Visa Types — UAE

Major UAE Visa Categories for Immigration

*Note: UAE visa rules, fees, and processing times change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the UAE's official ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) website, GDRFA (for Dubai), or a licensed immigration consultant before applying.*

Golden Visa (Long-Term Residence Visa)

Who it's for: Investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, scientists, outstanding students, and executives.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Real estate investors: Property investment of AED 2 million or more
• Public investment: Investment of AED 2 million+ in an approved investment fund
• Entrepreneurs: Own a project valued at AED 500,000+ or have prior project sold for that value
• Specialized talents: Doctors, scientists, artists, athletes with recognized achievements
• Executives: High salary (typically AED 30,000+/month) with relevant degree
• Outstanding students: High GPA from recognized universities

Processing Time: 30–90 days (varies by category and emirate)

Cost:

• Visa fee: AED 2,800–4,500
• Medical test: AED 500–700
• Emirates ID: AED 370
• Total: ~AED 3,500–5,500 (~$950–$1,500 USD)
• *Validity: 10 years, renewable*

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Green Visa

Who it's for: Skilled employees, freelancers/self-employed individuals, and investors (excluding real estate) who don't qualify for Golden Visa tier.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Skilled employees: Valid employment contract, minimum salary AED 15,000/month, bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Freelancers: Proof of income (minimum AED 360,000/year or equivalent over 2 years) or self-sponsorship approval from Ministry of Human Resources
• Investors: Investment of AED 250,000+ in a startup/business

Processing Time: 15–30 days

Cost:

• Visa fee: AED 1,500–3,000
• Medical + Emirates ID: AED 700–1,000
• Total: ~AED 2,200–4,000 (~$600–$1,090 USD)
• *Validity: 5 years, renewable; allows self-sponsorship*

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Employment (Work) Visa

Who it's for: Foreign nationals hired by UAE-based companies (mainland, free zone, or offshore).

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Valid job offer/employment contract from a licensed UAE employer
• Employer must sponsor visa and obtain labor quota approval
• Medical fitness test (clear of communicable diseases)
• Educational certificate attestation (for certain roles/free zones)
• Minimum age typically 18+

Processing Time:

• Entry permit: 3–7 working days
• Full process (status change, medical, Emirates ID, visa stamping): 2–4 weeks

Cost:

• Entry permit: AED 200–500
• Status change: AED 500–700
• Medical test: AED 250–700
• Emirates ID: AED 100–370 (varies by duration)
• Visa stamping: AED 500–700
• Total (employer often covers this): ~AED 2,000–3,500 (~$545–$950 USD)
• *Validity: 2–3 years, tied to employer*

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Family/Dependent (Residence) Visa

Who it's for: Spouses, children, and (in some cases) parents of UAE residents/citizens.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Sponsor must hold valid UAE residence visa
• Minimum salary requirement: typically AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation)
• Attested marriage/birth certificates
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) in sponsor's name
• Male children: sponsorship typically ends at 18 (extendable if in education)
• Parents: higher income threshold (~AED 20,000/month) plus additional requirements

Processing Time: 5–15 working days

Cost:

• Entry permit: AED 500–1,000
• Status adjustment: AED 500–750
• Medical test: AED 250–700 (per dependent)
• Emirates ID: AED 100–370 per person
• Visa stamping: AED 500–750
• Total per dependent: ~AED 2,000–3,500 (~$545–$950 USD)
• *Validity: Matches sponsor's visa (1–3 years)*

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Retirement Visa

Who it's for: Retirees aged 55+ wanting to reside in the UAE post-retirement.

