Dubai Work Visa Price & Costs Explained in 2025: A Guide for Indian Applicants

Dubai has become one of the most popular destinations for Indian professionals seeking overseas jobs, thanks to its tax-free income, global exposure, and quick visa processing. However, the most common question we get from professionals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is: "How much does a Dubai work visa really cost?"

It's a great question, but the answer isn't a single fixed number. Visa costs can vary based on your job type, employer policies, and a few other factors. This guide will provide a transparent breakdown of the types of expenses involved in getting a Dubai work visa in 2025, so you can plan your move with confidence.

Understanding the Types of Costs in a Dubai Work Visa

The total cost of your Dubai work visa journey can be broken down into three primary categories: employer-side costs, pre-visa costs in India, and post-arrival expenses in Dubai.

1. Employer-Side Visa Costs

In most cases, a Dubai-based company will cover all the core government fees for your work visa. These are mandatory fees paid to the government and include:

• Work Permit Fee: This is the fee for the initial approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), which allows your employer to hire a foreign national.

• Entry Permit Fee: This is the cost of the visa that allows you to legally enter the UAE for employment.

• Residency Visa Stamping: This is the cost for the final visa stamp that grants you residency in the UAE.

A reputable employer, especially for skilled workers, will cover these costs entirely as part of their hiring process. It is important to clarify this during the offer stage.

2. Employee-Side Pre-Visa Expenses in India

These are the costs you, the applicant, are responsible for in your home country before you travel. They are essential for preparing your application. These may include:

• Passport Application or Renewal: The cost of obtaining or renewing your passport.

• Educational Certificate Attestation: The official authentication of your degree certificates by the Ministry of External Affairs and the UAE Embassy in India. This is a mandatory step for many skilled jobs and is a significant expense.

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): The fee to obtain a PCC from your local police station or passport office.

• Medical Check-Up and Travel Insurance: Some employers may require a preliminary health check-up in India. It is also wise to purchase travel insurance.

3. Post-Arrival Expenses in Dubai

Once you land in Dubai, there are a few final expenses to settle before you can start work legally.

• Mandatory Medical Fitness Test: You must undergo a medical test at a government-approved facility to check for communicable diseases.

• Emirates ID Application: A mandatory fee for the national identity card required for all residents.

• Health Insurance Registration: Your employer will register you for health insurance. While they usually cover the premium, a small fee might be deducted from your salary.

Beyond these official fees, you will also need to budget for initial living expenses like local transportation, accommodation deposits, and food until you receive your first salary.

Cost Factors That Can Vary

The total cost can fluctuate based on:

• Job Type: Fees for skilled visas are different from those for semi-skilled or labor visas.

• Employer Policies: Some employers might ask you to cover the cost of the Entry Permit, which is generally considered an employer-side expense. Always check your offer letter.

• Visa Validity Period: The standard visa is valid for two years, but some professional visas can have longer validity periods with different fees.

• Government Fee Changes: The UAE government may revise its visa fee structures without prior notice.

Why Choose IOS Vijayawada for Your Dubai Work Visa?

Navigating these costs and the application process can be confusing. At Indian Overseas Service (IOS) Vijayawada, we provide a transparent and clear service for professionals from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

• Transparent Cost Breakdown: We give you a clear, itemized list of what you can expect to pay and what your employer will cover.

• Honest Guidance: We clarify all aspects of your job offer to ensure you don't face unexpected costs later on.

• End-to-End Support: We assist with your pre-travel documentation, visa filing, and even post-arrival guidance, making your entire journey stress-free.

With expert guidance, your Dubai career journey becomes a reality without any surprises.