Those who wish to start their career journey in Dubai must obtain a work visa, also known as an employment visa. It is a residence permit sponsored by a UAE-based employer for foreign employees. The most popular option remains the 2-year employment visa, which offers two years of legal stay in Dubai for foreigners.
However, all visas come with their own costs, and understanding the financials beforehand makes the move easier and well planned.
This article is all about the 2 years employment visa Dubai price. Besides cost, it will also explain the process, requirements, and benefits. Let us begin.
2-year employment visa – introduction
If you are planning to move to Dubai for a job, then you must be aiming for a work visa. A work visa is a legal permit that allows foreigners to stay and work in Dubai for a specific time frame.
Employment visa can be valid for 10 years, 5 years, or 2 years. The 10 and 5-year visas are usually issued under special categories, while for beginners, the most common and easiest option is the 2-year employment visa. This is a standard work visa sponsored only by a UAE employer.
Validity and renewal of 2-year work visa
A 2-year employment visa allows you to stay legally in Dubai for a continuous period of two years. However, after two years, if you wish to continue your job in Dubai, you must renew it. In fact, it is advisable to renew the visa months before expiry to avoid last-minute stress and panic.
If your visa expires and you continue to stay in Dubai, it will be considered illegal. You will then have to face penalties and pay fines for violating visa rules.
The renewal process is usually carried out by the UAE-based employer, provided you continue to work for them.
Cost of 2-year employment visa in Dubai
The 2 years employment visa Dubai price starts from AED 5,260*. However, there are many factors that impact the overall cost. Let us look at the elements one by one:
- Labour contract and offer letter: This is a primary requirement for foreign workers is a UAE company employment contract. Its fee includes AED 279.
- Labour card fees: The labour card, also called a work permit, is a legal authorization issued by MOHRE to foreign citizens, allowing them to work in Dubai. It is charged between AED 1,285 and AED 3,551 depending on the category you are applying for (category I, II, or III).
- Dubai insurance (WPS): The Dubai WPS fee is AED 189.
- Visa issuance inside the country: AED 1,126.
- Status change: AED 676 to change the status of an existing visa, if applicable.
- Medical tests: It is mandatory for any visa type to undergo medical fitness tests. The fee is AED 323.
- Emirates ID application: Emirates ID (EID) is a national identity card issued to all residents. The fee is AED 684.
- Tawjeeh submission: AED 152. This is mandatory training for employers and employees regarding UAE labour law, rights, and responsibilities.
- Visa stamping: The visa stamping fee under the normal process is AED 546.
The costs can change based on individual requirements and circumstances. To know exact costs, we recommend contacting visa experts in Dubai.
Process to get a 2-year employment visa in Dubai
For a standard visa, most of the formalities and processes are handled by the employer. Here are the general steps required to obtain a 2-year employment visa in Dubai:
1. Job offer:
The process begins when you secure a job offer from a UAE-based company. The contract is formally signed by both you and the employer and is registered with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation).
2. Finalize the work permit:
The employer must secure the work permit from MOHRE. This permit serves as your legal authorization to work in Dubai. Only after MOHRE approves your work permit can the entry permit be applied for.
3. Entry permit:
The employer will require certain documents from you to process your entry permit. If you are outside Dubai, this permit allows you to enter the country and complete the residence visa formalities. The entry permit is valid for 60 days.
4. Medical tests:
After entering Dubai, you must complete medical tests at authorized healthcare centers. These tests include X-rays and blood tests to verify your fitness. The employer will arrange the necessary appointments and cover the process.
5. Emirates ID:
You need to apply for an Emirates ID, which is the national identity card issued to all residents in the UAE.
6. Residence visa application:
Finally, the employer will apply for your 2-year employment visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This process includes submitting your completed application, supporting documents, and fees. Once the visa is granted, your 2-year legal stay begins, and you can start working in Dubai.
The 2 years employment visa Dubai processing time is typically 1 to 2 weeks. The duration may vary depending on the accuracy of the submitted documents, completion of medical tests, and any additional requirements by the GDRFA.
Why understand the work visa costs?
Understanding the cost of a 2-year employment visa in Dubai helps you prepare better and avoid unexpected surprises or issues. When you already know what to pay and how much, payments can be made on time without delays. This overall makes the process smoother.
Additionally, knowing the costs helps you understand the market rates and compare different options. As they say: budgeting is key to a stress-free move.
Know your next move
A 2-year employment visa is the most common and accessible option for professionals looking to start their career journey in Dubai. The cost of such visa depends on many factors like visa category and individual circumstances. For accurate cost estimates and hassle-free processing, consulting experienced visa professionals in Dubai can be a smart decision.
We recommend Dubiz Business Setup. They have helped many individuals with company formation, visa processing, Golden Visa services, and PRO support in Dubai. Reach out to them for expert assistance.
