Cheapest work visas — 2026 comparison of indicative fees
Government fees are only one component of total cost — employer NHS/IHS surcharges, English-language testing, biometrics, and professional fees all add up. The table below compares the headline government fee declared by each destination for its main work-visa route.
| Destination | Route | Indicative govt fee | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Socialist Republic of Vietnam | 5-year Talent Visa | Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of the Philippines | 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa | Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| New Zealand | Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | Employer accreditation NZD 740; job check NZD 610; visa application NZD 750 (verify on INZ). | work-sponsored |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua and Barbuda Work Permit | Indicative only - work-permit fees are set by the government and vary by category and length. Confirm current amounts on the official government channels. | work-sponsored |
| State of Kuwait | Article 17 Government Work Residency | Indicative only - government residency fees apply, and health insurance is required. Confirm current amounts on the official Ministry of Interior page. | work-sponsored |
| State of Kuwait | Article 18 Work Residency (private-sector Iqama) | Indicative only - government work-permit and residency fees apply per the Ministry of Interior schedule, and health insurance is required. Confirm current amounts on the official Ministry of Interior page. | work-sponsored |
| Swiss Confederation | B Permit — Third-Country National (Aufenthaltsbewilligung) | Varies by canton — typically CHF 150–400 per year for the permit; visa fees approximately CHF 88 at the consulate. | work-sponsored |
| State of Israel | B/1 Expert Work Visa | Indicative only - application and permit fees apply and are set by PIBA. Do not rely on third-party figures; verify the current fee schedule on the official gov.il service page. | work-sponsored |
| Commonwealth of The Bahamas | Bahamas Work Permit | Indicative only - fees vary by job category and permit length; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Barbados | Barbados Work Permit | Indicative only - application and grant fees apply and differ for short-term and long-term permits; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Czech Republic | Blue Card | IPC lists administrative fees for Blue Card filing and extension. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Trinidad and Tobago | CARICOM Skills Certificate (Free Movement) | Indicative only - processing fees may apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-unsponsored |
| Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory) | Cayman Islands Work Permit (WORC) | Indicative only - work-permit fees vary widely by occupation and term; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Federal Republic of Nigeria | CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) | Indicative only - government fees apply and vary by category; confirm current amounts on the official e-CERPAC portal. | work-sponsored |
| Federal Republic of Germany | Chancenkarte (Germany Opportunity Card) | €75 consular visa application fee. Residence-permit conversion at the Ausländerbehörde costs €56–€100 depending on the Land. Anabin and language-test fees are separate. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Kenya | Class D Work Permit (Employment) | Indicative only - a non-refundable processing fee plus an annual issuance fee apply (East African Community nationals are gratis); confirm current amounts on the official Class D page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Ireland | Critical Skills Employment Permit | Permit fee €1,000 for 2 years (often paid by employer). Verify on DETE website. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of South Africa | Critical Skills Work Visa | The DHA sets the application fee; confirm the current amount on the official visa page and the VFS Global fee schedule. | skilled-migration |
| Principality of Liechtenstein | Cross-Border Commuter Permit / Grenzganger (Liechtenstein) | Indicative only - permit fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Portuguese Republic | D3 visa (highly qualified activity) | €110 visa; €170 residence permit. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Kazakhstan | Digital Nomad Residency (IT specialists, via Astana Hub) | Indicative only. Government fees apply at the residence stage; refer to the official page for current amounts. | skilled-migration |
| Commonwealth of Dominica | Dominica Work Permit | Indicative only - work-permit fees are set by the government and vary by category. Confirm current amounts on the official government portal. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Korea | E-7 Designated Activities Visa | Visa fee KRW 130,000 (single entry, approximately USD 100 — verify on hikorea.go.kr). | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Cambodia | EB Business Visa (E-class ordinary visa, business/employment) | Indicative only. Fees apply for the E-class visa and each extension period; refer to the official page for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| United States of America | EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant) | I-140 USD 715; I-485 Adjustment of Status USD 1,440; premium processing USD 2,965. | skilled-migration |
