Employment/Work Visa (2-year): Timeline for Nigerians ₦0
Processing time for the Employment/Work Visa (2-year) for Nigerian applicants is 2–4 weeks (standard), 3–5 days (express). Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
Employment/Work Visa (2-year) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 2–4 weeks (standard), 3–5 days (express)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Employment/Work Visa (2-year) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦0 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 2–4 weeks (standard), 3–5 days (express).
Expert tip
Employment/Work Visa (2-year)
Under UAE labour law, your employer pays ALL visa costs — including the work permit (AED 3,000–12,000), medical fitness test (AED 320–750), Emirates ID (AED 370), and residency stamping. It is illegal for employers to pass these costs to employees, either directly or through salary deductions. If a company asks you to pay for your own visa, that’s a red flag — report it to MOHRE. Your total out-of-pocket for the employment visa itself should be zero. Budget instead for flights, first month’s rent (often paid annually upfront in Dubai), and a security deposit.
Where Nigerians settle in United Arab Emirates
Once your Employment/Work Visa (2-year) is approved, most Nigerians head to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Dubai: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,045,925/month · Lagos–Dubai flights from ~$500 · Nigerian community: Large
- Abu Dhabi: 1-bedroom rent ₦2,529,507/month · Lagos–Abu Dhabi flights from ~$520 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Sharjah: 1-bedroom rent ₦929,966/month · Lagos–Sharjah flights from ~$530 · Nigerian community: Medium
Life in Dubai
Dubai has the UAE’s largest Nigerian community, concentrated in Deira and Bur Dubai (Old Dubai) — you’ll find Nigerian restaurants, Nollywood screenings, and churches in these areas. Average 1-bed rent is AED 7,500/month ($2,040), but you can find AED 4,000–5,500 ($1,090–$1,500) in affordable areas like JVC, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and International City. Warning: most Dubai landlords require rent paid in 1–4 annual cheques upfront, not monthly. Budget AED 2,000/month for DEWA (utilities), transport, and phone. Summer temperatures hit 45–50°C from June to September — outdoor work is banned between 12:30pm and 3pm.
7% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose United Arab Emirates as their destination. Average Japa Score: 70/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦500K–₦2M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Employment/Work Visa (2-year) cost for Nigerians moving to United Arab Emirates?
- Total government fees for the Employment/Work Visa (2-year) are ₦0 (about $0). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Employment/Work Visa (2-year) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Employment/Work Visa (2-year) is 2–4 weeks (standard), 3–5 days (express). Apply from the United Arab Emirates High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the Employment/Work Visa (2-year) from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to United Arab Emirates?
- Dubai is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to United Arab Emirates. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦2,045,925 per month. The Nigerian community in Dubai is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into United Arab Emirates.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-03