Quick Answer: A Dubai work permit costs between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000 for a standard 2-year visa. The exact amount depends on your employer’s MOHRE classification (Category A, B, or C) and your worker category (skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled). Your employer legally pays all costs under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Free zone visas cost 30-40% less but restrict where you can work.
Introduction
Dubai remains the top destination for professionals seeking tax-free employment in the Middle East. Before you can start working, your employer must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Understanding the costs involved helps you evaluate job offers and ensures you know what to expect during the hiring process.
This guide covers every fee associated with Dubai work permits in 2026, from initial MOHRE approval to Emirates ID issuance. Whether you are joining a mainland company or a free zone entity, you will find the exact costs and requirements here.
What is a Dubai Work Permit?
A Dubai work permit, also called a labor card, is a legal document issued by MOHRE that authorizes your employer to hire you in the UAE. It is separate from your residence visa but is processed together with the employment visa package.
The work permit specifies your job title, employer, salary, and contract duration. It is typically valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiry. Without a valid work permit, employment in Dubai is illegal under Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Related: UAE Employment Visa Process: Step-by-Step Application Guide
Work Permit Requirements
Employee Requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years (15-18 for juvenile permits with restrictions)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Job offer from a licensed Dubai employer
- Educational certificates (attested for skilled positions)
- Passport-sized photographs with a white background
- Medical fitness certificate (obtained in the UAE)
Employer Requirements
- Valid trade license in Dubai
- Available visa quota from MOHRE
- Registered in the Wage Protection System (WPS)
- No outstanding violations or suspended file
- Meeting Emiratisation quotas (for applicable sectors)
Types of Work Permits in Dubai
MOHRE issues 13 types of work permits based on the nature and circumstances.
| Permit Type | Validity | Use Case |
| Standard Work Permit | 2 years | New hire from abroad |
| Transfer Permit | 2 years | Moving between employers |
| Temporary Work Permit | 6 months | Short-term projects |
| One-Mission Permit | Project duration | Specific task completion |
| Part-Time Permit | 1 year | Reduced working hours |
| Family Sponsorship Permit | 2 years | Dependents seeking work |
| Juvenile Permit | Varies | Workers aged 15-18 |
| Student Training Permit | Program duration | Internships |
| Golden Visa Work Permit | 5-10 years | High earners, investors |
Related: UAE Golden Visa for Professionals: Salary & Qualification Requirements
Company Classification System
MOHRE classifies companies into three categories based on their compliance record, percentage of skilled employees, and cultural diversity. This classification directly affects work permit fees.
| Category | Criteria | Work Permit Fee Impact |
| Category A | High-skilled worker ratio, excellent compliance, and cultural diversity | Lowest fees (AED 250-300) |
| Category B | Moderate compliance, average skilled worker percentage | Medium fees (AED 600-2,000) |
| Category C | History of violations, low compliance, and poor diversity | Highest fees (up to AED 5,000) |
Companies can improve their classification by hiring more skilled workers, maintaining compliance with labor laws, and meeting Emiratisation targets. Higher classifications result in significant fee savings over time.
Worker Categories and Fee Structure
MOHRE classifies workers into three skill levels based on educational qualifications. This classification affects labor card fees.
| Worker Category | Qualification | Labor Card Fee Range |
| Category 1 (Skilled) | Bachelor’s degree or higher (attested) | AED 300 |
| Category 2 (Semi-Skilled) | Post-secondary diploma | AED 600 – AED 2,000 |
| Category 3 (Unskilled) | High school diploma or below | Up to AED 5,000 |
Degree attestation is mandatory for Category 1 classification. The process involves authentication by your home country’s foreign ministry and the UAE Embassy, followed by MOFA attestation in the UAE. Attestation costs range from AED 750 to AED 2,000 depending on your country of origin.
Complete Cost Breakdown
The total cost of a Dubai work permit includes multiple components beyond the basic MOHRE fee.