| United States of America | EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) | I-140 USD 715; I-485 USD 1,440; premium processing USD 2,965. | skilled-migration |
| United States of America | EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers | I-140 USD 715; I-485 USD 1,440; PERM filed electronically with DOL (no USCIS fee). | skilled-migration |
| Kingdom of Cambodia | EG Job-Seeking Visa (E-class job-seeking sub-class) | Indicative only. Fees apply for the E-class visa and each extension; refer to the official page for current amounts. | work-unsponsored |
| Czech Republic | Employee Card | IPC lists administrative fees, including a higher fee for applications from outside Czechia. | work-sponsored |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) | From AUD 4,770 principal. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Singapore | Employment Pass (EP) | Application fee SGD 105; issuance fee SGD 225. Multiple Journey Visa fee SGD 30 if required. Verify on MOM. | work-sponsored |
| Malaysia | Employment Pass (EP) | Indicative only - pass and processing fees are set by ESD/Immigration; confirm current figures on the official ESD page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Namibia | Employment Permit | Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official Ministry channels. | work-sponsored |
| Sultanate of Oman | Employment Visa (employer-sponsored work visa) | Indicative only - government visa and labour-clearance fees apply per the ROP and Ministry of Labour schedules; confirm current amounts on the official pages. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Panama | Employment-Based Temporary Permit | Indicative only - immigration and labour-permit fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Japan | Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services | COE: free; visa fee varies by nationality. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Cambodia | EP Employment Visa (E-class qualified-worker sub-class) | Indicative only. Fees apply for the E-class visa and each extension; refer to the official page for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Belgium | EU Blue Card | Verify current federal and regional charges before filing. | skilled-migration |
| Grand Duchy of Luxembourg | EU Blue Card | Guichet.lu lists residence-permit card fees and payment details. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Austria | EU Blue Card (Austria) | €160 application fee. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Bulgaria | EU Blue Card (Bulgaria) | Indicative only - state fees apply and are set in euro from 2026; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Italian Republic | EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) | Nulla osta application €48; visa €116; permesso di soggiorno tax €80–200. | work-sponsored |
| French Republic | EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) | Visa fee €99; residence permit tax €225. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Croatia | EU Blue Card (Croatia) | Indicative only - administrative fees and a biometric residence-permit fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Federal Republic of Germany | EU Blue Card (Germany) | Visa application €75; residence permit €100 on issuance; further fees on extension. | work-sponsored |
| Hungary | EU Blue Card (Hungary) | Indicative only - government procedure fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Latvia | EU Blue Card (Latvia) | Indicative only - a state fee applies to issue and renew the card; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Lithuania | EU Blue Card (Lithuania) | Indicative only - a state fee applies to issue and renew the card; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Kingdom of the Netherlands | EU Blue Card (Netherlands) | Approximately €350+. | work-sponsored |
| Romania | EU Blue Card (Romania) | Indicative only - permit and residence fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Slovak Republic | EU Blue Card (Slovakia) | Indicative only - administrative fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Slovenia | EU Blue Card (Slovenia) | Indicative only - permit fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Kingdom of Sweden | EU Blue Card (Sweden) | SEK 2,000. | work-sponsored |
| Hellenic Republic | EU Blue Card / highly qualified worker | Government fees vary by residence category and filing stage. | skilled-migration |
| Federal Republic of Nigeria | Expatriate Quota (company-level authorisation) | Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official Ministry of Interior page. | work-sponsored |
| Canada | Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | CAD 1,590 principal applicant (includes RPRF); plus CAD 825 per dependant child and CAD 825 spouse. | skilled-migration |
| Canada | Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | CAD 1,590 principal applicant. | skilled-migration |
| Canada | Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | CAD 1,590 principal applicant (includes RPRF). | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Korea | F-2-7 Points-Based Long-Term Residence | KRW 130,000. | skilled-migration |
| Kingdom of Denmark | Fast-Track Scheme (Fast-Track-ordningen) | DKK 3,665. | work-sponsored |
