How Much Does a Work Visa for Dubai Cost? A Detailed Guide

I remember vividly the excitement I felt when I first considered moving to Dubai for work. The city’s dazzling skyline, tax-free salaries, and career opportunities were irresistible. However, as I started my planning, a significant question emerged: How much does a work visa for Dubai cost? It wasn’t just about the fees; there were medical tests, Emirates ID applications, and other hidden costs to consider. If you’re in a similar situation, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the cost of Dubai work visa, step by step, to help you plan your move seamlessly.

Dubai, as one of the world’s leading business hubs, attracts millions of expatriates each year. According to the Dubai Statistics Centre, over 8.92 million expatriates were living in the UAE in 2022, making up nearly 89% of the total population. For many, securing a work visa is the first step toward building a life in this vibrant city.

What is a Work Visa in Dubai?

A work visa in Dubai is a legal document that allows expatriates to work and reside in the UAE. It is typically employer-sponsored, meaning your prospective employer handles most of the application process. However, understanding the costs and requirements is crucial for anyone planning to work in Dubai.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of Work Visa Costs in Dubai

Here is a detailed breakdown of the work visa costs in Dubai:

#1. Visa Application Fee

The visa application fee is one of the primary expenses for obtaining a work visa in Dubai. The cost varies depending on the visa duration and the job type you’re applying for.

1-Year Visa: AED 2,000–3,000 ($545–$820).
2-Year Visa: AED 4,000–5,000 ($1,090–$1,360).
3-Year Visa: AED 6,000–7,000 ($1,635–$1,900).

What’s Included in the Fee?

Processing of your visa application by the UAE authorities.
Entry permit, which allows you to enter Dubai and begin work.
Initial stamping of the visa in your passport.

Tips to Save on Visa Fees:

Confirm if your employer covers the application cost, as many companies do.
Ask if they handle renewal fees for multi-year contracts.

#2. Medical Examination Fee

Medical fitness tests are mandatory for all expatriates applying for a work visa. The UAE government requires these tests to ensure public health and safety.

What’s Included in the Medical Test?

Blood Tests: Screen for communicable diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis.
Chest X-ray: Check for tuberculosis (TB).

Cost: AED 300–600 ($82–$164), depending on the clinic or hospital where the test is conducted.

Government hospitals are usually more affordable than private clinics.

Additional Tests:

Some professions, such as food handlers, healthcare workers, or babysitters, may require extra tests like stool analysis.
Cost for Additional Tests: AED 100–300 ($27–$82).

Important Notes:

Medical tests must be conducted at UAE-approved clinics.
Any medical condition that poses a public health risk could result in visa denial.

#3. Emirates ID Application

The Emirates ID is your official identification in the UAE, required for all residents. It’s used for everything from opening a bank account to accessing government services.

Cost: AED 170–370 ($46–$100), depending on the visa duration:

1-Year Visa: AED 170–190.
2-Year Visa: AED 270–290.
3-Year Visa: AED 350–370.

Application Process:

Submit your Emirates ID application at a typing centre or online.
Biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photo, will be taken during the process.

Processing Time:

Emirates IDs are typically issued within 7–10 business days.

#4. Labour Card Fee

The labour card, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), is essential for legal employment in Dubai.

Cost: AED 300–5,000 ($82–$1,360), depending on:

Company Classification: Companies are classified into three categories based on diversity, size, and compliance.
- Category 1: AED 300–500.
- Category 2: AED 700–1,000.
- Category 3: AED 1,000–5,000.
Job Role: Skilled positions tend to have lower labour card fees compared to unskilled roles.

Renewal:

Labour cards must be renewed annually, with renewal costs mirroring initial fees.

#5. Security Deposit

Employers are required to pay a refundable security deposit as part of the sponsorship process.

Cost: AED 3,000 ($820).

The security deposit is held by the UAE government to ensure compliance with visa regulations.
This deposit is typically returned when the employee exits the country or transfers to another employer.

Who Pays?

The deposit is usually paid by the employer. However, some employers may deduct it from your salary, so it’s important to clarify during negotiations.

Additional Costs to Consider

#1. Attestation of Documents

Expatriates often need to attest their educational certificates, marriage certificates, or other official documents for work visa approval.