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) |
| Initial Electronic Approval | 200 |
| Work Permit / Labor Card | 250 – 5,000 (varies by category) |
| Entry Permit (Pink Visa) | 200 – 500 |
| Status Change (if inside UAE) | 500 |
| Medical Fitness Test | 300 – 700 |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 370 |
| Residence Visa Stamping | 510 – 560 |
| Health Insurance (annual) | 600 – 3,000+ |
| Typing Center / PRO Services | 200 – 500 |
| Age Surcharge (65+ years) | 5,000 (additional) |
| Total Estimated Range | AED 3,000 – 7,000+ |
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, your employer is legally responsible for paying 100% of all visa and work permit costs, ensuring transparency and fairness in the process. Any attempt to deduct fees from your salary or pay directly is illegal and should be reported to MOHRE.
Mainland vs Free Zone Costs
| Factor | Mainland | Free Zone |
| Total Visa Cost | AED 5,000 – 7,000+ | AED 2,500 – 4,500 |
| Processing Authority | MOHRE | Free Zone Authority |
| Work Location | Anywhere in the UAE | Within the free zone only |
| Company Setup Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Processing Speed | 7-14 working days | 5-10 working days |
Free zones such as DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC, and DAFZ offer bundled visa packages that include a work permit, residence visa, and Emirates ID processing. While cheaper upfront, free zone visas restrict your employment to that specific zone. Mainland visas allow work anywhere in the UAE.
Related: Green Visa vs Golden Visa: Which is Right for You?
Application Process
Your employer handles the work permit application through MOHRE’s Tas’heel system or the relevant free zone portal.
- Employer applies for work permit quota approval from MOHRE
- Work permit application submitted with employee documents
- MOHRE reviews and approves work permit (2-5 working days)
- Entry permit issued for employee to enter the UAE (valid 60 days)
- Employee arrives and completes the medical fitness test
- Emirates ID biometrics captured
- Residence visa stamped in passport
- Labor contract registered with MOHRE
- Work permit activated, employment begins legally
The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Fast-track processing is available for an additional AED 500 to AED 1,000, reducing time to 5-7 working days.
Renewal and Cancellation Costs
Renewal Costs
| Renewal Component | Cost (AED) |
| Work Permit Renewal | 250 – 3,450 |
| Medical Test | 300 – 500 |
| Emirates ID Renewal | 370 |
| Residence Visa Renewal | 510 – 560 |
| Health Insurance | 600 – 3,000+ |
| Total Renewal Cost | AED 4,000 – 6,000 |
Late renewal incurs a daily fine of AED 50. Employers must initiate renewal at least 30 days before visa expiry to avoid penalties.
Cancellation Costs
- Work permit cancellation: AED 100 – 200
- Residence visa cancellation: AED 100 – 300
- Grace period after cancellation: 60 days
Failure to cancel within 30 days of employment termination can result in fines of AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 for the employer and potential blocklisting from future sponsorships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dubai work permit cost in 2026?
A Dubai work permit costs between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000 for a standard 2-year visa. The exact amount depends on your employer’s MOHRE classification (Category A, B, or C), your worker category (skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled), and whether you work for a mainland or free zone company.
Who pays for the work permit in Dubai?
Your employer pays all work permit and visa costs under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. This includes the labor card, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, residence visa, and health insurance. Any request to pay fees yourself or have them deducted from your salary is illegal.
What is the difference between a work permit and an employment visa?
A work permit (labor card) authorizes you to work for a specific employer and is issued by MOHRE. An employment visa (residence visa) allows you to live in the UAE and is issued by GDRFA/ICP. Both are required and processed together as part of the employment visa package.
Are free zone work permits cheaper than mainland ones?
Yes. Free zone visas typically cost AED 2,500 to AED 4,500 compared to AED 5,000 to AED 7,000 for mainland visas. However, free zone employment restricts you to working within that specific zone, while mainland visas allow work anywhere in the UAE.
How long does work permit processing take?
Standard processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from work permit application to residence visa stamping. Fast-track services are available for an additional AED 500 to AED 1,000, reducing the timeline to 5-7 working days.
Official Sources
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE): mohre.gov.ae
- UAE Government Portal: u.ae
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): icp.gov.ae
- GDRFA Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. UAE visa regulations and fees change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources or consult a licensed PRO service before making decisions.
Last Updated: February 2026