| Taiwan (Republic of China) | Foreign Special Professional Work Permit | Indicative only. Government fees apply at the work-permit and residence stages; refer to the official WDA and NIA pages for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| Sultanate of Oman | Freelance / Self-Employed Permit | Indicative only - government and processing fees apply and vary by profession category; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-unsponsored |
| Federal Republic of Germany | Freelance / Self-employment residence permit (§21 AufenthG) | Residence permit €100; business registration separate. | work-unsponsored |
| Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | Freelance Permit (Tashrih al-Amal al-Hurr) | Approximately SAR 300/year (verify on the MHRSD freelance portal). | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Ireland | General Employment Permit | €1,000 for 2 years. | work-sponsored |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | General Employment Policy (GEP) | A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of South Africa | General Work Visa | The DHA sets the application fee; confirm the current amount on the official visa page and the VFS Global fee schedule. | work-sponsored |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Global Talent visa | Endorsement fee plus visa fee (two-stage); Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year. See GOV.UK for current figures. | work-unsponsored |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Graduate visa | Application fee (£880 as of recent cycles) plus Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year. Verify on GOV.UK. | work-unsponsored |
| Grenada | Grenada Work Permit | Indicative only - work-permit fees are set by the government and vary by category. Confirm current amounts on the official Ministry of Labour page. | work-sponsored |
| Hungary | Guest Worker Residence Permit | Indicative only - government procedure fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| United States of America | H-1B Specialty Occupation | I-129 base USD 780 (for most employers), plus ACWIA (USD 750/1,500), fraud prevention (USD 500), asylum program fee (USD 600), plus USD 215 registration. Premium processing USD 2,965. | work-sponsored |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Health and Care Worker visa | Reduced application fee versus standard Skilled Worker; Immigration Health Surcharge exemption. Check GOV.UK for the current fee schedule. | work-sponsored |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | High Potential Individual visa | Application fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year. Verify on GOV.UK. | work-unsponsored |
| Kingdom of Spain | Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) permit | Employer and employee fees apply; TIE fee additional. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of the Netherlands | Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) | Approximately €380+ per application; sponsor also pays a one-off recognised-sponsor registration. | work-sponsored |
| Japan | Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa | COE: free; visa fee varies by nationality (typically ¥3,000–¥6,000). | skilled-migration |
| Hungary | Hungarian Card | Indicative only - government procedure fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) | A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of India | India Employment Visa | Indicative only. Fees vary by nationality and duration; refer to the official Indian Visa Online portal for the current schedule. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of India | India Project Visa | Indicative only. Fees depend on nationality and duration; refer to the official Indian Visa Online portal. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Norway | Intra-Company Transfer (ICT Permit) | NOK 6,300. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Moldova | IT Specialist Residence (Moldova IT Park) | Indicative only - state and programme fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Uzbekistan | IT Visa (IT Park founders and specialists) | Indicative only. Any fees apply as set by the scheme; refer to the official page for current amounts. | skilled-migration |
| Federal Republic of Germany | Job Seeker visa (§20 AufenthG) | €75 visa fee. | work-unsponsored |
| Kingdom of Norway | Job-Seeker Visa (Oppholdstillatelse for aa soeke arbeid som faglart) | NOK 6,300. | work-unsponsored |
| People's Republic of China | K Visa (young science and technology talent) | Indicative only. A visa fee applies and varies by nationality and reciprocity; refer to the official page for current amounts. | work-unsponsored |
| Swiss Confederation | L Permit — Short-Term Residence (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung) | Varies by canton — typically CHF 100–300. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Bahrain | LMRA Work Permit (employer-sponsored) | Indicative only - government work-permit fees apply per the LMRA schedule; confirm current amounts on the official LMRA page. | work-sponsored |
| French Republic | Long-Stay Visa — Salaried Worker (VLS-TS Salarié) | Visa fee €99; employer tax ~55% of monthly salary (OFII); residence permit tax €225. | work-sponsored |
| Commonwealth of Australia | National Innovation visa (formerly Global Talent) | Variable; verify Home Affairs. | work-unsponsored |
| Kingdom of Thailand | Non-Immigrant Visa "B" + Work Permit | Indicative only. Visa fees are set by the Thai mission and work-permit fees by the Department of Employment; confirm on the official pages. | work-sponsored |
