Dubai continues to be a hotspot for professionals worldwide, offering attractive job opportunities and a high standard of living. If you’re planning to work in Dubai, securing a 2-year employment visa is essential. This visa allows foreign professionals to legally live and work in the UAE while enjoying various benefits.
This guide provides a step-by-step process for obtaining a Dubai 2-year employment visa in 2025, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free application.
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What is the Dubai 2-Year Employment Visa?
The 2-year employment visa is a work and residency permit granted to foreign nationals who secure jobs in Dubai. The visa is sponsored by the employer and allows professionals to legally reside and work in the emirate for two years.
Why is this Visa Important?
- Legal Work Authorization: Enables foreigners to work legally in Dubai.
- Residency Benefits: Allows access to health insurance, rental agreements, and financial services.
- Career Growth: Offers access to one of the world’s most dynamic job markets.
- Family Sponsorship: Eligible employees can sponsor dependents to reside in Dubai.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Dubai 2-Year Employment Visa
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer from a Dubai-Based Company
Before applying for a visa, you must receive a formal job offer from a registered Dubai company. The company acts as your sponsor and handles most of the paperwork.
Step 2: Employer Applies for a Work Permit
Your employer must apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This step ensures that the company is legally allowed to hire foreign workers.
Step 3: Receive the Entry Permit (Employment Visa)
Once MOHRE approves the work permit, an entry permit (employment visa) is issued. This visa allows you to enter Dubai and begin the residency visa process.
Step 4: Undergo Medical Examination
All employment visa applicants must pass a medical fitness test, which includes screenings for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. The test is conducted at a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approved medical center.
Step 5: Apply for an Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for UAE residents. To apply, you must visit an Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) center for fingerprinting and biometric data collection.
Step 6: Obtain Health Insurance
Dubai law requires all employees to have mandatory health insurance. Employers usually provide this coverage, but you should confirm the details before proceeding.
Step 7: Visa Stamping & Residency Permit Issuance
After completing all the above steps, your employer will submit your documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for final approval. Once approved, your residency visa is stamped into your passport.
Step 8: Register for a Labour Card
A Labour Card is required for all foreign workers. This document, issued by MOHRE, verifies your legal work status in Dubai.
Step 9: Open a UAE Bank Account
Having a UAE bank account is crucial for salary payments and financial transactions. Most employers require employees to have a local bank account.
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Documents Required for the Dubai 2-Year Employment Visa
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Passport-Sized Photographs (as per UAE visa photo specifications)
- Signed Employment Contract
- Medical Fitness Test Report
- Emirates ID Application Form
- Proof of Accommodation in Dubai
- Health Insurance Policy
- Educational and Professional Certificates (if required by employer)
- Labour Card Registration Form
Dubai 2-Year Employment Visa Cost Breakdown
| Category | Cost (AED) |
| Entry Permit | 500 – 700 |
| Visa Stamping | 500 – 900 |
| Medical Examination | 300 – 800 |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 370 |
| Health Insurance | 700 – 5,000 |
| Labour Card (Work Permit) | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 3,000 – 7,000 AED |
Benefits of the Dubai 2-Year Employment Visa
- Legal Work Status: Work in Dubai without issues.
- Access to Financial Services: Open bank accounts and get loans.
- Ability to Sponsor Family: Bring dependents to Dubai.
- Job Market Flexibility: Easily switch jobs within Dubai.
- Health and Social Benefits: Access to medical care and insurance.
(FAQs)
1. How long does it take to get a Dubai 2-year employment visa?
The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly all documents and approvals are processed.
2. Can I switch jobs while on a 2-year employment visa?
Yes, but you need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer and get your visa transferred to your new employer.
3. What happens if my visa expires?
You must renew your visa before expiration. Overstaying results in fines of AED 50 per day.
4. Can I sponsor my family with a 2-year employment visa?
Yes, if you meet the minimum salary requirement of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + accommodation), you can sponsor family members.
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