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UAE Employee Visa Cost Calculator — Full Cost to Sponsor a Worker in UAE 2026
Sponsoring an employee in UAE involves multiple costs beyond just the visa fee. Employers need to understand the total cost of UAE employee sponsorship to budget accurately. This guide covers the full UAE employee visa cost for 2026.
In this guide:
UAE Employee Visa — All Cost Components
- Job offer approval (where required): the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) job offer approval for mainland companies; AED 0-500 depending on skill level and emirate
- Entry permit: the initial UAE work permit entry approval allowing the employee to enter UAE to complete formalities; AED 1,100-1,700 for most categories (issued by GDRFA — General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai or equivalent authority in other emirates)
- Medical fitness test: mandatory for all UAE employees; AED 250-500 per person; done at approved health centres (Rashid Hospital in Dubai for government referrals, or private centres)
- Emirates ID registration: biometric registration for Emirates ID card; AED 200-370 per person (fees vary by visa duration)
- Residence visa stamp: the actual residence visa stamped in the passport; AED 750-1,500 depending on category and duration
- Health insurance: mandatory for all UAE residents (employer-provided); Dubai mandates employer-provided health insurance; AED 1,200-8,000/year per person depending on coverage level and plan type
Total UAE Employee Visa Cost Estimate (Per Employee)
- Entry-level employee (skilled): AED 4,000-6,500 for visa sponsorship; plus AED 1,200-2,500/year health insurance
- Senior professional: AED 5,000-8,000 for visa; plus AED 3,000-8,000/year health insurance (comprehensive plans)
- Domestic worker (maid, driver): AED 6,000-10,000 including higher government fees for domestic category; plus mandatory insurance
Ongoing UAE Visa Renewal Costs
- Renewal timing: UAE residence visas are typically 2 or 3 years; renewal must begin 60-90 days before expiry
- Renewal cost: similar to initial visa cost; AED 3,500-7,000 per employee including all components
- Medical fitness test: required again at renewal for 2-year visas
- Emirates ID renewal: AED 200-370
UAE Visa Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Visa typing and PRO services: hiring a Public Relations Officer (PRO) or using a visa typing service in UAE; AED 500-1,500 per visa transaction for submission assistance
- Overstay fines: if an employee’s visa or entry permit expires, AED 50-100/day fine accrues; budget for timely processing
- Gratuity accrual (End of Service Benefits): UAE law requires end-of-service gratuity of 21 days salary per year for the first 5 years; not a direct visa cost but an employment cost to accrue from day 1
- Labour complaints: MOHRE dispute resolution for employment disputes; register an employment contract with MOHRE within 60 days of hiring to avoid future disputes
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