| United States of America | O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement | I-129 base USD 1,055 (most employers), plus asylum program fee (USD 600). Premium processing USD 2,965. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Mauritius | Occupation Permit (Professional) | Indicative only; statutory processing and application fees apply to successful applicants. Confirm current fees on the official EDB page. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of the Netherlands | Orientation year (Zoekjaar) | Approximately €220 (2026 figure; confirm on IND website). | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Singapore | Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) | Application fee SGD 105; issuance fee SGD 225. | work-unsponsored |
| Kingdom of Denmark | Pay Limit Scheme (Beloebsordningen) | DKK 3,665 (approximately EUR 490 — verify on nyidanmark.dk as fees are adjusted periodically). | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Singapore | Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) | Application fee SGD 105; issuance fee SGD 225. | work-unsponsored |
| Kingdom of Denmark | Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten) | DKK 3,665. | work-sponsored |
| Canada | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | CAD 255 (work permit plus open work permit holder fee). | work-unsponsored |
| New Zealand | Post-Study Work Visa | NZD 700 (verify on INZ). | work-unsponsored |
| Canada | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Provincial fees vary; federal fees as for Express Entry. | skilled-migration |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) | A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| People's Republic of China | R Talent Visa (high-level and urgently needed talent) | Indicative only. Government fees apply at the visa and residence-permit stages and vary by nationality; refer to the official page for current amounts. | skilled-migration |
| Federal Republic of Germany | Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) | Visa and residence permit fees as for other employment routes. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Austria | Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) | €160 application fee; €20 residence card production. | skilled-migration |
| Federative Republic of Brazil | Residence authorization for work (VITEM V) | The authority publishes current government fees and the consular visa fee on the official route page. | work-sponsored |
| Malaysia | Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) | Indicative only - pass fees are set by the Immigration Department; confirm current figures on the official portal. | skilled-migration |
| Principality of Liechtenstein | Residence Permit B for Gainful Employment (Liechtenstein) | Indicative only - permit fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| United Republic of Tanzania | Residence Permit Class B (employment) | Indicative only - separate government fees apply for the work permit and the residence permit; confirm current amounts on the official channels. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Finland | Residence permit for a specialist | Migri lists electronic and paper application fees on the official route page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Finland | Residence permit for an employed person | Migri publishes current electronic and paper fees on the route page. | work-sponsored |
| Iceland | Residence Permit for Qualified Professionals (Iceland) | Indicative only - separate residence-permit and work-permit fees apply and are set by the authorities; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Grand Duchy of Luxembourg | Residence permit for salaried workers | Residence-permit card fees are listed by Guichet.lu; employer and document costs are separate. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Vanuatu | Residence Visa (Employee ground) | Indicative only - residence visa fees vary by validity period and applicant age per the official schedule. Confirm current amounts on the official Department of Immigration page. | work-sponsored |
| Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka | Residence Visa (Employment Category) | Indicative only. Government fees apply and depend on the visa period and category; refer to the official Department of Immigration and Emigration page for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Singapore | S Pass | Application fee SGD 105; issuance fee SGD 225; monthly levy SGD 550–650 paid by employer. | work-sponsored |
| Saint Lucia | Saint Lucia Work Permit | Indicative only - work-permit fees are set by the government and vary by category and length. Confirm current amounts on the official government portal. | work-sponsored |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Scale-up visa | Application fee plus IHS £1,035/year. Verify current on GOV.UK. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Croatia | Seasonal Worker Permit (Croatia) | Indicative only - administrative fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Bahrain | Self-Sponsorship / Registered Worker Permit | Indicative only - government and registration-centre fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official LMRA page. | work-unsponsored |
