Dubai Work Visa Price 2026: Guide To Online Application, Processing Time, Age Limit And New Rules Explained
Dubai Work Visa. If you plan to work in Dubai in 2026, this article explains everything in one place: the Dubai work visa price, how to apply online, processing time, age limits, medical test, renewal and cancellation, and country-specific steps for Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
I also cover the UAE’s new Work Bundle platform that speeds up onboarding and the latest news affecting applicants.
What is a Dubai work visa?
A Dubai work visa is a residence visa tied to your MoHRE work permit. For most people, a Dubai employer sponsors the process: they request your entry permit, you arrive (or change status inside UAE), complete medical fitness and biometrics, then receive your residence visa and Emirates ID. Free-zone employees follow similar steps through their zone’s authority and GDRFA Dubai.
Types of Dubai work permissions
The UAE recognizes 13 work permit types. Below are the ones applicants ask about most often, plus where they fit.
1) Standard Employment (Private Sector / Free zone / Government)
- Who: Full-time employees with a Dubai employer (or a free-zone company).
- Term: Often 2 years (policy varies by zone/contract).
- Flow: Job offer → entry permit → medical → biometrics (Emirates ID) → residence visa → labour contract.
2) Green visa (5-year, self-sponsored)
- Who: Skilled employees meeting salary/occupation criteria or freelancers/self-employed with income/qualification proof and a freelance/self-employment permit from MoHRE.
- Why it’s popular: You sponsor yourself (no employer needed for residence).
3) Golden visa (long-term)
- Who: Investors, entrepreneurs, and certain professionals.
- Term: Up to 10 years; holders can get a work permit if joining a company.
4) Specialist MoHRE permits
- Transfer/temporary/mission permits: For short projects, internal moves, or time-bound work.
- Part-time permit: Lets you legally work fewer hours and, with approval, for more than one employer.
- Student training/juvenile: Controlled pathways for ages 15–18 under safety rules.
- Freelance permit: Earn independently without being an employee (common in media/tech).
- Private teacher permit: Allows private lessons; currently issued free for 2 years under the applicable resolution.
Dubai Work Visa Price (2026)
Short answer: Core work-permit fees vary by the employer’s A/B/C classification and service type; official guidance shows issuance/renewal commonly ranges ~AED 250–3,450. Your total cost also includes medical, Emirates ID, and admin services (typing, translations, courier). Many employers cover the core government fees confirm in your offer letter.
Typical Cost Components
| Component | What it covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit | Issuance/renewal | ~AED 250–3,450 depending on employer category (A/B/C). |
| Medical fitness | Blood test, X-ray | Charged by approved centers; results go to authorities electronically. |
| Emirates ID | Card issuance | Fee varies with validity (1–3+ years) via ICP. |
| Residence visa (eVisa) | Issuance/stamping | Done through GDRFA Dubai/ICP; some cases are sticker-less. |
| Admin/typing | Application services | Market-based (typing centers/PROs). |
| Health insurance | Basic coverage | Employer must provide basic health cover in Dubai (benefits vary). |
Why categories matter: Companies that follow labour rules and WPS (payroll) get better categories and lower fees; violators pay more.
Dubai Work Visa Online Apply: Step-by-Step
For standard employment, your employer initiates and completes most steps online. You provide documents and attend appointments.
- Job offer + contract
Your company files the work permit request with MoHRE. - Entry permit
Once approved, you receive an entry permit (or do an in-country status change). Timelines vary; see the Work Bundle section for current targets. - Medical fitness
Attend an approved center for blood tests and chest X-ray. You must be free of communicable diseases (e.g., HIV, TB). - Biometrics (Emirates ID)
Provide fingerprints and photo; Emirates ID is required for banking, SIM, etc. Managed via ICP. - Residence visa issuance
GDRFA Dubai issues your residence visa (often as an eVisa); your contract is registered.
Where to apply/check: Official portals are GDRFA Dubai and ICP (plus government apps and Amer for Dubai).
Processing Time: How Long Does a Dubai Work Visa Take?
The UAE’s Work Bundle aims to reduce onboarding dramatically by unifying steps across agencies: from 15 steps and 16 documents over ~30 working days down to 5 steps, 5 documents, 2 visits, and ~5 working days for eligible flows. Actual time still depends on your employer’s category, free zone vs mainland, completeness of documents, and security checks.
Minimum & Maximum Age Limit for a Dubai Work Visa (2026)
- Minimum: 18 years (separate juvenile/student training permits exist for ages 15–18 under specific safeguards).
- Maximum (typical policy): Many roles use 60 as a reference, but MoHRE can issue permits up to 65 subject to conditions and annual renewals employers submit the request.
Dubai Work Visa Medical Test
- Mandatory health screening to prove you’re medically fit for residence.
- Typical tests: Blood test (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis for certain categories) and chest X-ray (TB). Requirements can vary by emirate and job type.
- Result handling: Results are sent electronically to DHA/GDRFA/ICP to complete your residence visa.
Work Permit UAE Check
Use only official channels:
- GDRFA Dubai (residence/entry permit services & queries; Amer helpline available).
- ICP Smart Services (federal services for visas/residence/Emirates ID; application & validity checks).
Keep your application number, passport, or Emirates ID handy.
Renewal & Cancellation (What To Expect)
Renewal (before expiry)
- Employer ensures company compliance, uploads updated documents, and pays fees per category. Start early to avoid fines.
Dubai Work Visa Cancellation Process
- Employer files cancellation via GDRFA/ICP.
- Pay any fines (if applicable).
- Ensure final salary, leave encashment, gratuity, and exit arrangements are settled.
