UAE Work Visa Sponsorship Cost 2025: Employer Fee Guide
Quick Answer
UAE work visa sponsorship costs employers approximately AED 5,000 to AED 8,500 in Year 1, covering the MoHRE work permit, ICP entry permit, Emirates ID, medical fitness test, and mandatory health insurance. The employer bears all visa costs — deducting them from employee salaries is not permitted under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 · Article 16 · MoHRE · ICP · DHA · DOH
UAE Work Visa Process — Step by Step for Employers
- Apply for MoHRE work permit — Through mohre.gov.ae using the company establishment card. Fee based on the employee’s skill category.
- Apply for ICP entry permit — Once the work permit is approved. The employee travels to UAE on this entry permit.
- Arrange mandatory health insurance — Dubai: DHA approval required before visa stamp. Abu Dhabi: DOH (not HAAD — abolished 2017) approval required.
- Schedule medical fitness test — At a DHA or DOH approved health centre. Failed test = visa refused.
- Collect Emirates ID and residency stamp — ICP processes these after medical clearance. Emirates ID is valid for 2 years.
Complete Fee Breakdown — Mainland UAE Employer (Dubai)
| Fee Item | Approximate Cost | Authority | Paid By |
|---|---|---|---|
| MoHRE work permit (Skill Level 1) | AED 1,000–2,000 | MoHRE | Employer |
| ICP entry permit | AED 800–1,200 | ICP | Employer |
| ICP residency visa stamp | AED 500–800 | ICP | Employer |
| Emirates ID (2-year) | AED 370 | ICP | Employer |
| Medical fitness test (Dubai) | AED 320–400 | DHA | Employer |
| Mandatory health insurance (Year 1) | AED 1,500–3,500 | DHA-approved insurer | Employer |
| Total Year 1 Cost (estimated) | AED 5,000–8,500 | Multiple | Employer |
Employer Cannot Deduct Visa Costs: Employers who deduct visa fees from employee salaries face MoHRE complaints. All visa sponsorship costs are the employer’s responsibility under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Health Insurance — Dubai vs Abu Dhabi
| Emirate | Authority | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | DHA (Dubai Health Authority) | Mandatory insurance before visa stamping |
| Abu Dhabi | DOH — Department of Health (NOT HAAD — abolished 2017) | Mandatory — higher minimum benefit level than Dubai |
| Northern Emirates | MOH (Ministry of Health) | Mandatory |
Renewal Costs — Every 2 to 3 Years
UAE mainland work visas are issued for 2 to 3 years depending on the permit category. Renewal requires a fresh medical fitness test, ICP renewal fees, and an updated Emirates ID. Overstay after visa expiry triggers ICP fines. Employers must track visa expiry dates from the onboarding stage to avoid penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost to sponsor a UAE work visa in 2025?
Year 1 total ranges from approximately AED 5,000 to AED 8,500, covering the MoHRE work permit, ICP entry permit, residency visa stamp, Emirates ID, medical fitness test, and mandatory health insurance. Fees vary by employee skill category and emirate.
Does the UAE employer or employee pay visa costs?
The employer bears all visa costs. Deducting visa fees from employee salaries is not permitted under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Does mandatory health insurance apply to all UAE work visa holders?
Yes. Dubai requires DHA-approved health insurance before visa stamping. Abu Dhabi requires DOH approval — not HAAD, which was abolished in 2017. Without approved insurance, the visa cannot be stamped in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.