What Is the Total Cost of Applying for a Dubai Work Visa for Indians?

The total cost of a Dubai work visa is usually AED 3,000–7,500, or about ₹72,000–₹1.8 lakh, per employee. However, under UAE labour law, your employer must pay this complete cost for you. It covers the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) work permit, the entry permit, the medical fitness test, the Emirates ID, and the residence visa stamping. The MOHRE work permit alone costs AED 250–3,450, depending on the company’s category. Your own costs as an Indian applicant are mainly degree attestation, a police clearance certificate, flights, and your first rent payments in Dubai.
 

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Dubai Work Visa Cost Breakdown for Indians: Fees, Documents & Requirements

A Dubai work visa is a set of separate fees, all handled by your employer. First, the employer gets your MOHRE work permit. Next, you receive an entry permit to travel to the UAE. After arrival, you complete a medical test and Emirates ID biometrics, and your residence visa is issued. The table below shows each fee in this process.

 

 

Cost Item	Approx. Amount	Paid By	When
MOHRE work permit (2 years)	AED 250 (Category 1), AED 1,200 (Category 2), AED 3,450 (Category 3)	Employer	Before you travel
Work permit application fee	AED 50	Employer	Before you travel
Entry permit	AED 250–500	Employer	Before you travel
Medical fitness test	AED 300–700	Employer	Within days of arrival
Emirates ID (2 years)	About AED 370	Employer	After arrival
Residence visa stamping	About AED 500–600	Employer	After arrival
Typing and service centre charges	AED 200–450	Employer	During processing
Health insurance	AED 600–1,200 a year (basic)	Employer	Before the visa is issued
Degree attestation	Varies by document and agency	Employee	Before applying
Police clearance certificate	₹500	Employee	Before applying

 

Note: INR amounts use an approximate rate of ₹24 to the dirham. Exchange rates change daily.

The documents and requirements you need for a Dubai work visa are as follows:

• Job offer: A signed job offer from a UAE employer licensed with MOHRE or a free zone authority.
• Valid passport: A passport valid for at least 6 months, with a clear copy of the bio page.
• Photographs: Recent passport-size colour photographs with a white background.
• Attested degree certificate: Your highest degree, attested in India and by the UAE Embassy, then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is often needed for skilled job titles.
• Employment contract: An MOHRE-approved contract that states your salary and job role.
• Police clearance certificate: A police clearance certificate from India, if your employer asks for one.
• eMigrate clearance: If your passport is in the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category, your employer must register you on India’s eMigrate portal.
• Medical fitness test: A blood test and chest X-ray at an approved UAE health centre after arrival.
• Emirates ID biometrics: Fingerprints and a photograph at an ICP or GDRFA centre.
• Health insurance: A valid health insurance policy, which your employer must provide in Dubai.
   

Also, read…

What are the Eligibility Requirements for a Dubai Work Visa?

 

Expenses to Consider While Moving to Dubai From India

Your employer covers the visa fees, but you still need money to settle in. Most of your budget goes on housing and your first weeks in the city. Planning these costs early helps you move with confidence. Here are the main costs to plan for:

• Flights: A one-way ticket from India to Dubai usually costs ₹10,000–₹25,000, depending on the city and season. Some employers pay for this.
• Temporary housing: Budget for 2–4 weeks in a hotel, serviced flat, or shared room while you search for a rental.
• Rent and deposits: A one-bedroom flat in Dubai often costs AED 6,000–9,000 a month. Landlords may ask for rent in 1–4 cheques, plus a security deposit of about 5% of the annual rent.
• Agency and registration fees: Agents usually charge about 5% of the annual rent. Ejari tenancy registration and DEWA utility deposits add to your setup costs.
• Degree attestation: Budget for attestation of your degree in India, at the UAE Embassy, and at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Family visas: Sponsoring your spouse and children costs extra for each person, including entry permits, medical tests, and Emirates IDs. You need a monthly salary of at least AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
• Daily living costs: Plan for groceries, transport, mobile, and utility bills from your first month.
• Emergency fund: Keep at least 2–3 months of living costs as a buffer.
   

Want to plan your Dubai move without surprises? Get a free eligibility assessment from Y-Axis and a clear cost plan for your profile.

 

Who Pays for a Dubai Work Visa: Employer or Employee?

