UAE employment visa cost calculator: the 2-year visa price and hiring cost
See what a 2-year mainland employment visa costs an employer in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates, built from the official MOHRE, GDRFA, ICP and health authority fees. Fees vary by emirate, channel and your MOHRE category, so we show a range, not a single price.
Shown on your MOHRE establishment record. Most compliant companies are category 2.
Estimated employer cost, 2-year employment visa
AED 3,437.50 to 4,866
An estimate from official fees, not a quote. It excludes typing centre fees, VAT where not shown, and collection charges.
AED 50 application plus AED 1,200 issuance for a category 2 establishment. Excludes tax and collection charges.
Free if you apply on the MOHRE website or app. A business centre may charge up to AED 72 per service; the maximum assumes three services (offer, contract and application).
AED 137.50 for a skilled worker, AED 180 for a low-skilled worker. Instead, you can lodge a bank guarantee of at least AED 3,000 per worker.
GDRFA Dubai: AED 200 plus 5% VAT.
GDRFA Dubai: AED 200 permit, AED 10 Knowledge, AED 10 Innovation and AED 20 delivery.
AED 100 a year of residence plus AED 100 smart service fee. Typing centres may add their own charge.
DHA: AED 250 regular (24 working hours) up to AED 1,020 VIP (2 hours). Excludes typing.
Mandatory, paid by the employer. DHA does not publish the current price of its basic plan; AED 525 to 725 a year is the range reported in the press, so treat it as an estimate. Better plans cost more.
Paid by the employee
Paid by the employee, not the employer: AED 5 a month (basic salary up to AED 16,000) or AED 10 a month (above), plus VAT.
Not included
- Amer and typing centre fees: There is no official published schedule. Ask your typing centre for its price.
- Tawjeeh orientation: Needed for some skill levels. We found no official fee.
- VAT and collection charges: MOHRE says its fees exclude tax and collection charges.
First-year cost of the hire (optional)
Add the salary to see the first 12 months for the employer.
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Start the free trialFrequently asked questions
What is the 2 years employment visa price in Dubai?
From official fees, a category 2 company hiring someone from abroad pays roughly AED 3,400 to 4,900 in government fees and health insurance for a 2-year Dubai employment visa, before typing centre charges. Category 1 companies pay AED 950 less for the work permit and category 3 companies AED 2,250 more. A hire already in the UAE adds AED 520 for the change of status.
Who pays for an employment visa in the UAE?
The employer. Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 bars employers from charging workers recruitment or employment fees. The only cost in this calculator that the employee pays is ILOE job-loss insurance.
How much is the MOHRE work permit fee?
AED 50 for the application plus a 2-year issuance fee of AED 250 for category 1, AED 1,200 for category 2 and AED 3,450 for category 3 establishments. The service is free on the MOHRE app; a business centre may charge up to AED 72 per service.
How much is the medical test for an employment visa?
In Dubai, DHA charges AED 250 for a regular test with results in 24 working hours, up to AED 1,020 for a 2-hour VIP service. In Abu Dhabi, SEHA charges AED 250 standard and AED 500 premium. Typing fees are extra.
Is health insurance mandatory for employees?
Yes. Dubai and Abu Dhabi require employer-paid health insurance, and since 1 January 2025 the northern emirates do too. MOHRE's basic package for the northern emirates costs AED 320 a year on a 2-year policy. Dubai and Abu Dhabi premiums are set by insurers.
How much is the Emirates ID for a 2-year visa?
ICP charges AED 100 for each year of residence plus a AED 100 smart service fee, so AED 300 for 2 years. Typing centres may add their own charge.
Is the annual air ticket required by UAE law?
No. The labour law does not require an annual ticket; it is a contract term. The law does require the employer to pay the worker's return to their place of recruitment when the contract ends, with some exceptions.
Are free zone visa fees the same?
No. Free zone companies apply through their own free zone authority, which sets its own fees. This calculator covers mainland companies registered with MOHRE only.
How is the gratuity accrual worked out?
With the same formula as our gratuity calculator: 21 days of basic salary for each of the first five years (basic divided by 30, times 21). It becomes payable only after a full year of service.
Related tools and guides
Estimates from published government fees, not a quote and not legal or financial advice. Fees change and typing centres add their own charges; confirm with MOHRE, GDRFA or ICP, or your PRO, before you budget.
Last checked: October 2026
Sources:
- MOHRE: recruiting a worker from overseas (work permit fees)
- MOHRE: bank guarantee and worker protection insurance
- GDRFA Dubai: visa issuance linked with a job contract
- GDRFA Dubai: residence permit issuance
- ICP: entry visa issuance
- ICP: residence issuance
- ICP: Emirates ID
- DHA: medical fitness service catalogue
- SEHA: visa screening
- MOHRE: basic health insurance package (December 2024)
- Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013 on health insurance
- u.ae: unemployment insurance scheme (ILOE)
- u.ae: recruiting in free zones
- Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (MOHRE consolidated text)