UAE Visa Guide
Everything You Need
Complete guides for all UAE visa types — Work, Tourist, Residence, Golden, and Freelance. Step-by-step processes, requirements, fees & expert tips.
Select the Right UAE Visa for You
The UAE offers several visa categories depending on your purpose of travel, employment, or residency. Click any visa type below to read the complete guide.
UAE Work Visa
For employees sponsored by a UAE-registered employer. Most common visa for expatriate professionals.
Valid: 2 YearsAED 3,700+UAE Tourist Visa
For visitors and travelers. Available in 30, 60, and 90-day options. Also suitable for job seekers.
Valid: 30–90 DaysAED 250+UAE Residence Visa
Long-term residency for property owners, retirees, family sponsors, and students.
Valid: 2–3 YearsAED 4,000+Golden Visa UAE
Prestigious long-term visa for investors, skilled professionals, doctors, and scientists.
Valid: 5–10 YearsAED 5,000+Freelance Visa UAE
For independent professionals, consultants, and content creators working without a fixed employer.
Valid: 1–2 YearsAED 7,500+UAE Visa Types Comparison 2026
| Visa Type | Who It's For | Validity | Sponsor | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Visa | Employees | 2 years | Employer | AED 3,700–6,000 |
| Tourist Visa | Visitors / Job Seekers | 30–90 days | Airline / Hotel / Self | AED 250–700 |
| Residence Visa | Property Owners, Family | 2–3 years | Family / Self | AED 4,000–8,000 |
| Golden Visa | Investors, Professionals | 5–10 years | Self | AED 5,000–15,000 |
| Freelance Visa | Freelancers | 1–2 years | Free Zone | AED 7,500–20,000 |
UAE Work Visa 2026
Complete guide to apply for a UAE work visa — requirements, documents, step-by-step process, fees, and insider tips for expatriate professionals.
Types of UAE Work Visas
Standard Employment Visa
Most common — employer-sponsored visa for all skill levels.
2 YearsSkilled Worker (Golden)
For professionals earning AED 30,000+/month.
5–10 YearsLabour / Skilled Worker
For blue-collar and semi-skilled workers in construction, hospitality.
2 YearsProfessional Work Permit
For doctors, engineers, lawyers requiring MOHRE professional classification.
2 YearsDocuments Required
Passport Copy
Valid 6+ months, color copy all pages
Passport Photos
2 photos, white background, 35×45mm
Employment Contract
Signed offer letter from UAE employer
Educational Certificates
Attested degree/diploma
Medical Fitness Test
From MOHAP-approved center in UAE
Emirates ID
Biometric registration at ICA center
Police Clearance
From home country (professional visas)
Employer Documents
UAE trade license + MOHRE establishment card
Step-by-Step Process
Employer Applies — MOHRE Work Permit
Your employer submits a work permit application through the MOHRE portal. Takes 2–5 working days.
Entry Permit Issued by GDRFA
An Entry Permit (Mission Visa) is issued. Sent before you travel if outside UAE.
Travel to UAE & Status Change
Enter UAE on entry permit. Within 60 days, apply for status change via a typing center.
Medical Fitness Test
Blood work + chest X-ray at MOHAP-approved health center.
Emirates ID Biometrics
Register at ICA-authorized typing center. ID delivered in 5–10 working days.
Residence Visa Stamped in Passport
UAE work/residence visa stamped. You are now legally authorized to work in UAE.
UAE Work Visa Fees 2026
| Fee Component | Paid By | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit (MOHRE) | Employer | AED 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Entry Permit (GDRFA) | Employer | AED 300 – 500 |
| Status Change | Both | AED 640 |
| Medical Fitness Test | Employee | AED 200 – 350 |
| Emirates ID | Both | AED 370 |
| Visa Stamping | Employer | AED 200 – 400 |
| Total Estimate | Both | AED 3,710 – 6,260 |
Work Visa FAQ
UAE Tourist Visa 2026
Visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE for tourism, shopping, or job hunting. Available in 30, 60, and 90-day options with easy online application.
Tourist Visa Types
30-Day Tourist Visa
Short-term visit, extendable once for 30 days.
30 Days~AED 25060-Day Tourist Visa
Ideal for job seekers or extended vacations.
60 Days~AED 40090-Day Multi-Entry
Multiple entries, best for frequent travelers.
90 Days~AED 700Documents Required
Passport Copy
Valid minimum 6 months from travel date
Passport Photo
Recent, white background, digital copy
Return Flight Ticket
Confirmed return or onward booking
Hotel Booking
Confirmed accommodation in UAE
Bank Statement
Sufficient funds proof (3 months)
Travel Insurance
Recommended; sometimes required
Application Process
Choose Your Sponsor
Apply through Emirates/FlyDubai airline, UAE hotel, travel agent, or the ICA smart services portal.
Submit Documents Online
Upload passport copy, photo, and supporting documents on the sponsor's portal.
Pay Visa Fee
Fee is paid online via credit/debit card. Processing time: 24–72 hours for standard applications.
Receive E-Visa
Visa is sent to your email as a PDF. Print it or save on your phone. No embassy visit needed.
Enter UAE
Present e-visa at immigration. Stamp is placed in your passport. Enjoy your stay!
