Fee breakdown (2-year visa)
| Component | Typical amount (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit application (MOHRE) | 50 | Application fee shown on the MOHRE service card. |
| 2-year work permit issuance | 250 / 1,200 / 3,450 | Depends on the employer's MOHRE category. |
| Entry permit (you are outside the UAE) | ~200–500 | Issued by immigration (ICP / GDRFA). |
| Status change (you are inside the UAE) | ~520–675 | Replaces the entry permit when you convert in-country. |
| Medical fitness test | ~250–350 | Express service and some centres cost more. |
| Emirates ID (2-year) | ~370 | Longer validity costs more. |
| Visa stamping / residence issuance | ~270–600 | Varies by case and processing centre. |
| Health insurance | Varies | Required in some emirates such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi; normally employer-provided. |
Amounts are typical ranges reported for 2026 and can change. Confirm current fees on the MOHRE and ICP websites before budgeting.
Why employer category matters
MOHRE classifies companies into categories, and the category sets the 2-year work permit fee. Ask your HR or PRO which category your employer is in.
Category 1
AED 250 for a 2-year work permit, plus the AED 50 application fee.
Category 2
AED 1,200 for a 2-year work permit, plus the AED 50 application fee.
Category 3
AED 3,450 for a 2-year work permit, plus the AED 50 application fee.
Free zone visas
Free zones issue their own permits, often as one package. Fees differ by zone.
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Who normally pays?
Employer
UAE rules place recruitment and work permit costs on the employer. Visa stamping is also normally employer-paid.
Employee
You should not be asked to pay recruitment or work permit fees. Medical test and Emirates ID practice varies, so confirm it in your offer letter.
Red flags on fees
- A recruiter asks you to pay for the work permit. Verify the job offer and company before sending any money.
- Payment to a personal account. Official fees are paid through government or licensed service channels.
- No written breakdown. Ask for an itemised list of what you are paying and why.
- Guaranteed visa for a fee. No agent can guarantee approval; this is a common scam pattern.
Frequently asked questions
For a standard 2-year visa, government fees commonly add up to a few thousand dirhams. The exact total depends on the employer category, mainland or free zone, and whether you are inside or outside the UAE.
The figures on this page are for a 2-year visa. Renewal repeats most steps, including the medical test, Emirates ID and residence renewal, so budget again.
Yes. Free zones set their own packages and fees. Ask the zone authority or your employer for the exact quote.
Rules restrict charging workers for recruitment and work permit costs. Check your contract and raise it with MOHRE if you are asked to repay them.
The Emirates ID is a separate fee, usually around AED 370 for 2 years. Confirm in your offer letter who pays it.