Salary isn't the only line. By law the employer pays for the employee's onboarding and may not deduct it from their pay. Here's what the budget is made of.
Cost components
- Salary — the largest, recurring item; depends on role and market (there's no single expat minimum)
- Work permit / labour card (MOHRE)
- Entry permit and residence visa
- Medical fitness test
- Emirates ID
- Mandatory health insurance (required in Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
- Optionally — an agency fee (usually a % of salary)
End-of-service gratuity
By law — 21 days of basic salary per year for the first 5 years, then 30 days per year thereafter; calculated on basic salary (excluding allowances) and capped. It's a future but real line worth keeping in mind.
Where we save you money and time
Our fee is one month's salary of the placed employee, paid 50/50, and we handle sourcing and support. A 2-month replacement guarantee lowers the risk of a costly mis-hire.
Frequently asked questions
What makes up the cost of hiring in Dubai?
It usually includes the work permit and visa, medical test and Emirates ID, health insurance, and other legally required employer costs. Exact amounts depend on company type, emirate and role, and are best calculated per case.
Can visa costs be deducted from the employee's salary?
No. Under UAE labour law the employer bears the cost of the work permit and visa; these cannot be passed to the employee. It's important to budget for this in advance.
How much does a recruitment agency charge?
At TLNT the fee equals one month's salary of the placed employee, paid 50/50 — half on start, half after probation, with no full prepayment. A 2-month free replacement guarantee applies.
Help you estimate?
Tell us about the role — we'll estimate the hiring budget and advise on salary. Free.
Talk to us