attestation may cost around AED 279*. 

Tawjeeh submission: 

Training and orientation programs are mandatory for foreign employees in certain skilled job categories.  

Senior (65+) worker premium: 

For workers aged above 65 years, a one-time premium of AED 5,000 must be paid for the work permit. 

Factors influencing the 2 year employment visa cost in Dubai 

A lot of factors would impact the total 2 year employment visa Dubai cost, including: 

• 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 whether applicant is inside the country (status change fees apply) or outside (entry permit fees differ).
• Health insurance: Premium or family health insurance plans costs extra than basic insurance.

Types of employment visas in Dubai  

The 2 years employment visa Dubai price may vary based on under what category you fall.  

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 (besides 2 years employment visa): 

• 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.  

Interested in learning more, check out: Dubai work visa guide. 

Eligibility criteria for a 2 year employment visa in Dubai 

Applicants must meet the following 2-year employment visa Dubai requirements to qualify for a work visa in the UAE: 

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Job offer: A valid job offers 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.
• Additional 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.  

Documents required for 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
• Any additional document specifically asked by authority 

The benefits of 2-year employment visa in Dubai 

With a 2-year employment visa in Dubai, you get full residency benefits such as: 

• Secure legal residency status.
• Enjoy 0% personal income tax. 
• Sponsor your family; spouse, parents, and children.
• No need to worry about frequent short-term renewals.
• Apply for a UAE driver’s license.
• Open a bank account in the UAE.
• Access healthcare and utility services.
• Step towards golden visa in Dubai.
• Network with the professional and business community. 

Step by step process to obtain a 2-year work visa in Dubai 

To get a 2 year employment visa Dubai, apply online using government channels through these steps: 

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 from GDRFA, 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, including chest X-rays and HIV tests. 

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 GDRFA 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. 2 years employment visa Dubai processing time is around 2 – 3 weeks. 

Important facts related to 2 years employment visa Dubai price 

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 labour law.
• A dependent visa is a personal thing, where the father or husband (holding employment visa) will have to bear the expenses. 

Get staff visa assistance with Dubiz! 

A 2 year employment visa is beneficial for those looking to shift to the UAE for job purposes and enjoy zero taxes. Also, the 2 years employment visa Dubai price is fundamental to understand for those looking to work in Dubai. When the process is followed and financial requirements are met, employment visa can be obtained easily. 

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 Dubiz today! 

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485   

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485   

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co   

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