What a Dubai work visa actually is
Most people call it one thing, but a work visa is really two documents working together. Knowing the difference helps the whole process make sense.
The work permit
The residence visa
Usually two years
Mainland or free zone
An Emirates ID
The right to work
Who pays for a Dubai work visa?
Your employer does, by law. Under UAE labour law, the company sponsoring you must pay for the work permit, the medical test, the Emirates ID, the residence visa and your mandatory health insurance. It is not a cost you are meant to carry, and a lot of UK professionals do not realise that.
Deducting these costs from your salary is a violation that MOHRE can fine an employer for. So if a prospective employer asks you to pay for your own work visa, treat it as a warning sign and ask questions. A compliant employer handles and funds the whole thing.
The Dubai work visa process, step by step
TYPICAL TIMELINE: 2 TO 4 WEEKS
The work permit runs through MOHRE and the residence visa through the GDRFA or ICP. With documents in order, most employees are fully set up within two to four weeks. It runs in six stages.
Step 01 · Job offer and contract First
You sign an employment contract, which the employer submits to MOHRE for approval.
Step 02 · MOHRE work permit Up to 5 days
MOHRE issues the work permit, now often within five working days under the Work Bundle initiative.
Step 03 · Entry permit 60-day permit
An entry permit is issued so you can enter the UAE, or you change status in-country if you are already here.
Step 04 · Medical fitness test Short step
You complete a standard medical fitness test at an approved health centre.
Step 05 · Emirates ID biometrics Short step
You give your biometrics and your Emirates ID is produced, usually within a week.
Step 06 · Residence visa stamped Final
Your residence visa is stamped or linked to your passport, and you can legally start work.
Dubai work visa costs in 2026
A standard two-year employment visa costs roughly AED 3,000 to 7,000 all in on the mainland, and AED 3,000 to 6,500 through a free zone, which usually bundles the fees. Remember, this is what the employer pays, not you. The main variables are the company’s MOHRE category and whether it is a mainland or free zone hire.
- Mainland all-in AED 3,000 to 7,000
- Free zone all-in AED 3,000 to 6,500
- Work permit AED 250 to 3,450 by category
- Medical test AED 320 to 800
- Emirates ID about AED 370 for two years
- Health insurance AED 650 to 2,500+ a year
Employers: your MOHRE category drives the work permit fee, so a Category 1 rating keeps hiring costs down. We can advise on that.
Employer-sponsored
You have a Dubai job offer, and your employer handles and pays for the work permit and residence visa. Your residency is linked to that employer, and if you change jobs the new employer transfers or reissues it.
This is the standard route for most salaried professionals, and the one this page walks through above.
Self-sponsored
You do not have an employer, or you want independence. The Green Visa, a freelance visa, or a remote work visa let you live and work in the UAE without being tied to one company.
These suit freelancers, consultants, and people employed by a company abroad. We set them up for you.
Section Misiing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The questions UK founders ask us most about choosing where to set up in the UAE. Rules change, so treat these as a guide and confirm your own case before you commit.
What is a Dubai work visa?
It is the combination of a MOHRE work permit, which lets a company employ you, and a residence visa, which lets you live in the UAE. Together they let you legally work and live in Dubai, usually for two years.
Who pays for a Dubai work visa?
Your employer. Under UAE labour law, the company must pay for the work permit, medical, Emirates ID, residence visa and health insurance, and it is illegal to deduct these from your salary.
How long does a Dubai work visa take?
Most take two to four weeks from start to finish. The MOHRE work permit itself is often issued within five working days, and the medical, Emirates ID and stamping follow.
What is the difference between a work permit and a residence visa?
The work permit is issued by MOHRE and authorises your employer to hire you. The residence visa is issued by the immigration authority and gives you the right to live in the UAE. You need both to work legally.
Can I get a Dubai work visa without a job offer?
Not the standard employer-sponsored one, but there are self-sponsored routes. The Green Visa, a freelance visa or a remote work visa let you live and work in the UAE without an employer sponsoring you.
How long is a Dubai work visa valid?
A standard employment visa is usually valid for two years and can be renewed. Some free zone and senior roles may differ, and self-sponsored routes such as the Green Visa run longer.
Do I need my degree attested?
For many skilled roles, yes. Your qualifications may need to be attested for the work permit, particularly for professional job titles. We can guide you or your employer through what is required.
Can I change jobs on a Dubai work visa?
Yes. You can move to a new employer, who transfers or reissues your work permit and visa. UAE labour rules have made changing jobs more straightforward than it used to be.
Can I sponsor my family on a work visa?
Yes, if you meet the salary threshold, generally around AED 4,000 a month with accommodation, or higher where housing is separate. We arrange the family visas alongside yours.
What is the medical test for?
A standard fitness test that screens for certain communicable diseases, required before your residence visa can be stamped. It is quick, and same-day options exist.
Can I convert my visit visa to a work visa?
Often yes. If you are already in the UAE on a valid visit visa, your employer can process an in-country status change instead of a fresh entry permit, which saves an exit and re-entry.
Can UK professionals get a Dubai work visa?
Yes. UK professionals are hired in Dubai every day. If you have an offer, your employer sponsors it. If not, we can advise on a self-sponsored route, and handle the process remotely from the UK.
Start your Dubai work visa today
Book a free consultation. Whether you are relocating for a job or hiring a team, we will handle the visa side.