| Kingdom of Belgium | Single Permit | Government and regional fees vary; verify with the Immigration Office and relevant region. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Malta | Single Permit | Identita publishes Single Permit, renewal and change-of-employer fees. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Serbia | Single Permit (residence and work) | Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Bulgaria | Single Permit for Residence and Work | Indicative only - state fees apply on both the work and residence sides and are re-set in euro from 2026; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Romania | Single Permit for Work and Residence | Indicative only - permit and residence fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Slovenia | Single Residence and Work Permit (Slovenia) | Indicative only - permit fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) | From AUD 4,640 principal. | skilled-migration |
| New Zealand | Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | NZD 4,290 principal applicant (verify on INZ). | skilled-migration |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) | From AUD 4,640 principal. | skilled-migration |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) | From AUD 4,640 principal. | skilled-migration |
| Federal Republic of Germany | Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG) | Visa €75; residence permit €100. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Norway | Skilled Worker Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse som faglaert) | NOK 6,300 (approximately EUR 550 — verify on udi.no as fees are adjusted). | work-sponsored |
| United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Skilled Worker visa | Application fee (£719–£1,639 depending on duration and occupation list status), Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year), plus sponsor's Certificate of Sponsorship fee. Always confirm current fees on GOV.UK. | work-sponsored |
| Commonwealth of Australia | Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) | From AUD 3,115 base for principal applicant (verify). | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Thailand | SMART Visa | Indicative only. BOI sets the SMART Visa fee; confirm the current figure on the official portal. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Malta | Specialist Employee Initiative | Single Permit and employment-route fees apply; verify current Identita fee schedule. | work-sponsored |
| Japan | Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号) | COE: free; visa fee varies; skills-test fee ¥6,000–¥8,000. | work-sponsored |
| Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis | St Kitts and Nevis Work Permit | Indicative only - work-permit fees are set by the government and vary by category and length. Confirm current amounts on the official government portal. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Croatia | Stay-and-Work Permit (single permit) | Indicative only - administrative fees and a biometric residence-permit fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Federal Republic of Nigeria | Subject to Regularisation (STR) Employment Visa | Indicative only - government and mission fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official Nigeria Immigration Service page. | work-sponsored |
| Taiwan (Republic of China) | Taiwan Employment Gold Card | Indicative only. A government fee applies and varies by chosen validity period and applicant location; refer to the official Gold Card portal for current amounts. | work-unsponsored |
| French Republic | Talent Passport — Researcher (Passeport Talent Chercheur) | Visa fee €99; residence permit tax €225. | work-unsponsored |
| French Republic | Talent Passport — Salaried Employee (Passeport Talent Salarié) | Visa fee €99; residence permit tax €225 (verify on service-public.fr). | work-sponsored |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) | A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Belize | Temporary Employment Permit (Work Permit) | Indicative only - government permit fees apply and can vary by occupation; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Oriental Republic of Uruguay | Temporary Legal Residence (Residencia Temporaria) | Indicative only; an Unidades Indexadas (UI) processing fee applies. Defer to gub.uy for the current amount. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Costa Rica | Temporary Residence - Employed Worker | Indicative only - government processing fees and a change-of-category fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Chile | Temporary Residence - Employment Opportunity | Indicative only - government fees may apply and vary by nationality/reciprocity. Confirm on the official SERMIG help portal. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Chile | Temporary Residence - Lawful Remunerated Activities | Indicative only - government fees depend on nationality and reciprocity agreements (some are waived). Confirm current fees on the official SERMIG page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Ecuador | Temporary Residence - Professional (Profesional) | Indicative only - a visa application fee and an issuance fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Ecuador | Temporary Residence - Work (Relacion de Dependencia) | Indicative only - a visa application fee and an issuance fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Guatemala | Temporary Residence - Worker (Residencia Temporal Trabajador) | Indicative only - government processing fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Cyprus | Temporary residence and employment permit | Cyprus publishes application fees by category in the relevant document lists. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Poland | Temporary residence and work permit | MOS Q&A lists stamp duty for temporary residence and work permits and residence-card fees separately. | work-sponsored |
