Complete Breakdown of Dubai Visit Visa Costs and Current Job Market Situation (2025 Guide)
Assalamu Alaikum! My name is Jakab Mohsin, and in today’s guide, I’m going to walk you through the latest updates on Dubai’s visit visa process in 2025, including the total expenses for a 60-day visit visa, and what to expect when searching for a job in the UAE.
This post is especially useful for individuals from Pakistan, India, or other South Asian countries looking to explore job opportunities in Dubai while on a visit visa. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive cost breakdown and important strategies to help you plan your trip smartly and avoid common pitfalls.
1. Dubai Visit Visa Cost (2025)
Your first major expense will be the visa fee. As of now, the 60-day visit visa to Dubai costs between 550 to 650 AED. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the source and your nationality.
- In Pakistani Rupees: 550 AED ≈ PKR 42,000
- In Indian Rupees: 550 AED ≈ INR 12,500
➡️ For updated visa fee details, visit the official UAE Government Visa Portal.
2. Flight Ticket to Dubai
The second big expense is your flight. If you plan in advance (around 30 days early), you can save 200–300 AED. Booking a ticket just a week before departure might cost you around 1,200 AED from Pakistan to Dubai.
Tip: Use platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights to monitor ticket prices and set alerts.
3. Choosing the Right Visa Duration
You typically have three options:
- 30-Day Visa
- 60-Day Visa (Recommended)
- 90-Day Visa
Why choose 60 days? It gives you enough time to job-hunt, network, and adjust to the city without the pressure of a tight deadline. Always avoid the 30-day visa if your main purpose is employment hunting.
4. Accommodation Costs in Dubai (2025)
Accommodation varies based on location. Staying close to Metro stations gives you better access to job markets and cheaper transportation.
- Shared Bed Space: 300–500 AED/month (Wi-Fi usually not included)
- Wi-Fi cost: Around 30–40 AED/month if you connect to the building’s internet
Areas like Gold Souq or Bur Dubai offer economical options close to major metro routes.
5. Food Expenses
Managing food in Dubai can be a challenge for newcomers, but it’s manageable with a budget:
- Basic Monthly Food Budget: 350–400 AED
- Additional Treats/Eating Out: +100 AED
Average Total: ≈ 500 AED/month
You can save more by cooking at home or living in shared accommodations with communal kitchens.
6. Printing CVs and Job Preparation
IMPORTANT: Print 20–50 copies of your CV before traveling to Dubai. Printing in UAE can cost up to 10 AED per CV, compared to just a few rupees back home.
Pro Tip: Prepare different CVs for 2–3 job roles you’re targeting (e.g., Sales, Admin, Security) and carry folders or a small stationery kit.
Read: Tips for Writing a Professional CV
7. Transportation Expenses
Dubai’s Metro system is the cheapest and fastest way to get around. Upon arrival:
- Buy a NOL card for seamless travel
- Avoid taxis – they’re expensive and unnecessary for most areas
Refer to my other video on using the Metro system to save on daily commuting costs and how to choose areas with easy connectivity.
8. Total Estimated Budget for 60 Days in Dubai (2025)
| Expense | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Visa | 550 – 650 |
| Flight | 800 – 1,200 |
| Accommodation | 500 x 2 = 1,000 |
| Food | 500 x 2 = 1,000 |
| Misc. (Wi-Fi, Transport, CVs, Stationery) | 200 – 300 |
| Total | 3,550 – 4,150 AED (approx. PKR 270,000 or INR 95,000) |
9. Challenges in Converting to Employment Visa
While it’s legal to convert a visit visa to an employment visa in Dubai, several challenges may arise:
- Some companies hesitate to hire Pakistanis/Indians due to document verification delays
- Job offers usually require attested degrees and experience certificates
- You may need to drop CVs in-person rather than only applying online
➡️ Learn how to attest your degrees with this guide: WES Degree Attestation Process
10. Important Final Tips
- Don’t pay full rent upfront—request a 3–4 day trial stay to test location, comfort, and access
- Do thorough research before choosing your travel month—some months have more job openings
- If you don’t have relatives in Dubai, rely on detailed online guides and community channels
Visit visa is open for all nationalities, and job search is possible—but be realistic, prepared, and well-informed.
Conclusion
Moving to Dubai on a visit visa is a great opportunity, but it requires proper financial planning and professional preparation. If you’re skilled and qualified, your chances of landing a good job increase significantly.
