Compare visa types, costs, and eligibility for UAE residents and expats.
Duration
2–3 years
Approx. Cost
AED 3,000–5,000
Eligibility: Employer-sponsored; valid UAE job offer required
Costs typically paid by employer; includes Emirates ID and medical.
Duration
3 years
Approx. Cost
AED 5,000–10,000
Eligibility: Min AED 750,000 property investment or AED 2M+ business setup
Property must be fully paid (no mortgage). Business must be active.
Duration
5–10 years
Approx. Cost
AED 3,000–8,000
Eligibility: Property AED 2M+, skilled professional, scientist, or outstanding student
No sponsor needed. Can sponsor family. 10-year for exceptional talent.
Duration
1–2 years
Approx. Cost
AED 7,500–15,000/yr
Eligibility: Various freezones: TECOM, Shams, RAKEZ, twofour54
Includes freelance permit + residency. Best for self-employed expats.
Duration
Linked to sponsor
Approx. Cost
AED 2,000–4,000
Eligibility: Sponsor must earn min AED 4,000–10,000/mo (varies by emirate)
Dubai: AED 4,000 min salary. Abu Dhabi: AED 5,000. Includes children under 18.
Duration
30–90 days
Approx. Cost
Free or AED 100–300
Eligibility: Free on arrival for 50+ nationalities; others apply in advance
Can be extended once (30 days). Cannot convert to work visa without exiting.
Answer any of the questions below to check if you qualify for the UAE Golden Visa (5–10 years, no sponsor needed).
| Visa Type | Renewal Fee | Medical Test | Emirates ID | Typing / Admin | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | AED 360 | AED 200–400 | AED 370 | AED 100 | ~AED 1,030–1,230 |
| Golden Visa | AED 380 | AED 200–400 | AED 370 | AED 100–200 | ~AED 1,050–1,350 |
| Investor Visa | AED 1,140 | AED 200–400 | AED 370 | AED 100–200 | ~AED 1,810–2,110 |
| Freelance Visa | AED 500–1,000 | AED 200–400 | AED 370 | AED 100 | ~AED 1,170–1,870 |
| Dependent / Spouse | AED 360 | AED 200–300 | AED 370 | AED 100 | ~AED 1,030–1,130 |