| Montenegro | Temporary Residence and Work Permit | Indicative only - administrative fees apply on the permit and are set by the authority; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Argentine Republic | Temporary Residence as a Migrant Worker | Indicative only; the applicable migration fees are published by DNM on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Armenia | Temporary Residence for Employment | Indicative only - a state fee applies and is indexed; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Moldova | Temporary Residence for Employment (Moldova) | Indicative only - state fees apply on the permit; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Slovak Republic | Temporary Residence for Employment / Single Permit (Slovakia) | Indicative only - administrative fees apply, with a faster issue of the residence card on a higher fee; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Poland | Temporary residence for highly skilled work (EU Blue Card) | Check MOS checklist and voivodeship instructions for current stamp duty and card fees. | skilled-migration |
| Dominican Republic | Temporary Residence for Work (RT-3) | Indicative only - government residence fees apply at the consular and DGM stages; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Estonia | Temporary residence permit for employment | State fees are published by PBGB and may differ by filing channel. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Latvia | Temporary Residence Permit for Employment (Latvia) | Indicative only - a state fee applies and varies with processing speed; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Lithuania | Temporary Residence Permit for Employment (Lithuania) | Indicative only - a state fee applies and the employer pays a stamp duty for the mediation letter; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of El Salvador | Temporary Residence with Work Authorisation | Indicative only - government processing fees apply (in US dollars); confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Iceland | Temporary Work Permit due to Labour Shortage (Iceland) | Indicative only - work-permit and residence-permit fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| United States of America | TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) | Canadians at POE USD 56 filing. Mexicans DS-160 USD 185. I-129 change of status USD 1,015. | work-sponsored |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China | Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) | A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Türkiye | Turkey Turquoise Card | Indicative: card and document fees are set by the Ministry; confirm current amounts on the official page. | skilled-migration |
| Republic of Türkiye | Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored) | Indicative: work-permit and document fees are set by the Ministry and updated periodically; confirm current amounts on the official page before applying. | work-sponsored |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa | Paid by employer; approximately AED 5,000–7,000 in total. | work-sponsored |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE freelance permit with residence | Permit costs AED 7,500+ depending on authority. | work-unsponsored |
| United Arab Emirates | UAE Green Visa | AED 2,000+ plus medical and Emirates ID. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Albania | Unique Permit (Leje Unike) | Indicative only - application and card fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| United Mexican States | Visa by job offer / temporary resident with work authorisation | INM and consular fees vary by stage; verify before filing. | work-sponsored |
| Taiwan (Republic of China) | Visitor Visa for Employment-Seeking Purpose | Indicative only. A visa fee applies and varies by nationality and reciprocity; refer to the official BOCA page for current amounts. | work-unsponsored |
| Republic of Ghana | Work and Residence Permit (companies) | Indicative only - government fees apply and differ for ECOWAS and other nationals; confirm current amounts on the official Ghana Immigration Service page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Ghana | Work and Residence Permit (Missionaries / NGOs / GIPC / Shareholders) | Indicative only - government fees apply and differ for ECOWAS and other nationals; confirm current amounts on the official Ghana Immigration Service page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Indonesia | Work KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) | Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Brunei Darussalam | Work Pass (employer-sponsored employment) | Indicative only. Government fees apply for the visa and work pass; refer to the official page for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Botswana | Work Permit | Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official gov.bw page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Trinidad and Tobago | Work Permit | Indicative only - government processing fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Sweden | Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd) | SEK 2,000 application fee; SEK 1,000 for accompanying family members. