2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price for Mainland Company

What is a 2-year employment visa in Dubai?

A 2-year employment visa in Dubai is an official authorization issued by the UAE government that allows a foreign national to legally live and work in Dubai under the sponsorship of a licensed UAE company. This type of work visa permit is typically granted for a period of two years, and it is renewable. The cost of this employment visa in Dubai varies depending on multiple factors such as the type of sponsoring company, medical testing, Emirates ID fees, and whether the visa is processed inside or outside the country.

Issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and tied to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), this employment visa in Dubai is required for any expatriate who wants to take up long-term employment within a mainland or free zone company. Most professionals, workers, and service staff in Dubai are legally employed under this visa category.

A 2-year employment visa is also commonly referred to as a Dubai 2-year work visa, and it includes several important components:

• A work contract issued and approved by MOHRE
• A residence visa stamped in the passport
• A valid Emirates ID
• A health insurance card (mandatory for visa approval)

This employment visa is the most widely used legal pathway for expatriates seeking formal work opportunities in the UAE. It applies to most industries, from hospitality and construction to finance and tech. The visa ties the employee to the sponsoring company, which means the worker cannot switch jobs without following proper legal channels. For anyone planning to work and live in the UAE, this two-year employment visa is often the gateway to a stable and secure expat life.

Benefits of a 2-year employment visa in Dubai

A 2-year employment visa in Dubai offers foreign professionals legal residency and the right to work, along with access to essential services and long-term security. Key benefits include:

• Legal work and residency status
  Holders can live and work in Dubai legally, with access to full-time jobs across various sectors.
• Access to vital services
  With a valid visa and Emirates ID, you can:
  • Open a bank account
  • Sign rental contracts
  • Register for telecom services
  • Use public and private healthcare
  • Enroll children in schools
• Family sponsorship
  Employees earning AED 4,000+ can sponsor their spouse and children, enabling the whole family to reside in the UAE.
• Renewable and long-term
  The 2-year employment visa is renewable, offering expats a stable base to plan their careers and lives in Dubai.

Overall, this visa type is one of the most reliable routes for long-term relocation and employment in the UAE.

Why choose a mainland company visa

When applying for a 2-year employment visa in Dubai, one of the first decisions to make is whether your sponsoring employer is based in a free zone or the mainland. While both options are valid, a mainland company visa offers a broader range of benefits, especially in terms of flexibility, mobility, and long-term career prospects. In 2025, the price of a 2-year employment visa may vary slightly between mainland and free zone companies, but the added value of a mainland visa often outweighs the difference in costs.

Freedom to work across the UAE

A key advantage of a 2-year employment visa issued through a mainland company is the legal right to work anywhere in the UAE, not just within the confines of a particular free zone. This makes it easier to:

• Travel for business purposes between emirates
• Serve clients and customers outside your employer’s office location
• Accept secondments or project-based assignments in other emirates
• Explore future job opportunities without regional limitations

By contrast, free zone employees are typically restricted to operating only within the jurisdiction of their free zone — unless special approvals are obtained.

Access to a broader range of industries and employers

Mainland companies operate under the authority of the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), which covers the vast majority of employment visas in Dubai. This opens the door to opportunities in government contracting, public-private partnerships, and industries like:

• Healthcare
• Construction
• Retail
• Education
• Hospitality
• Professional services

For skilled workers and executives, a mainland 2-year employment visa also positions you well to change employers legally through MOHRE, provided your current employer does not object and your visa transfer follows the proper process. This degree of mobility is ideal for long-term career growth.

Greater visa stability and renewability

Unlike some free zones that limit contract terms or enforce renewal hurdles, mainland employment visas are generally straightforward to renew every two years. As long as the employer maintains a valid visa quota and complies with UAE labor regulations, employees can continue their residency with minimal disruption.

In terms of compliance, mainland companies are usually better equipped to manage government filings, medical testing, and Emirates ID renewals, making the experience smoother for the employee. These factors make a mainland visa an ideal choice for professionals looking to build long-term careers in the UAE under a reliable structure.

Moreover, if you’re looking to eventually start your own mainland business, holding a mainland employment visa gives you firsthand experience with UAE labor systems and regulatory procedures — a useful foundation for future entrepreneurs.

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

In 2025, the cost of a 2-year employment visa in Dubai varies depending on several factors, including the type of employer (mainland vs. free zone), the employee’s job designation, whether the application is processed inside or outside the UAE, and which services are included in the visa package. For a mainland company, the costs generally range between AED 4,500 to AED 7,500 per visa, not including optional upgrades such as VIP processing or premium health insurance.

Here’s a detailed cost breakdown for a 2-year employment visa sponsored by a mainland company in Dubai:

Please note:

• If processed from outside the country (entry permit), additional costs of AED 500–1,000 may apply.
• If express/VIP service is chosen, the total costs may increase by AED 1,000 or more.
• Some companies bundle these charges into a full-service employment visa package.

The cost of a 2-year employment visa also includes your Emirates ID, which is mandatory for accessing most services in the UAE, including banking, telecom registration, and housing contracts. Basic work visa permit packages typically include only the required services, while higher-end packages may also cover accommodation, flights, or extra health insurance tiers.

It’s important to clarify the scope of your visa with your employer to avoid hidden additional costs. Ask whether work permit, medical testing, ID issuance, and visa stamping are all covered — and whether you’re expected to pay any of them out-of-pocket.

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 stamping
• 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 negotiate hybrid models — especially for freelancers or contractors — 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.

