If you are planning to work in the United Arab Emirates, understanding the UAE employment visa cost breakdown is essential. While employees are generally not required to pay these costs themselves, knowing the full financial picture helps you evaluate job offers, avoid illegal fee requests, and understand how the process works.
The UAE employment visa process involves multiple authorities, medical procedures, identification issuance, and administrative steps—each with its own fee structure. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of all cost components, who pays them, and what factors influence the total amount.
What Is the Total Cost of a UAE Employment Visa?
For a standard 2-year employment visa, the total cost typically ranges between:
AED 3,000 – AED 12,000
The variation depends on:
- Employer classification category
- Mainland vs Free Zone company
- Medical processing type (standard vs express)
- Health insurance coverage
- Additional services such as status change or document attestation
Detailed UAE Employment Visa Cost Breakdown
Below is a comprehensive explanation of each cost component.
1. Work Permit Fees (MoHRE)
The work permit is issued by the
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and legally authorizes you to work in the UAE.
The cost varies depending on the employer’s compliance category:
| Company Category | Estimated Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Category A (High Compliance) | 250 |
| Category B (Moderate Compliance) | 1,200 |
| Category C (Lower Compliance) | 3,450 |
Additional associated fees may include:
- Knowledge & Innovation Fees: AED 10
- Labour card administrative fee: AED 50
This is often the largest variable cost component.
2. Entry Permit Fees
Before residency procedures begin, an entry permit must be issued.
Estimated costs:
- Federal application fee: AED 50 – 200
- Entry permit issuance (outside UAE): AED 300 – 550
- Change of status fee (if already in UAE): AED 520 – 575
If you are converting from a visit visa to employment status, this additional fee applies.
3. Medical Fitness Test
All UAE residency applicants must complete a mandatory medical test at a government-approved center.
The screening includes:
- Blood tests (HIV, hepatitis)
- Chest X-ray (tuberculosis)
Estimated cost:
- Standard service (48 hours): AED 250 – 360
- Express / VIP service: Up to AED 800
Costs may vary slightly between emirates such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
4. Emirates ID Fees
The Emirates ID is mandatory for all residents and is issued by the
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
For a 2-year visa:
- Base fee: AED 100 per year
- Smart services & typing fees: AED 100 – 170
- Total estimated: AED 300 – 570
The Emirates ID is required for:
- Opening bank accounts
- Signing rental agreements
- Accessing government services
5. Residence Visa Stamping
After medical clearance and biometric submission, the residence visa is issued.
Estimated fees include:
- Application fee: AED 50
- Issuance fee (2 years): AED 1,000
- E-service fee: AED 20
Total estimated range:
AED 500 – 1,000
6. Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents.
Estimated cost:
- Basic coverage: AED 1,000 – 2,000 per year
- Comprehensive plans: Higher, depending on age and coverage level
In some emirates, employers are legally required to provide insurance. In others, coverage terms may vary.
7. Additional Administrative Costs
Other possible expenses include:
- Typing center services: AED 100 – 200
- Document translation: AED 100 – 300 per document
- Educational certificate attestation: AED 500 – 2,000+
- Courier fees: AED 50 – 150
Attestation costs depend heavily on your home country and profession.
Estimated Total Cost by Scenario
Mainland – Category A Company
Estimated total:
AED 2,700 – 4,000
Mainland – Category C Company
Estimated total:
AED 5,900 – 7,500
Free Zone Employment
Free zones often provide bundled visa packages.
Estimated total:
AED 3,500 – 6,500
In-Country Status Change
If converting from visit visa to employment:
Additional:
AED 520 – 575
Special Cases That Increase Costs
Senior Workers (Age 65+)
A one-time surcharge of:
AED 5,000
May apply for work permit issuance.
Educational Certificate Attestation
If required for regulated professions:
- UAE Embassy attestation
- MOFA attestation
- Home country verification
Total:
AED 500 – 2,000+ depending on country
Family Sponsorship
Once eligible, you may sponsor dependents.
Estimated cost per dependent:
AED 2,000 – 4,000
Salary requirement:
- AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation)
Parents require higher income thresholds.
Who Pays the UAE Employment Visa Cost?
This is critical.
