Is the employment visa fee the same for all job roles?

No. Some specialised roles such as doctors or teachers require extra DHA or KHDA approvals that add AED 500–1,000 to the total.

Can I pay the visa fees in instalments?

Most free zones allow quarterly instalments, but mainland ICP and MOHRE fees must be paid in full before stamping.

Does the fee include health insurance?

No. Insurance is a separate requirement and usually costs AED 1,200–2,000 per year depending on coverage level.

What happens if my visa application is rejected?

You lose the entry permit fee (AED 1,200) and any medical test costs. Re-application requires a new permit and fresh medical test.

Are children included in the employment visa cost?

No. Each dependant needs a separate sponsorship application costing roughly AED 3,000–4,000 including medical and Emirates ID.

How Much Employment Visa Cost in Dubai 2026

An open passport with numerous ink stamps on the pages on a table

Quick answer

An employment visa in Dubai typically costs between AED 4,500 and AED 6,200 in government fees for a new application, plus AED 1,200–2,000 for medical and Emirates ID. The final amount depends on your sponsor, job role, and whether you need extra attestations or a medical fitness test outside the UAE.

Who needs an employment visa in Dubai?

Anyone planning to work for a mainland or free-zone company in Dubai must hold a valid employment residence visa. This visa is sponsored by your employer and is valid for two or three years, renewable. Tourists and remote workers on a 60-day visa cannot legally accept paid work from a Dubai-based entity.

Breakdown of 2026 employment visa fees

1. Entry permit (work permit)

Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Most employers pay AED 1,200 for a 60-day entry permit. If you already hold a valid UAE residence visa, this step is skipped.

2. Medical fitness test

Every new applicant must complete a blood test, X-ray, and HIV screening at an approved Dubai Health Authority (DHA) centre. The standard fee is AED 850–1,100 depending on the centre. Results are usually ready in 24–48 hours.

3. Emirates ID issuance

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) charges AED 370 for a two-year Emirates ID and AED 570 for three years. This is mandatory for banking, SIM cards, and driving licences.

4. Visa stamping / change of status

Once the medical and Emirates ID are approved, ICP stamps the visa inside your passport or issues an e-visa. The stamping fee is AED 650 for a new visa and AED 350 for a renewal or status change.

5. Additional costs you might face

Attestation of educational certificates: AED 300–600 per document via MOFAIC and your home-country embassy.
Typing centre service charges: AED 150–250 per form (many employers absorb this).
Health insurance: minimum AED 1,200–2,000 per year, required before stamping.
Labour card / work permit renewal: AED 300 every two years.

Step-by-step process in 2026

Receive your job offer and signed MOHRE contract.
Employer applies for entry permit (3–5 working days).
Enter the UAE on the entry permit within 60 days.
Book and complete medical fitness test (same day or next day).
Submit Emirates ID biometrics at an ICP centre (10 minutes).
Collect stamped visa or download e-visa (1–3 working days).
Activate health insurance and open a UAE bank account.

Common mistakes that increase the cost

Letting the entry permit expire before medical test: AED 500–1,000 fine.
Using an unapproved medical centre: you pay twice.
Forgetting to attest degree certificates in advance: delays cost AED 200 per extra day of hotel stay.
Choosing a sponsor who charges “visa service fees” of AED 2,000–4,000 on top of government costs.

Free-zone vs mainland: cost comparison

Free zones such as DMCC, IFZA, or Meydan usually bundle visa fees into their licence packages, averaging AED 4,000–5,500 per employee. Mainland companies must pay the full MOHRE and ICP fees separately, so total costs can reach AED 6,500–7,500 when typing centres and attestations are included. Always request a written breakdown before signing the offer letter.

Tips to keep costs low

Ask your employer to cover medical and Emirates ID fees—many do.
Complete the medical test at DHA’s Al Barsha or Al Safa centres for the lowest published rates.
Book an ICP appointment online 48 hours before arrival to avoid peak-hour queues.
Carry attested documents in a single PDF to reduce typing-centre visits.

Realistic total budget for 2026

Plan for AED 5,500–7,000 all-in if you are paying yourself. If your employer sponsors, you may only need AED 1,000–2,000 for insurance and minor extras. Always verify current fees with MOHRE and ICP before you travel, as minor annual adjustments can occur.

Key takeaway

An employment visa in Dubai is straightforward once you know the line items. Budget AED 4,500–6,200 for government fees, add AED 1,200–2,000 for medical and ID, and keep AED 500–1,000 as contingency. With the right paperwork and an organised employer, you can be legally working in under two weeks.