Visa and hiring costs for brokers in Dubai, who pays?
Many brokers come to Dubai on a visa sponsored by their agency. Before you sign, you need to know who pays for what, and what the law says.
What the UAE Labour Law says
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 is the UAE Labour Law. Its Article 6 says that an employer shall not charge the worker, or collect from him, recruitment and employment costs, directly or indirectly. Article 6 also says that nobody can be employed without a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Gulf News explains that, under this article, it is illegal for an employer to make an employee pay for their hiring costs, including through deductions from the salary (article updated in April 2025). It reports a case where MoHRE stepped in and the deducted amount was refunded.
This is general information, not legal advice. For your own situation, contact MoHRE.
Be careful with “freelance” and commission-only set-ups
Some brokerage offers are not classic employment: freelance permits, commission-only partnerships or desk-fee models. The rules and the costs can be different. Ask exactly:
- Am I an employee of the agency, with a work permit, or something else?
- Who pays the visa, the Emirates ID, the medical test and the insurance?
- Who pays the broker training, the exam and the card? See the official fees.
- Will anything be deducted from my commissions, and why?
- If I leave in the first year, do I have to pay anything back?
Get every answer in writing before you sign.
Warning sign
If someone asks you to pay to get a job or a visa, stop and read how to spot a fake job offer. Candidates never pay to apply on CloserPass.
Who to contact
MoHRE handles labour questions and complaints, through its app and website. Gulf News gives 80084 as the number of MoHRE’s Labour Claims Centre.