- Overstaying after cancellation triggers daily fines.
Special Pathways that Might Suit You
- Part-time permit: Work legally for more than one employer with MoHRE approval—ideal for consultants/creatives.
- Freelance permit + Green visa: For professionals who meet income/qualification rules and want self-sponsored residence.
- Private teacher permit: Legalizes tutoring; current resolution grants a two-year permit free of charge (apply via MoHRE app/site).
Country-Specific Notes (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh)
The rules are the same for all nationalities what changes is documentation and attestation habits. For Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, keep these in mind:
- Verify the employer
Ask for the trade license and written offer letter; confirm your job title and salary match the contract. (Company category also affects fees and speed.). - Use official systems only
UAE authorities are cracking down on visa scams and illegal brokers; only ICP, GDRFA, MoHRE and licensed typing centers are permitted. - Attest key documents
Depending on role, you may need degree attestation and sometimes police clearance. Check your employer’s HR or free-zone authority requirements. - Medical & insurance
Expect medical fitness and basic health insurance (employer-provided in Dubai).
Two-Year Employment Visa Price Vs. Green/Golden
- 2-year employer-sponsored: Your employer usually covers core government fees; work-permit component commonly falls around AED 250–3,450 depending on employer category. You/they also pay for medical, Emirates ID, and admin services.
- Green (5-year): Budget for freelance/self-employment permit, medical, Emirates ID, residence issuance; good for skilled pros wanting self-sponsorship.
- Golden (long-term): Fees/criteria vary; ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, and top specialists.
Dubai Work Visa News Today: What changed recently?
- Work Bundle expansion: The UAE added domestic worker residency services (issue/renew/cancel + medical) to the unified Work in UAE platform, pushing more services into the single window. This is part of the larger Work Bundle program to cut steps and speed up processing.
- Compliance drive: UAE authorities flagged 32,000+ visa violations in H1-2025 and warned against fake “quick visa” ads. Stick to official sites to avoid fines and bans.
How to Apply For a Dubai Work Visa (checklist you can follow)
Step 1: Secure a job offer
- Confirm title, salary, benefits, and who pays which fees (medical/ID/PRO).
Step 2: Share documents
- Passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, degrees/experience letters (attested if needed).
Step 3: Employer files your work permit & entry permit
- Through MoHRE and GDRFA/ICP. Track status on official portals.
Step 4: Enter UAE (or change status)
- Keep your entry permit PDF handy.
Step 5: Medical fitness
- Blood tests and X-ray at an approved center. Results flow to authorities automatically.
Step 6: Biometrics for Emirates ID
- Schedule fingerprints/photo; wait for your ID.
Step 7: Residence visa issuance
- GDRFA Dubai issues your eVisa; contract gets registered.
Step 8: Start work
- Keep digital copies of your contract, ID, visa. Confirm WPS salary deposits as per your contract.
Documents Required (Employee & Employer)
Employee (typical):
- Passport + photo
- Signed offer/contract
- Educational/skill certificates (attested where required)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Emirates ID enrollment confirmation
Employer:
- Valid trade license & establishment card
- Company category and WPS compliance up to date (affects fees).
Dubai Work Visa Renewal Fees & Tips
- Fees depend on employer category and visa validity; start early and keep documents updated.
- Ensure WPS and company compliance are clean; non-compliance can block permits or push the company into a higher-fee category.
Dubai Work Visa Cancellation Process
- Employer files cancellation (GDRFA/ICP).
- Settle final dues (salary, leave, gratuity) and collect experience letters.
- Confirm exit or status change to avoid overstay fines; call Amer for any Dubai-specific fine questions.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Using “shortcut” agents: UAE warns about fake ads promising instant visas. Only use ICP, GDRFA, MoHRE or licensed typing centers.
- Accepting verbal promises: Always get written contracts with salary breakdown and who pays which fees.
- Hiding medical history: Communicable diseases can block residence be honest and do your tests at approved centers.
- Missing timelines: Overstaying after cancellation/expiry triggers fines. Track dates and set reminders.
FAQs
1) How can I get a Dubai work visa in 2026?
Get a job offer first. Your employer requests your work permit and entry permit, then you complete medical, biometrics, and residence visa steps in Dubai. Alternative paths include Green visa (self-sponsored) and Golden visa (long-term) if you qualify.
2) What is the Dubai work visa price?
The work-permit component often ranges ~AED 250–3,450 depending on your employer’s category. Add medical, Emirates ID, residence issuance, and admin services. Many employers cover core government fees confirm in writing.
3) How long does processing take?
The Work Bundle aims to compress onboarding to ~5 working days for eligible flows, but timelines depend on case specifics and checks.
4) What are the age limits?
18+ to work. Many roles reference 60, but permits can be issued up to 65 with conditions/annual renewals via MoHRE.
5) What’s in the medical test?
Blood tests and a chest X-ray to screen for communicable diseases; extra tests apply for specific job categories. Results are sent electronically to authorities.
6) Where do I track my visa?
Use GDRFA Dubai and ICP Smart Services (or Amer for Dubai). Avoid unverified third-party sites.
7) Can I work part-time or freelance?
Yes. The part-time permit allows work with more than one employer; freelance permits and Green visas suit independent professionals who meet the criteria.
Conclusion
Dubai has made the work-visa journey faster and clearer thanks to the Work Bundle. If you stick to official portals, keep documents clean and attested, and clarify who pays which fees, your process should be smooth. Whether you’re from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, or anywhere else, Dubai’s market rewards skills + compliance. If you want, I can convert this into a downloadable checklist or a country-specific version for your site.