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

While the 2-year employment visa in Dubai remains the most common pathway for foreign professionals, it is important to understand how it differs from other visa types available in the UAE. Each visa serves a specific purpose, carries distinct benefits, and is regulated by its own conditions. The choice of visa directly affects your legal status, freedom of movement, eligibility to sponsor dependents, and even tax residency.

Here’s how a 2-year employment visa compares to other popular options:

Employment visa vs. freelancer visa

The employment visa is tied to a specific employer who sponsors and pays for your work permit and residence visa. Your legal stay in the UAE depends on your ongoing employment with that company.

In contrast, the freelancer visa allows individuals to work independently under their own trade name. It is often obtained through a free zone and includes a freelancer permit, residence visa, and Emirates ID. While this option provides more autonomy, it comes with higher upfront costs and requires the individual to handle all administrative tasks.

Employment visa vs. investor visa

The investor visa (also known as a partner visa) is issued to foreign nationals who own shares in a UAE-based company. Unlike the 2-year employment visa, this type gives the holder self-sponsorship rights and the ability to sponsor others.

While the 2-year visa ties the individual to a job, the investor visa provides long-term flexibility and is often a stepping stone to Golden Visa eligibility. However, the initial investment threshold and documentation requirements are higher.

Employment visa vs. Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence option for high-earning professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers. It is valid for 5 or 10 years and is not tied to any employer. Holders of Golden Visas enjoy additional privileges such as:

• No requirement for a local sponsor
• Ability to own 100% of their business
• Extended family sponsorship
• Easier re-entry conditions

However, not everyone qualifies for a Golden Visa due to its strict eligibility criteria. The two-year employment visa remains the standard option for the majority of expatriates who want to work legally in Dubai.

Step-by-step process of obtaining an employment visa

Getting a 2-year employment visa in Dubai involves a clearly structured process that is typically handled by the employer. While the steps may vary slightly between mainland and free zone companies, the general procedure remains consistent and is regulated by MOHRE and GDRFA. Understanding the process helps ensure transparency and reduces the chance of unnecessary delays or additional costs.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to obtain a 2-year employment visa in Dubai:

Step 1. Job offer and visa quota approval

Before anything else, the employer must receive a visa quota approval from MOHRE. This allows them to legally hire a foreign worker under UAE labour regulations. Once approved, the employer issues a formal job offer letter to the employee, which outlines the job title, salary, benefits, and contract duration.

Step 2. Work permit application

The employer applies for an initial work permit, also known as a labour approval. This temporary permit allows the employee to legally enter the UAE or change status if they are already inside the country. The permit is typically valid for 60 days while the full employment visa process is completed.

Step 3. Entry permit or change of status

If the employee is outside the UAE, the employer arranges for an entry permit (electronic visa), allowing the person to travel to Dubai. If already inside the country on a tourist or visit visa, the status change process is initiated to convert the individual’s residency to a 2-year employment visa.

Step 4. Medical fitness test

Once in Dubai, the applicant must undergo a government-mandated medical test. This includes blood testing and a chest X-ray to screen for communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, or hepatitis. Medical clearance is mandatory for visa approval.

Step 5. Emirates ID application

After passing the medical test, the individual applies for their Emirates ID at an official Emirates Identity Authority center. Biometric data, such as fingerprints and a facial scan, is collected. The ID is valid for the full duration of the two-year employment visa and is essential for all legal, financial, and healthcare transactions.

Step 6. Residence visa stamping

Following the successful issuance of the Emirates ID, the individual’s passport is submitted to GDRFA for visa stamping — the final step that confirms their legal residency in the UAE under a Dubai employment visa. Once stamped, the person is officially eligible to live and work in Dubai for two years.

Step 7. Receive the documents and start working

Once the passport and ID are returned, the employee receives:

• Residency visa sticker in passport
• Valid Emirates ID
• Health insurance card (if provided by the employer)
• Official labour contract approved by MOHRE

At this point, the employee can legally start working, renting housing, opening a bank account, and even sponsoring family members.

The entire process typically takes between 5 to 15 business days, depending on the company type, service tier (standard or express), and whether the applicant is already in the country.

Required documents

To successfully obtain a 2-year employment visa in Dubai, both the employer and the employee must prepare and submit a set of official documents. While many of the administrative steps are handled by the employer or a PRO (Public Relations Officer), the accuracy and completeness of the required documentation play a critical role in the efficiency and success of the visa process. Missing or inconsistent documents can lead to additional costs, rejections, or significant delays.

Here is a detailed list of the most commonly required documents for a 2-year employment visa application:

Documents required from the employer:

1. Trade license copy – must be valid and aligned with the job role
2. Establishment card – issued by immigration for all licensed companies
3. Labour card and company code – registered with MOHRE
4. Copy of the approved job offer – including salary and designation
5. MOHRE-issued quota approval – for hiring a foreign national
6. Company immigration file – showing the business is eligible to sponsor workers

Documents required from the employee:

• Passport copy – must be valid for at least 6 months
• Passport-size photo – recent, with white background
• Educational certificates – attested if required for specific professions
• Previous visa (if applicable) – especially for status change applicants
• Entry visa or visit visa copy – if inside the country
• Medical fitness certificate – obtained after government health screening
• Signed labour contract – as issued by MOHRE
• Copy of insurance policy – basic or enhanced, depending on employer package

Depending on the industry and employee’s role, additional documents may be requested, such as a police clearance certificate, professional license (for doctors, engineers, etc.), or diploma authentication through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

In all cases, document translations into Arabic and legal attestation may be required, especially for certificates issued outside the UAE. For faster processing, many employers opt for express document typing services offered through authorized typing centers or work visa permit consultants.