What it is
The standard 2-year UAE work visa, sponsored by the employer. Employer is legally required to cover all visa fees under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- 2 years (renewable upon contract renewal)
- Processing time
- 2 days
- Maximum validity
- 2 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Dependants
- Conditional
- How to apply
- Online
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (ICP federal: application fee, residence permit)
- AED 100
- Application fee (ICP federal: residence permit issuance, per year)
- AED 100 per year
- Application fee (ICP federal: smart service fee, residence permit)
- AED 100
- Application fee (ICP federal: status adjustment, if applied in-country)
- AED 500
- Application fee (ICP federal: entry permit for work mission or residency)
- AED 100
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: residence permit fee, private sector)
- AED 200
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: Knowledge Dirham surcharge)
- AED 10
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: Innovation Dirham surcharge)
- AED 10
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: fee if applied inside the country)
- AED 500
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: delivery fee)
- AED 20
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: uplift per year beyond two years)
- AED 100 per year
Key requirements
- Valid job offer/employment contract from a UAE-registered employer
- Employer sponsorship (employer pays all fees)
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Attested educational certificates
- Medical fitness test from DHA-approved centre
- Health insurance (mandatory, AED 1,100+ paid by employer)
- Emirates ID biometrics registration
Working on this visa
Residence is issued by ICP/GDRFA; the labour authorisation is a separate MOHRE work permit where the employer is subject to the Labour Relations Law.
Bringing family
Financial solvency must be demonstrated, with a minimum monthly income of AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing, or AED 4,000 if housing is not provided.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 8 August 2026.