Key Eligibility Requirements: Must meet ONE of:

• Property investment of AED 1 million+
• Savings/financial deposit of AED 1 million+
• Active income of AED 15,000–20,000/month (varies by emirate)

Processing Time: 15–30 days

Cost:

• Application/visa fee: AED 2,800–3,800
• Medical test: AED 500–700
• Emirates ID: AED 370
• Total: ~AED 3,500–4,500 (~$950–$1,225 USD)
• *Validity: 5 years, renewable*

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Student Visa

Who it's for: International students enrolled in accredited UAE educational institutions.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Acceptance letter from accredited university/school
• Sponsorship by educational institution (or parent/guardian)
• Medical fitness test
• Proof of financial support (for self-sponsored dependents)

Processing Time: 5–10 working days

Cost:

• Visa fee: AED 1,000–2,000 (often subsidized by university)
• Medical test: AED 250–700
• Emirates ID: AED 100–370
• Total: ~AED 1,500–3,000 (~$410–$820 USD)
• *Validity: 1 year, renewable annually with enrollment*

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Freelance/Self-Employment Visa

Who it's for: Independent professionals (media, tech, consulting, creative fields) working without a fixed employer.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Freelance permit from a free zone (e.g., Dubai Media City, RAKEZ, Dubai Internet City) or Green Visa route
• Portfolio/proof of relevant experience (typically 1–3 years)
• Bachelor's degree (for some free zones)
• Minimum income proof (varies by authority)

Processing Time: 10–20 working days

Cost:

• Freelance permit: AED 5,000–15,000/year (varies significantly by free zone)
• Visa fee: AED 1,500–2,500
• Medical + Emirates ID: AED 700–1,000
• Total: ~AED 7,500–18,500 (~$2,040–$5,035 USD)
• *Validity: 1–3 years depending on permit type*

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Investor/Partner Visa (Mainland or Free Zone)

Who it's for: Business owners, shareholders, and partners in UAE-registered companies.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Ownership stake in a UAE mainland or free zone company (varies by structure; mainland allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors since 2021 reforms)
• Trade license from relevant Department of Economic Development (DED) or free zone authority
• Minimum share capital (varies widely; some free zones have no minimum, others require AED 50,000+)
• Office space/flexi-desk lease agreement

Processing Time: 15–30 days (including company setup)

Cost:

• Trade license: AED 10,000–50,000+ (varies hugely by jurisdiction/activity)
• Visa fee: AED 2,000–3,500
• Medical + Emirates ID: AED 700–1,000
• Visa-only total: ~AED 3,000–5,000 (~$820–$1,360 USD)
• *(Excludes company formation costs, which are separate and substantial)*
• *Validity: 2–3 years, renewable with license*

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Mission/Remote Work Visa

Who it's for: Remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE who wish to reside in UAE.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Proof of employment with company registered outside UAE
• Minimum salary: USD 3,500/month (~AED 12,900)
• Valid employment contract (1-year minimum remaining)
• Health insurance with UAE coverage
• Bank statements (last 3 months)

Processing Time: 5–10 working days

Cost:

• Application fee: AED 1,000 (~$275)
• Total: ~AED 1,000–1,500 (~$275–$410 USD)
• *Validity: 1 year, renewable*

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Summary Table

| Visa Type | Validity | Approx. Cost (AED) | Approx. Cost (USD) |

|---|---|---|---|

| Golden Visa | 10 years | 3,500–5,500 | 950–1,500 |

| Green Visa | 5 years | 2,200–4,000 | 600–1,090 |

| Employment Visa | 2–3 years | 2,000–3,500 | 545–950 |

| Family/Dependent | 1–3 years | 2,000–3,500 | 545–950 |

| Retirement Visa | 5 years | 3,500–4,500 | 950–1,225 |

| Student Visa | 1 year | 1,500–3,000 | 410–820 |

| Freelance Visa | 1–3 years | 7,500–18,500 | 2,040–5,035 |

| Investor Visa | 2–3 years | 3,000–5,000* | 820–1,360* |

| Remote Work Visa | 1 year | 1,000–1,500 | 275–410 |

*Investor visa excludes company setup/license costs

Exchange rate used: ~AED 3.67 = $1 USD (UAE Dirham is pegged to USD, so this rate is stable, but always confirm fee amounts as government fees themselves are periodically revised)

More about immigrating to UAE