How Much Does a UAE Employment Visa Cost in 2025?
Complete UAE employment visa cost breakdown. Learn about AED 3,000-7,000 pricing, employer obligations, category fees, and hidden costs under UAE Labour Law 2025.
Key Takeaways
- UAE visa regulations are governed by Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) and GDRFA
- Employment visa processing typically takes 2-3 weeks after all documents are submitted
- Visa costs in the UAE vary based on visa type, duration, and emirate of application
- All employment contracts in UAE must be limited-term (fixed-term) under the new labour law
UAE employment visa costs range from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 for a 2-year visa, depending on your job category and designation. Employers are legally required to pay all employment visa fees under UAE Labour Law, including work permits, medical tests, Emirates ID, and residence visa processing. Additional costs may apply for document attestation and specialized services.Understanding UAE Employment
Visa Pricing StructureThe UAE employment visa cost varies significantly based on multiple factors including job category, company type, employee designation, and processing requirements. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) sets standard fees, while additional services may increase total costs.Understanding the complete cost breakdown helps both employers and employees budget
effectively for the visa process, ensuring compliance with UAE immigration regulations and avoiding unexpected expenses.Employment Visa Cost Breakdown by CategoryCategory-Based Pricing StructureCategory 1 (Skilled Workers): Bachelor's degree or higherMOHRE Processing Fee: AED 300Total Visa Cost Range: AED 3,000 - AED 5,000Category 2 (Semi-Skilled Workers): Post-secondary qualificationsMOHRE Processing
Fee: AED 600 - AED 2,000Total Visa Cost Range: AED 4,000 - AED 6,000Category 3 (General Workers): High school diplomaMOHRE Processing Fee: AED 5,000Total Visa Cost Range: AED 6,000 - AED 7,000Age-Related PricingStandard Age Workers (18-64 years): Regular category rates Senior Workers (65+ years): Additional AED 5,000 premium for all categoriesDetailed Cost ComponentsMandatory Government FeesWork Permit
Application: AED 200 (base fee + 5% VAT) Entry Permit Processing: AED 500 (if applying from within UAE) Residence Visa Issuance: Varies by category (AED 300 - AED 5,000) Knowledge Dirham Fee: AED 10 Innovation Dirham Fee: AED 10Medical and Documentation CostsMedical Fitness Test: AED 500 - AED 800Blood tests for HIV and other diseasesChest X-ray examinationGeneral health assessmentMedical certificate
issuanceEmirates ID Processing: AED 370 - AED 570 (2-year validity)Biometric data collectionCard production and deliverySystem registration feesDocument Attestation ExpensesEducational Certificate Attestation: Starting from AED 750 Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Country-specific rates UAE Embassy Attestation: Varies by country of origin Translation Services: AED 200 - AED 500 per documentEmployer vs
Employee Cost ResponsibilitiesEmployer Legal ObligationsUnder UAE Labour Law, employers must pay all employment visa costs, including:Complete Visa Processing: All government fees and applications Medical Test Expenses: Full medical examination costs Emirates ID Charges: Complete identification card processing Work Permit Fees: All labour-related permissions Document Processing: Attestation and administrative
costsEmployee Personal ExpensesEmployees typically cover these optional costs:Family Visa Sponsorship: AED 2,000 - AED 5,000 per dependent Document Preparation: Home coun...
About This Article
This article provides general information about UAE labour law and employment regulations. The information is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and subsequent amendments. For specific legal advice regarding your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).