How Much Does a Work Permit Cost in UAE 2026

Quick answer

A standard UAE work permit costs AED 300–AED 1,200 in government fees, but the total package (visa, medical, Emirates ID, insurance) usually lands between AED 3,500 and AED 5,500 when your employer sponsors you. Always confirm the latest amount with MOHRE or ICP before you sign an offer.

Who actually pays the work-permit fee?

In almost every case the employer pays the MOHRE work-permit fee. You, the employee, only cover personal costs such as the medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and health insurance. Some small firms may ask you to split costs—get it in writing.

Breakdown of official 2026 fees

Inside free zones (DMCC, IFZA, ADGM, etc.)

• Work permit (new): AED 1,200
• Visa stamping: AED 300–AED 500
• Emirates ID: AED 370 (5-year)
• Medical fitness: AED 300–AED 750
• Health insurance: AED 1,200–AED 2,500 per year

Mainland (MOHRE / GDRFA)

• Work permit (new): AED 300–AED 500
• Labour card / work contract: AED 100–AED 250
• Visa stamping: AED 300
• Emirates ID: AED 370
• Medical fitness: AED 300–AED 500

Prices can change; verify current fee with MOHRE or ICP.

Step-by-step: how the fees are paid

1. Employer creates an offer letter in the MOHRE or free-zone portal and pays the work-permit fee.
2. You receive an entry permit (valid 60 days) and fly in.
3. Book a medical fitness test at an approved centre (results in 24–48 hours).
4. Stamp the visa and collect the Emirates ID from Amer or ICP centres.
5. Employer registers you for health insurance and WPS salary payments.

Common mistakes that cost extra money

• Letting the entry permit expire—extension costs AED 1,000+.
• Choosing a cheap insurance plan that hospitals later reject—replacement can reach AED 2,000.
• Ignoring profession title changes; switching from “engineer” to “manager” requires a new permit and another AED 300–500.
• Paying the fee yourself because HR “forgot”—ask for the MOHRE receipt within 14 days.

Free-zone vs mainland: which is cheaper?

Free zones charge a higher work-permit fee (AED 1,200) but often bundle visa, medical, and Emirates ID into one invoice, so total transparency is better. Mainland sponsorship can be AED 700–AED 1,000 lower in pure government fees, but you may pay extra for typing-centre services and separate medical bookings.

Tips to keep costs down in 2026

• Join during a MOHRE promotion—every January they drop the work-permit fee to AED 250 for new mainland hires.
• Use your company’s approved medical centre to avoid the AED 150 “outside centre” surcharge.
• Renew early: renewing 30 days before expiry saves the AED 500 late fee.
• Bundle family visas—second dependant visas drop from AED 300 to AED 100 each when purchased together.

Real expat story

Mark, a UK project manager, joined a Dubai mainland firm in March 2026. His employer paid AED 450 for the work permit and AED 300 for the visa. Mark paid AED 350 for the medical, AED 370 for the Emirates ID, and AED 1,800 for annual health insurance. Total out-of-pocket: AED 2,520. He kept every receipt and was reimbursed AED 1,000 of the insurance cost after probation.

Key takeaway

The headline “work permit cost” is only AED 300–AED 1,200; budget AED 3,500–AED 5,500 once medical, Emirates ID, and insurance are added. Ask your employer for a written breakdown, verify fees on the MOHRE or ICP portal, and never pay the permit fee yourself without a receipt.