Cost: AED 150–500 ($40–$136) per document.
Attestation involves multiple steps, including notarization in your home country, UAE Embassy attestation, and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) verification.

#2. Visa Renewal

Work visas must be renewed before they expire. Renewal costs are generally the same as the initial visa application fee.

#3. Health Insurance

The UAE mandates that all employers provide basic health insurance to employees. However, expatriates often opt for additional coverage to access better healthcare services.

Cost for Basic Insurance: AED 600–1,200/year ($164–$327).
Cost for Premium Insurance: AED 2,000–5,000/year ($545–$1,360).

Pro Tips for Managing Work Visa Costs

Negotiate with Employers: Many companies cover visa-related costs, including Emirates ID and health insurance. Confirm this during your contract discussions.
Plan for Renewals: Save some of your income for visa renewals to avoid last-minute financial stress.
Opt for Company-Preferred Clinics: Employers often have tie-ups with specific clinics offering discounted medical exam rates.

Understanding the division of responsibilities between employers and employees regarding work visa costs is critical for financial planning. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Employer Obligations: What Costs Do Employers Cover?

Employers in Dubai are legally required to cover a significant portion of the costs associated with sponsoring work visas for expatriates. These benefits make Dubai an attractive destination for skilled workers.

Family Sponsorship: Perks for Skilled Workers and Executives

Some employers offer family sponsorship to expatriates, allowing them to bring their spouses and children to Dubai. This benefit is common in industries like healthcare, IT, and senior management roles.

Healthcare Sector: Hospitals and healthcare providers often extend family sponsorship as part of the benefits package to attract nurses, doctors, and specialists.
Tech and IT: Companies in Dubai Internet City frequently sponsor families to attract tech talent.
Executives and Managers: Senior roles typically include full-family sponsorship with comprehensive benefits.

Family sponsorship covers:

Visa processing fees for dependents.
Health insurance for the spouse and children.
In some cases, education supports children.

Relocation Assistance: Airfare, Housing, and Stipends

Relocation packages can help expatriates adjust to life in Dubai. Many employers provide:

Airfare: A one-way ticket for the employee and, in some cases, their dependents.
Temporary Housing: Some companies offer temporary accommodations in hotels or serviced apartments for 1–3 months.
Relocation Stipends: A lump sum provided to cover moving costs, including personal belongings or settling-in expenses.

Training Costs: Industry-Specific Employer Investments

Certain industries require employees to have specific certifications or licenses. Employers often fund these to ensure their workforce remains qualified:

Healthcare: Licensing exams, such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) certification, are typically covered by the employer.
Hospitality and Aviation: Training for flight attendants, hotel managers, and chefs is employer-sponsored.
Financial Services: Employers in finance may pay for certifications like CFA or ACCA.

Employee Responsibilities: What Costs Do Workers Bear?

While employers cover many visa-related expenses, there are certain costs employees must pay.

Freelancer Visas: A Self-Sponsored Option

Freelancers and independent contractors must handle all visa-related expenses themselves, making this an expensive but flexible option.

Visa Fees: AED 7,500–15,000/year ($2,000–$4,000), depending on the free zone.
Additional Costs: Freelancers must also cover their own health insurance and annual visa renewals.

Freelancer visas are popular among media professionals, designers, and consultants working in Dubai Media City and Dubai Design District.

Document Translation: Ensuring Compliance with Language Requirements

Documents submitted for visa applications must be in English or Arabic. Employees must pay for translation if their documents are in other languages.

Commonly required translations include:
- Educational certificates.
- Birth and marriage certificates.
Cost: AED 100–300 ($27–$82) per document, depending on the translation service.

Sponsoring Dependents: Visa and Healthcare Costs

Employees who want to bring their family members to Dubai may have to pay for dependents’ visas.

Visa Fees: AED 4,000–6,000 ($1,090–$1,635) per family member.
Medical Insurance: Basic health insurance for dependents costs AED 600–1,200/year ($164–$327).

In addition to visa costs, employees may need to budget for school tuition fees, which can range from AED 15,000–50,000/year ($4,100–$13,600) at international schools.

Costs Across Industries: What to Expect by Sector

Different industries have unique cost-sharing arrangements based on the nature of their work and employee benefits.

