Getting a 2 year employment Visa in Dubai is exciting, but knowing the costs is essential. First, there are government fees, which can vary depending on the type of job and company. Next, you’ll need to budget for medical tests, a mandatory part of the process. After that, the Emirates ID fee is essential for anyone in Dubai.
But that’s not all. Additional costs, like visa stamping and processing, also come into play. Knowing the complete 2 years Employment Visa Dubai Price for 2024 will help you plan better, whether you’re an employee or an employer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each of these expenses so you can proceed confidently.
What are employment visas in the UAE?
An Employment Visa in the UAE is a legal document allowing foreign nationals to work there. The employer typically sponsors this visa and must get approval from the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or a relevant free zone authority. The process involves several steps, including a job offer, a labour contract, and a medical examination.
Once the Employment Visa is approved, the employee can enter the UAE and begin working. The visa is usually valid for two or three years, depending on the specific terms set by the employer and the type of company. The visa must be renewed before it expires if the individual wishes to continue working in the UAE. Additionally, this visa often includes an Emirates ID, which is required for residency and accessing various services in the UAE.
Benefits of 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai
A 2 Years Employment Visa in Dubai offers several key benefits for both employees and employers:1. Job Security
A two-year visa provides job security. It allows employees to settle in Dubai and focus on work without frequent renewal concerns.
2. Residency
The visa grants residency status in Dubai. Additionally, it enables employees to live, work, and access services like healthcare and education during the visa's duration.
3. Flexibility
With two years, employees can explore career opportunities within the company or consider other roles in the Dubai job market when the visa is up for renewal.
4. Dependents Sponsorship
Employees with a 2 Years Employment Visa can sponsor their dependents. Such as spouses and children, to live with them in Dubai. It also makes it easier to relocate as a family.
5. Access to Banking and Financial Services
A valid employment visa allows individuals to open bank accounts, get loans, and access other financial services in Dubai.
6. Ease of Renewal
The two-year duration simplifies the renewal process, as employees and employers only need to go through the process once every two years, reducing administrative burdens.5. Pathway to Long-Term Residency
Holding a 2 Year Employment Visa can be a step towards securing long-term residency in Dubai. It is mainly for those aiming to establish themselves in the UAE for an extended period.
Types of Employment Visas in the UAE
The UAE offers three primary types of employment visas, each tailored to different categories of professionals and needs.
1. Standard Work Visa
The Standard Work Visa is the most common and is typically sponsored by an employer in the private sector, government, or free zones. It is valid for 2 years and can be renewed upon expiration. However, this visa ties the employee to the sponsoring employer, meaning the holder can only work for that specific employer during the visa's validity.
2. Green Visa
The Green Visa, introduced in 2022, is designed for freelancers, skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. This visa provides greater independence with a 5-year validity and does not require a sponsor or employer. It offers more flexibility in work and residency, making it an attractive option for those who want to manage their professional path.
3. Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that does not require a sponsor, targeting high-net-worth individuals and specialised talents. Eligibility for this visa includes investors with at least AED 2 million, real estate investors with properties valued at AED 2 million or more, entrepreneurs with projects worth AED 500,000. deThe Golden Visa offers the security of long-term residency, allowing individuals to establish themselves in the UAE without frequent renewals.
What are the Visa Regulations in the UAE?
To qualify for employment in the UAE, applicants must meet the following general criteria in addition to the specific requirements set by their prospective employer:
- Employer’s Validity: The hiring company must hold a valid license issued by the relevant UAE authorities.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 to be eligible for a UAE work visa.
- Job Alignment: The applicant’s role must correspond with the business activities of the hiring organisation.
- Legal Compliance: The employer must strictly comply with all legal regulations governing employment in the UAE.
Eligibility Requirements for Employment Visas
To work in the UAE, non-residents must be at least 18 years old. They also need to meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
There is no upper age limit for working in the UAE, but employers may incur additional costs for employees aged 65 and older.
The categories for foreign workers are based on their educational qualifications and skills:
- Category 1: For individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Category 2: For those with post-secondary qualifications in any field.
- Category 3: For individuals with a high school diploma.
Required Documents for a Work Visa Permit
When applying for a work visa, ensure you provide the following:
- Original and copy of passport
- Attested degree of the applicant from MOFA
- Passport-sized photographs as per UAE regulations
- Emirates ID
- Entry permit issued by the Ministry of Labour (MoL)
- Medical certificate from an approved UAE health facility
- Copies of academic credentials, authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE embassy in the worker's home country
- Employer’s documents, including business card and license
The employee submits the residence permit paperwork while the employer manages the work visa application and associated costs.
Conditions for 2 Year Visa in Dubai
To get a work visa in Dubai, you need a work permit, which requires sponsorship. The company that employs them sponsors foreign workers and issues visas. Independent businesses receive a renewable Partner’s Visa, valid for three years. For a 2-year work permit, either the sponsoring company covers the costs, or the candidate pays the fees.
For settling with family or long-term stays without employment, a sponsor, usually a family member, is needed. Sponsored individuals can only work for their sponsor. Domestic workers often use an Azad Visa, which permits only limited jobs and lacks labour law protections.
Considerations for a 2-Year Visa
- Employees must have their visa expenses covered by the company.
- Costs for dependent visas for a spouse and children are personal, typically borne by the father or husband.
- Partners or business owners are responsible for their visa expenses.
Steps to get an Employment Visa in the UAE
Below are the steps which will help you to get an employment visa in the UAE:
Step 1: Apply for Visa Quota
Employers must get approval for a UAE free zone visa quota from the Ministry of Labor (MoL) if the candidate works in a free zone.
Step 2: Submit Employment Contract
Submit the completed work contract to MoL for approval, including a version in the employee's native language if necessary.
Step 3: Apply for an Employment Entry Visa
The employer submits the work visa application to MoL, which checks the sponsor’s legitimacy and availability of UAE nationals for the role. The MOFA or Ministry of Foreign Affairs should offer a degree. It's an important step, and you can't miss it.
Step 4: Get an Entry Visa
Once approved, the MoL issues an entry visa that is valid for two months. This allows entry into the UAE and application for a resident visa.
Step 5: Get Emirates ID
Apply for an Emirates ID at an EIDA centre with your passport and entry visa, providing biometrics.Step 6: Complete Medical Exam
Undergo a medical exam at a government-approved clinic and submit the results with the resident visa application.Step 7: Submit Labour Card
Post the labor contract on the MoL website within 14 days of receiving medical exam results.Step 8: Get Medical Insurance
Employers must provide health insurance for employees in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Workers in other Emirates need their insurance.
Step 9: Receive Work Permit and Start Payroll
The MoL issues the work permit in about five days. Employees can start work, and companies can process payroll.
Step 10: Apply for a Residence Permit
Submit the required documents for the residence visa application. An application receipt is acceptable if the Emirates ID isn’t yet available. The residence permit is extendable for two years and is needed for various administrative tasks.
2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price
The 2 year employment visa Dubai price starts from AED 6000*, and the degree attestation cost starts from AED 750*. If you want to know the exact cost of an employment visa in Dubai, you can contact Shuraa Business Setup for the price.
How Shuraa Can Help with Your Employment Visa in Dubai
Getting a 2 year Employment Visa in Dubai can be tricky, but Shuraa Business Setup makes it easy. We handle all the details, from understanding the 2 Years Employment Visa Dubai Price to managing the application process.
We’ll help you with everything, including securing approvals, getting your Emirates ID, and sorting out medical and insurance requirements. With Shuraa, you can focus on your new job and life in Dubai while we take care of the paperwork and ensure everything is done right.