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Rwanda | Work Permit (employment) | Indicative only - government fees apply and vary by class; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Jamaica | Work Permit (Ministry of Labour) | Indicative only - a non-refundable processing fee and a permit fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| United Republic of Tanzania | Work Permit (Prime Minister's Office - Labour) | Indicative only - government work permit fees apply and are separate from the residence permit fee; confirm current amounts on the official channels. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Kazakhstan | Work Permit and Residence (employer-sponsored) | Indicative only. Government fees apply at the work-permit and residence stages; refer to the official page for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| Mongolia | Work Permit and Residence (HG employment) | Indicative only. Government fees apply at the work-permit and residence stages; refer to the official page for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Azerbaijan | Work Permit and Temporary Residence Permit | Indicative only. Government fees apply at the work-permit and residence stages; refer to the official page for current amounts rather than relying on a figure here. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Fiji | Work Permit for Non-Citizen Skilled Contracted Workers (Time Post) | Indicative only - permit and security-bond costs apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Taiwan (Republic of China) | Work Permit for Specialized or Technical Work + ARC | Indicative only. Government fees apply at the work-permit, resident-visa and ARC stages; refer to the official WDA, BOCA and NIA pages for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Morocco | Work Residence Card (carte de sejour, salarie) | Indicative only - government fees and a fiscal stamp apply; confirm current amounts on the official DGSN page. | work-sponsored |
| State of Qatar | Work Residence Permit | Indicative only - government fees apply and are set by the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labour. Confirm current amounts on the official Hukoomi and MOL pages. | work-sponsored |
| Georgia | Work Residence Permit | Indicative only - a state fee applies and varies with the chosen processing speed; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan | Work Residency (Employer-Sponsored) | Indicative only - residence permit fees apply, separate from the Ministry of Labour work permit; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Uzbekistan | Work Visa (E) with work-permit confirmation | Indicative only. Government fees apply at the permit and visa stages; refer to the official page for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| Socialist Republic of Vietnam | Work Visa (LD) and Work Permit | Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | Work Visa and Iqama (Employer-Sponsored Residence) | Work visa fee approximately SAR 100; iqama issuance approximately SAR 650/year; dependent levy SAR 400/dependent/month (fees are regularly adjusted — verify on MHRSD/Muqeem). | work-sponsored |
| Arab Republic of Egypt | Work-based Residence Permit (Egypt) | Indicative only - government fees apply for both the work permit and the residence permit; confirm current amounts on the official Ministry of Interior portal. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Peru | Worker Resident (Trabajador Residente) | Indicative only - a government processing fee applies (paid by the official code at Banco de la Nacion); confirm current amounts on the official page. | work-sponsored |
| Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal | Working (Non-Tourist) Visa | Indicative only. Visa fees apply and depend on the labour permit period; refer to the official page for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
| Republic of Mauritius | Young Professional Occupation Permit (YPOP) | Indicative only; statutory application fees apply by permit duration to successful applicants. Confirm current fees on the official EDB page. | work-sponsored |
| People's Republic of China | Z Work Visa (with Foreigner Work Permit and Residence Permit) | Indicative only. Government fees apply at the visa and residence-permit stages and vary by nationality and reciprocity; refer to the official page for current amounts. | work-sponsored |
Every row links to a visa page where the underlying primary source and last-reviewed date are shown.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries have the cheapest work-visa fees?+
Continental-EU routes are usually cheapest on headline government fees — Germany's EU Blue Card and Chancenkarte, plus Portugal's and Spain's skilled routes, sit well under €200. The UK and Australia are the most expensive once the Immigration Health Surcharge or Visa Application Charge is added.
Are government fees the full cost of a work visa?+
No — they are only the charge paid to the issuing authority. Budget separately for health surcharges (the UK IHS alone is £1,035 per person per year), English-language tests, biometrics, skills assessments, and any dependants. The lowest headline fee is rarely the cheapest route overall.