Securing a 2-year employment visa is an essential step for professionals looking to work in Dubai. This complete guide gives a step-by-step account of the application procedure as of March 2025, ensuring that you confidently go through each aspect.
Understanding the 2-Year Employment Visa
The 2-year employment visa enables foreign workers to reside and work in Dubai for two years, mostly employed by their sponsor. The visa may be renewed if the employment relationship continues.
Step-By-Step Application Process
- Get An Offer Of Employment
Before beginning the visa process, there should be an offer of employment from a Dubai company. This offer will be the basis of the visa application.
- The Employer Applies For Visa Quota Approval
Your employer now has to get permission from the concerned authorities to sponsor foreign employees so that he has a quota to hire you.
- Submission Of Employment Contract
An employer presents to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) the employment contract signed by you.
- Application For An Entry Visa
After the contract is approved, an entry visa request (also known as an entry permit) is filed by the employer, allowing you to enter UAE legally.
- Entry Visa Issuance
The entry visa is received and is issued for you to travel to Dubai and start working.
- Medical Examination & Biometrics
On arrival, you will undergo medical tests to certify if you meet health requirements, including blood tests and chest X-ray examination. Besides that, biometric information (fingerprints and pictures) is gathered for your Emirates ID application.
- Emirates ID Application
Apply for the Emirates ID, which is the mandatory ID for every resident of the UAE and is required to avail of a host of services.
- Labor Card Registration
Register for a labor card from MOHRE, which permits you to work legally in Dubai.
- Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is compulsory for all employees working in Dubai; thus, you must obtain this.
- Residency Visa Stamping
All documents should be presented to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for the visa to be stamped in your passport.
Documents Required
To carry out the application without any problems, present and prepare the following documents:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Recent passport photos.
- Signed employment contract.
- Medical fitness test results.
- Emirates ID application form.
- Proof of accommodation in Dubai.
Cost of Obtaining the 2-Year Employment Visa
The cost incurred for applying for the 2-year employment visa in Dubai differs by various factors.
The government fees include visa application fees and the issuance of residency permits determined by the authorities in the UAE. Costs of Employer Sponsorship- These costs are typically paid by the employee, covering visa application and expenses related to it. Medical and Insurance Charges- Costs are expenses for necessary medical examinations and for health insurance coverage. Free Zone vs. Mainland Fees- The visa costs could be different depending on whether this employer is based in a free zone or on the mainland.
According to 2025 figures, the overall cost that presents itself to a foreigner for a two-year work visa is between an AED 5,000 and AED 7,500.
Processing Time
It takes around 2 – 4 weeks altogether to process a visa based on approvals and background checks.
Important Considerations for Applicants
- Regulatory Compliance: Make sure that all the documents comply with the UAE criteria and standards.
- Reputable Employer: Strive for reputable and accredited employers to ensure that the entire process flows smoothly.
- Cost Clarity: Be aware of all fees regarding your visa, as well as clarifying uncertainties with your employer.
- Expert Guidance: Consider taking consultation from business setup experts or legal advisors to decipher the visa process.
Conclusion
The path is through a defined pathway from securing an offer of employment to getting the residency visa stamped for a foreign national to acquire a 2-year employment visa in Dubai. This guide, if followed carefully with all materials prepared, will lead to fruits for a prospective career in one of the most dynamic cities around the world.