How Much Is Dubai Working Visa in 2026

Quick answer

In 2026 a standard Dubai employment visa costs between AED 4,300 and AED 6,200 for a two-year permit. This total includes MOHRE application, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and stamping. Freelance or golden-visa routes can exceed AED 15,000.

Who needs a Dubai working visa?

Anyone planning to work in Dubai for more than 60 days must hold a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) work permit and an entry permit that converts into a residence visa. Tourists on 30- or 60-day visas cannot legally sign employment contracts or receive a salary.

Breakdown of costs in 2026

1. MOHRE work permit and entry permit

The employer files the permit through the MOHRE portal. Typical government fees are AED 1,000–1,200 for a two-year permit plus AED 300 for the entry permit. Verify current fee with MOHRE before payment.

2. Medical fitness test

Every applicant must visit an approved Dubai Health Authority (DHA) centre for blood tests and an X-ray. The package costs AED 700–850 in 2026. Results are uploaded automatically to the ICP system within 48 hours.

3. Emirates ID

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

4. Visa stamping and typing

Once the medical passes, the employer’s PRO arranges stamping at Amer or ICP centres. Typing centre charges are AED 250–350; stamping itself is AED 500. Some companies bundle this into a service fee of AED 750.

5. Health insurance

Employers must provide compliant insurance. Budget plans start at AED 650 per year, while premium policies can reach AED 2,500. The policy must be active before the residence visa is stamped.

6. Optional extras

• Labour card issuance: AED 200
• Attestation of degree certificates: AED 300–600 via MOFAIC
• Change of status from visit to residence: AED 850

Step-by-step: how to get your working visa

1. Receive an attested job offer and signed MOHRE contract.
2. Employer applies for the work permit through the MOHRE e-channel.
3. Enter the UAE on the entry permit within 60 days.
4. Complete the DHA medical fitness test within 14 days of arrival.
5. Submit Emirates ID biometrics at an ICP Amer centre.
6. Collect the stamped residence visa and Emirates ID after 2–3 working days.

Common mistakes that cost extra money

• Letting the entry permit expire: AED 1,000 fine after 60 days.
• Skipping degree attestation: delays can cost an extra AED 1,200 in courier and re-typing fees.
• Choosing an uninsured clinic: DHA rejects results, forcing a second AED 750 test.
• Using a visit visa to start work: fines up to AED 50,000 for both employee and employer.

Employer vs employee: who pays what?

By law the employer covers MOHRE fees, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping. The employee often pays for degree attestation, extra insurance upgrades, and family sponsorship later. Always read the offer letter; some free-zone companies split costs 50/50.

Free-zone versus mainland costs

Mainland visas use MOHRE and cost AED 4,300–6,200. Free zones such as DMCC, IFZA or ADGM issue their own permits. IFZA 2026 fees start at AED 12,500 for a two-year package that includes medical and ID. Always compare total cost of ownership, not just the licence fee.

Tips to reduce your 2026 visa bill

• Ask the employer to bundle medical and Emirates ID payments; group rates are 15 % cheaper.
• Complete degree attestation in your home country; it is 30 % less than doing it in Dubai.
• Choose a basic DHA medical centre outside tourist zones; prices vary by AED 150 between branches.
• Renew early—within 30 days of expiry—to avoid the AED 500 late-renewal penalty.

Key takeaway

Budget AED 5,000–7,000 per person for a standard Dubai employment visa in 2026. Read your contract to see which fees are covered, keep digital copies of every receipt, and verify current charges directly with MOHRE and ICP before you travel.