Under UAE law:
The employer is legally required to cover all employment visa and recruitment costs.
This includes:
- Work permit fees
- Entry permit fees
- Medical test
- Emirates ID
- Visa stamping
- Health insurance (where required)
If an employer requests upfront payment for visa processing, this may be non-compliant with labour regulations.
Family sponsorship costs, however, are usually borne by the employee unless specified in the employment contract.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Cost Comparison
| Factor | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Range | AED 5,000 – 12,000 | AED 3,500 – 6,500 |
| Work Flexibility | Anywhere in UAE | Within free zone |
| Authority | MoHRE | Free Zone Authority |
| Processing Time | 7–15 days | 5–10 days |
Free zones are generally more affordable but may restrict employment flexibility.
Hidden or Indirect Costs to Consider
- Travel expenses
- Temporary accommodation
- Document translation
- Banking fees
- Status change fees
Understanding these ensures better financial planning.
How to Verify Official Visa Costs
You can check official information through:
- MoHRE portal
- ICP Smart Services
- GDRFA Dubai portal
- Amer Centers (Dubai)
Always request official payment receipts for transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Total cost range: AED 3,000 – 12,000
- Work permit fee varies by employer category
- Medical test and Emirates ID are mandatory
- Free zone visas may be cheaper but more restrictive
- Employer must legally cover employment visa costs
- Family sponsorship is additional
Final Thoughts
Understanding the UAE employment visa cost breakdown helps you make informed decisions when reviewing job offers. While the full visa process can cost several thousand dirhams, reputable employers absorb these expenses as part of their legal obligation.
As a professional moving to the UAE, your focus should be on ensuring:
- The employer is compliant
- Visa costs are covered
- Health insurance is included
- No illegal upfront payments are requested
With the right knowledge, you can navigate the UAE employment visa process confidently and focus on building a successful career in one of the world’s most competitive job markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – UAE Employment Visa Cost Breakdown
1. How much does a UAE employment visa cost in total?
The total cost of a standard 2-year UAE employment visa typically ranges between AED 3,000 and AED 12,000. The exact amount depends on the employer’s category, mainland or free zone status, medical processing type, and additional administrative services.
2. Who pays for the UAE employment visa?
By UAE labour law, the employer is legally required to cover all employment visa and recruitment costs. Employees should not be asked to pay for work permits, medical tests, Emirates ID fees, visa stamping, or mandatory health insurance.
3. Why does the work permit fee vary so much?
The work permit fee depends on the employer’s classification category under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Companies with higher compliance ratings pay lower fees, while lower-category companies pay higher work permit charges.
4. Is health insurance included in the visa cost?
Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents. In many cases, employers provide health insurance as part of the employment package. Basic coverage typically costs between AED 1,000 and AED 2,000 per year.
5. What is included in the UAE employment visa cost breakdown?
The main components include:
- Work permit fee
- Entry permit fee
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID fee
- Residence visa stamping
- Health insurance
- Administrative or typing center fees
6. Are employment visa costs different in mainland and free zones?
Yes. Free zone visa packages are often bundled and may cost between AED 3,500 and AED 6,500, while mainland visas can range from AED 5,000 to AED 12,000 depending on employer category and services.
7. How much does the medical fitness test cost?
The medical test typically costs between AED 250 and AED 800, depending on whether you choose standard processing or express/VIP service.
8. What is the cost of the Emirates ID?
For a 2-year employment visa, the Emirates ID generally costs between AED 300 and AED 570, depending on service center and processing fees.
9. Is there an extra cost to convert a visit visa to an employment visa?
Yes. If you are already in the UAE and change your visa status from visit to employment, you may need to pay an additional AED 520 to AED 575 as a status amendment fee.
10. Are there extra costs for workers above 65 years old?
Yes. Employees aged 65 and above may be subject to a one-time surcharge of approximately AED 5,000 on the work permit.
11. How much does it cost to sponsor family members?
Family sponsorship typically costs between AED 2,000 and AED 4,000 per dependent, excluding medical insurance and additional documentation requirements. Salary eligibility criteria must also be met.
12. What happens if my employment visa application is rejected?
If rejected due to medical or security reasons, some government fees may not be refundable. However, reputable employers typically bear the financial risk of visa rejections.