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Work Permit Cost Calculator
Enter every fee you have been quoted and the number of dependants. The calculator returns the full permit cost, the dependant share and the cost per year of validity.
Fees, routes and dependant rules are set by the destination and change; confirm each line with the official immigration source and ask the employer which part it reimburses.
The fees that sit outside the government charge
The published application fee is rarely the whole cost. Certified translations, notarisation, a medical examination, biometrics, courier charges and legal advice can add up to more than the official fee. Dependant permits add a separate fee per person and sometimes a separate appointment, insurance requirement or proof of funds.
List every line before comparing offers. A role that reimburses the government fee but not legal or translation costs still leaves a real outlay with the employee. Ask which lines the employer pays directly, which are reimbursed against receipts and which are not covered at all.
Spread the cost across the permit life
A permit valid for three years costs less per year than the same total for a one-year permit, but it also locks in the employer tie for longer. The per-year figure is useful for comparing a short permit with a longer one and for checking whether the salary covers the administrative overhead in the first year.
Renewal is a separate event with its own fees and evidence. If the role is expected to continue, budget the renewal rather than assuming the first permit is the only cost. A permit that cannot be transferred may also force a new application after a job change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the employer usually pay the permit fees?
Arrangements vary by destination and employer. Some pay the government fee directly, some reimburse after arrival and some pass all costs to the employee. Get the split in writing before accepting.
Are dependant permits charged per person?
Often, yes, with a separate fee, application and appointment for each family member. Eligibility and work rights for dependants depend on the main permit route and the destination.
What happens if the permit is refused?
Fees are often non-refundable and legal costs are already spent. Ask who bears the loss, whether the offer lapses and whether a second application is expected.