Construction Industry: Comprehensive Employer Support

In the construction industry, employers typically cover all visa-related costs.

Accommodation and Transportation: Companies provide housing in labour camps and free transportation for employees.
Meal Allowances: In some cases, employers provide free meals to construction workers.

Healthcare Professionals: Licensing and Education Benefits

Healthcare professionals, such as nurses and doctors, often receive:

Employer-Paid Licensing Exams: Exams like the DHA and MOH certifications are covered.
Specialized Insurance Plans: Employers provide comprehensive medical insurance due to the nature of healthcare work.
Relocation Packages: Airfare for dependents, temporary housing, and school support for children may also be included.

Senior Executives: Premium Benefits and Perks

Senior executives enjoy the most extensive benefits, including:

Full-Family Sponsorship: Visa fees, premium health insurance, and educational support for dependents.
Housing Allowances: Companies may offer annual housing allowances of AED 100,000–250,000 ($27,000–$68,000).
Schooling Support: Some companies directly pay school tuition for employees’ children.

The UAE government has established labor laws to regulate cost-sharing between employers and employees.

Employer Responsibilities Under UAE Labor Law

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employers are legally required to cover:

Visa fees, labor card issuance, and medical tests.
Health insurance is mandated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Employee Protection Against Illegal Deductions

Employers cannot deduct visa-related costs from an employee’s salary unless explicitly stated in the employment contract.

If an employer violates this rule, employees can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Pro Tip: Always ensure that the employment contract clearly states cost-sharing responsibilities to avoid unexpected deductions.

Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring Fair Practices

The MOHRE regularly audits employers to ensure compliance with labor laws.

Non-compliance can result in fines of AED 10,000–50,000 ($2,700–$13,600) and other penalties.
Employees should report any illegal deductions or labor law violations to the authorities through MOHRE’s complaint portal.

Balancing the Costs: What You Should Know

Employer-Led Benefits:
- Top-tier companies often cover all visa-related expenses, including premium health insurance and family sponsorship for dependents.
- Some employers even include relocation assistance, such as flight tickets and temporary accommodation.
Employee Contribution Scenarios:
- In industries with high demand for labor (e.g., construction), employers typically absorb the majority of costs.
- For senior or managerial roles, candidates may negotiate higher perks, such as fully paid visa renewals and family sponsorships.
Negotiating Visa Costs:
- During job negotiations, ask if the employer covers:
  - Full visa costs.
  - Attestation fees.
  - Additional health insurance.
- Clarify if any deductions will be made from your salary to avoid surprises.

How to Budget for a Work Visa in Dubai

Here’s a simple budgeting template to help you plan your expenses:

Expense	Estimated Cost (AED)	Estimated Cost (USD)
Visa Application Fee	2,000–7,000	545–1,900
Medical Examination	300–600	82–164
Emirates ID Application	170–370	46–100
Labour Card Fee	300–5,000	82–1,360
Security Deposit	3,000	820
Document Attestation	150–500	40–136
Total (Approx.)	5,920–16,470	1,635–4,620

FAQs About Work Visa Costs in Dubai

Who Pays for the Work Visa in Dubai?

The employer typically covers most costs, but employees may need to bear some expenses like document attestation or additional medical tests.

Can I Switch Employers on a Work Visa?

Yes, but you’ll need a no-objection certificate (NOC) from your current employer, and transfer fees may apply.

Are Work Visa Costs Refundable?

Most costs are non-refundable, except for the security deposit, which is returned upon visa cancellation.

Key Takeaways

The work visa Dubai price varies based on duration and job category, ranging from AED 5,920–16,470 ($1,635–$4,620).
Employers typically bear most of the costs, including visa applications and health insurance.
Additional expenses like document attestation and premium insurance may fall on employees.
Budgeting is essential to prepare for initial relocation and recurring visa renewal costs.
Understanding the breakdown of fees ensures a smoother application process and prevents unexpected expenses.

Conclusion

Navigating the cost of a work visa in Dubai can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and employer support, it’s entirely manageable. By understanding the fees, responsibilities, and budgeting strategies, you can confidently take the first step toward working in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Are you ready to plan your move to Dubai and start your career journey?