2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price for Mainland Company

What is a 2-year employment visa in Dubai?

A 2-year employment visa in the UAE grants a foreign employee, officially hired by a UAE-licensed company, the legal right to reside in the Emirates and enjoy the full benefits of UAE residency. To obtain this visa, a valid labor contract, completed medical test and biometrics, and valid health insurance are mandatory.

The visa is issued based on the company’s visa allocations. The employer bears responsibility for ensuring the employee's legal stay in the country.

Step-by-step process of obtaining an employment visa

The visa application process is initiated by the employer, who typically also covers the related costs. The employee provides the necessary documents and undergoes the required medical test (blood test for HIV and chest X-ray) and biometrics. The employer submits the visa application, prepares the employment contract, and files it for registration with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) if the company is mainland-based, or with the free zone authority if based in a free zone.

Let’s break down the process from both the employer’s and the employee’s perspectives.

From the employer’s side

Requirements for the company:

• Valid trade license with visa allocations (Establishment Card)
• Rented office space (including flexi-desk). The number of visas allocated for the company depends on the office size: 9 sq m per person. With a flexi-desk, it ranges from 1 to 6, depending on the free zone. Visa allocations also influence the rental cost.

Step-by-step procedure:

1. You start by issuing an offer letter that clearly states the position, salary, contract duration, and job responsibilities. You then agree on these terms with the prospective employee.
2. Next, you apply for a work permit by registering the job offer with MOHRE; once submitted, you receive an initial approval. (If you are in a free zone, this process is handled through the free zone's administration.)
3. After that, you submit an application for the employee’s entry permit through GDRFA.
4. The employee then arrives in the UAE using the entry permit, which is valid for 60 days.
5. Upon arrival, the employee signs the official employment contract, which you register with MOHRE.
6. The employee undergoes a mandatory medical test, which includes a blood test for HIV and a chest X-ray.
7. Biometrics, such as fingerprints, are collected.
8. You arrange health insurance coverage for the employee.
9. Finally, the residence visa is issued along with the Emirates ID, allowing the employee to legally reside and work in the UAE.

Note: In mainland Dubai and some free zones, WPS registration is required for salary payments.

From the employee’s side

Required documents:

• Passport (valid for no less than 6 months)
• Photo
• Offer letter
• Educational documents (attested in the UAE, depending on profession)

Step-by-step procedure:

• Receive the job offer.
• Enter the UAE with an entry permit issued by the relevant immigration authority at the employer’s request.
• Sign the employment contract.
• Complete medical test and biometrics.
• Get health insurance.
• Receive an electronic visa and an Emirates ID.
• Start working.

Benefits of a 2-year employment visa in Dubai

• Legal right to live and work in the UAE for two years
• Ability to sponsor and bring family members on residency visas
• Right to open a bank account
• Right to open a bank account
• Eligibility for long-term property rentals
• Right to obtain a local driving license
• No income tax on salary
• No personal visa expenses – employer pays all fees

Limitations of the employment visa

• If the employee loses their job, the visa is cancelled. The person has 30 days to find another job, change visa status (e.g., to an investor visa), or leave the country.
• Family visas are typically paid by the employee, unless covered by the company offer. Large corporations may offer packages covering family visa and insurance costs, but this must be clearly stated in the offer or contract.
• The visa is tied to the employer – no freelancing or working for other companies is allowed.
• Absence from the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days results in visa cancellation.

Why choose a mainland company visa

When applying for a 2-year employment visa in Dubai, one key decision is whether your sponsoring company is based in the mainland or a free zone. Both are valid, but a mainland visa offers more flexibility, broader work rights, and better long-term mobility.

Freedom to work across the UAE

A mainland employment visa allows you to legally work anywhere in the UAE, across all seven emirates. You can travel for business, serve clients in different locations, and take on projects outside your company’s main office. In contrast, most free zone visas restrict work to within the specific free zone unless external approvals are obtained.

Access to more industries and job options

Mainland companies are regulated by MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation), which oversees most employment in the UAE. This means more access to key sectors such as healthcare, construction, retail and logistics, hospitality, education, and consulting or corporate services. It also makes it easier to legally change employers through MOHRE without needing to exit the country.

Simplified renewals and greater compliance

Mainland employment visas are generally easier to renew every two years, provided the company meets quota and labor compliance. Mainland firms are often better equipped to handle government procedures like visa stamping, medical tests, and Emirates ID renewals.

Foundation for future business setup

If you plan to open your own mainland company later, working under a mainland visa gives you practical experience with UAE labor rules and government processes—valuable knowledge for future entrepreneurs.

Cost of a 2-year employment visa in 2025: detailed breakdown

Approximate total costs:

• Mainland (Cat-1/2): ~ AED 5,000-7,000 in most straightforward cases.
• Mainland (Cat-3): ~ AED 6,500-12,000 when higher MOHRE fees and optional add-ons apply (e.g., status change).
• Free zone (mid-range): ~ AED 3,500-6,500, depending on zone/package.

Note: Government fees can be subject to VAT/typing centre charges. Packages often bundle several items (entry permit, medical, EID, stamping, etc.), resulting in wider ranges.

These estimates are not final and may change. Please consult your business advisor for accurate costs. Note that the included health insurance is basic and may not cover essential medical needs.

Who pays for the employment visa?

By UAE labour law, the responsibility for paying the full employment visa fee for an employee lies with the employer. This includes all required steps:

• Work permit and labor card
• Visa application and issuance
• Medical test
• Emirates ID
• Government approvals and MOHRE registration

The employee should not be asked to pay any part of the 2-year employment visa cost, whether upfront or deducted from salary. However, in practice, some companies may negotiate hybrid models where visa-related costs are partially reimbursed or charged through service agreements.

Still, reputable mainland employers cover 100% of the official employment visa in Dubai expenses, as part of their legal obligation. If you are being asked to pay for your own visa, it's important to verify the legitimacy of the job offer and review your contract carefully before proceeding.

Processing time for the 2-year employment visa

Visa processing usually takes from 1 week on after the arrival of the employee to the UAE:

2–3 days — for medical tests, biometrics, and results
5–7 days — to receive documents (UAE residence visa and Emirates ID) after medicals

Difference between a 2-year employment visa and other visa types

The 2-year employment visa is one of the UAE residence visa types. Other (and most popular) types include a freelance visa, investor visa, Golden visa, property investor visa, etc.

Sponsoring your family under the employment visa

The employee acts as the sponsor for family members and usually pays the associated costs (the employer may cover this, but it depends on the company).

Requirements:

• Monthly income of at least 4,000 AED for spouse and children, 20,000 AED for parents
• Tenancy contract (proof of UAE residence)
• Legalized family documents proving relationship (marriage, birth certificates, etc.)

Estimated cost: 2,000–4,000 AED per person

Renewal and cancellation of the employment visa

The visa is renewed by the employer. Before terminating an employee, the company must cancel the visa. Dependent family visas are also cancelled.

Reasons for cancellation:

• Company closure
• Job redundancy
• Employee violates internal rules or UAE law
• Expiry of employment contract

If an employee finishes working for a company, their residency visa must be cancelled before termination. To obtain a new visa, the person must secure employment with another company and go through the full residence visa process again.

Staying in the UAE without a valid visa is not allowed. You must either change your visa status (e.g., to a tourist or investor visa) or leave the country.