The employer pays for your Dubai work visa from India. Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), employers must bear the cost of recruitment, the work permit, the medical test, and the Emirates ID. Employers cannot deduct these fees from your payroll. You only pay for your own documents, such as degree attestation and police clearance, and your personal moving costs. Always confirm your job offer and work permit on the official MOHRE website.

Some professionals can live and work in Dubai without a standard employer-sponsored visa. These routes have different costs and rules:

Visa Route	Who It Suits	Key Requirement	Approx. Cost
UAE Golden Visa (10 years)	Highly paid skilled professionals	Bachelor’s degree and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000	About AED 2,800–4,000, plus medical and Emirates ID
UAE Green Visa (5 years)	Skilled employees who want self-sponsorship	Bachelor’s degree and a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000	AED 300 application fee, plus medical, Emirates ID, and stamping
Freelance permit	Self-employed professionals	Freelance licence from a free zone or authority	Varies by authority

 

Fees change from time to time. Always confirm the latest amounts on the ICP, GDRFA, or MOHRE websites.

Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with UAE immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!

 

 

FAQs

What is the total cost of a Dubai work visa for Indians?

A Dubai work visa usually costs AED 3,000–7,500, or about ₹72,000–₹1.8 lakh, in total. This covers the MOHRE work permit, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and residence visa stamping. Under UAE labour law, your employer must pay these costs. Your own costs are mainly degree attestation, police clearance, flights, and your first rent and deposits in Dubai. Planning these early avoids financial stress.

Does the employer pay for a Dubai work visa?

Yes. Under the UAE Labour Law, employers must pay for recruitment, the work permit, the medical test, and the Emirates ID. They cannot deduct these costs from your salary. You only pay for your personal documents, such as degree attestation and police clearance. If anyone asks you to pay for a UAE work visa, check the offer carefully before you proceed. Always verify offers on the MOHRE website.

How much is the MOHRE work permit fee?

The MOHRE work permit for two years costs AED 250, AED 1,200, or AED 3,450, depending on the company’s category. Category 1 companies, which have strong compliance records, pay the lowest fee. There is also an application fee of AED 50. Your employer pays these fees when it applies for your work permit through the MOHRE system. The permit is valid for two years.

How much does the Emirates ID cost for a work visa?

An Emirates ID valid for two years costs about AED 370, including service charges. Your employer pays this fee as part of your residence visa process. You give your fingerprints and photograph at an ICP or GDRFA centre after arrival. The Emirates ID is your main identity card in the UAE and is needed for banking, renting, and mobile connections. Keep it safe at all times.

How much does the medical test for a Dubai work visa cost?

The medical fitness test usually costs AED 300–700, depending on the centre and processing speed. It includes a blood test and a chest X-ray at an approved health centre after you arrive. Your employer must pay for this test. You need to pass it before your residence visa and Emirates ID can be issued by the UAE authorities. Results are usually ready within a few days.

Do I need to attest my degree for a Dubai work visa?

Many skilled job titles need an attested degree certificate. Your degree is attested in India, then by the UAE Embassy, and finally by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The cost varies by document and agency. Check with your employer early, because attestation can take several weeks and may delay your work permit if left too late. Keep certified copies of all attested documents.

How much money should I keep for moving to Dubai?

Plan for flights, temporary housing, rent, deposits, and daily living costs. A one-bedroom flat in Dubai often costs AED 6,000–9,000 a month, and landlords may ask for several months upfront. Agency fees, Ejari registration, and utility deposits add to this. Many people keep at least two to three months of living costs as a safety buffer before they move to Dubai.

Can I bring my family to Dubai on a work visa?

Yes. You can sponsor your spouse and children if you earn at least AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 a month plus company accommodation. Each family member needs an entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and residence visa. These costs are usually paid by you, unless your employer offers family visa support in your job package. Ask about this before you sign.

What is the cost of a UAE Golden Visa for professionals?

The UAE Golden Visa for skilled professionals is a 10-year residence visa. Applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree and a monthly salary of at least AED 30,000. The total cost is about AED 2,800–4,000, plus medical test and Emirates ID fees. It does not need an employer sponsor for renewal and lets you sponsor your family members. Y-Axis can check your eligibility for this route.

How long does it take to get a Dubai work visa?