Tourist Visa Fees 2026
| Visa Type | Validity | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Single Entry | 30 days | AED 250 – 350 |
| 60-Day Single Entry | 60 days | AED 400 – 500 |
| 90-Day Multi-Entry | 90 days | AED 600 – 700 |
| Extension (inside UAE) | +30 days | AED 600 + AED 100/day overstay fine if late |
| Note | Overstay fine: AED 100/day after visa expiry | |
Tourist Visa FAQ
UAE Residence Visa 2026
Long-term residency in UAE for property owners, family members, students, and retirees. Live legally in UAE without needing an employer sponsor.
Types of Residence Visas
Property Owner Visa
For owners of UAE property worth AED 750,000+.
2 YearsFamily Residence Visa
Sponsored by UAE resident (spouse/parent). Min. sponsor salary AED 4,000.
2–3 YearsStudent Visa
For students enrolled in UAE universities or schools.
1 Year (renewable)Retirement Visa
For retirees aged 55+ with savings, property, or pension income.
5 YearsGeneral Documents Required
Passport Copy
Valid 6+ months, full color copy
Passport Photo
White background, recent photograph
Medical Fitness Test
MOHAP-approved center result
Emirates ID
Biometric registration
Sponsor's Documents
Sponsor's visa, passport, Emirates ID copy
Financial Proof
Bank statements showing sufficient funds
How to Apply — Step by Step
Determine Eligibility Category
Identify if you qualify under property ownership, family sponsorship, student enrollment, or retirement.
Apply for Entry Permit
If outside UAE, apply for an entry permit through GDRFA or the sponsor's ICA portal account.
Complete Medical Test in UAE
Visit a MOHAP-approved medical center for blood test and chest X-ray. Results in 1–2 days.
Biometric Registration
Register Emirates ID fingerprints and photo at an authorized typing center.
Residence Visa Stamped
Visa is stamped in your passport. Emirates ID delivered within 5–10 business days.
Residence Visa FAQ
Golden Visa UAE 2026
The UAE's prestigious long-term residency visa for investors, skilled professionals, outstanding students, and humanitarian pioneers. No employer sponsor needed.
Who Qualifies for Golden Visa?
Investors
Property investment ≥ AED 2 million, or business investment ≥ AED 500,000 in UAE.
10 YearsSkilled Professionals
Doctors, engineers, IT experts, lawyers with AED 30,000+ monthly salary.
5 YearsScientists & Researchers
PhD holders, researchers, and innovators with recognized contributions.
10 YearsOutstanding Students
Students with GPA 3.75+ from UAE universities or top 100 global universities.
5 YearsHumanitarian Pioneers
Award winners and individuals with outstanding contributions to humanity.
10 YearsEntrepreneurs
Founders of UAE-registered startups with approval from accredited business incubators.
5 YearsWhy Choose Golden Visa?
No Employer Dependency
Not tied to any employer. Lose your job without losing your visa status.
Sponsor Entire Family
Spouse, children, and parents can all be sponsored under your Golden Visa.
Extended Travel Abroad
Unlike standard visas, you can stay outside UAE for more than 6 months without losing residency.
Own 100% of Business
Full ownership of UAE mainland businesses without a local Emirati partner.
How to Apply for Golden Visa
Check Eligibility Online
Visit the ICA Smart Services portal or GDRFA Dubai platform to verify your eligibility category.
Get Nomination / Pre-Approval
Some categories require a nomination from MOHRE, MBRF, or a relevant authority before applying.
Submit Application & Documents
Upload all required documents through ICA portal. Pay application fee.
Medical Test & Emirates ID
Complete medical fitness test and biometric registration at authorized centers.
Golden Visa Issued
Receive your 5 or 10-year UAE residency visa — no employer sponsor needed.
Golden Visa Approximate Costs
| Fee | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (ICA) | AED 2,800 – 3,800 |
| Medical Fitness Test | AED 200 – 350 |
| Emirates ID (10-year) | AED 1,070 |
| Typing Center Fees | AED 100 – 300 |
| Total Estimate | AED 4,170 – 5,520 |
Golden Visa FAQ
UAE Freelance Visa 2026
Work independently in UAE as a freelancer, consultant, or content creator. Issued by UAE free zones — no local employer required.
Popular Free Zones for Freelance Visa
Dubai Media City
Media, journalism, film, PR and communications professionals.
~AED 7,500/yrDubai Internet City
IT, software developers, tech consultants.
~AED 15,000/yrFujairah Creative City
Most affordable option for creatives and consultants.
~AED 7,500/yrTECOM / Dubai Knowledge
Education, training, e-learning professionals.
~AED 10,000/yrMeydan Free Zone
All categories, budget-friendly, fast processing.
~AED 9,000/yrSharjah Publishing City
Writers, content creators, publishers.
~AED 7,500/yrDocuments Required
Passport Copy
Valid 6+ months, color copy
Passport Photo
White background, recent
Qualification Proof
Degree, portfolio, or work samples
CV / Resume
Updated professional CV
Medical Test
MOHAP-approved center
Bank Statement
Proof of financial stability
How to Get a Freelance Visa
Choose a Free Zone
Select the free zone matching your profession. Compare costs, renewal fees, and benefits before deciding.
Apply for Freelance Permit
Submit application online with your documents. Pay the free zone registration fee.
Apply for Entry Permit
Free zone issues an entry permit. Use this to enter UAE if you're currently outside the country.
Medical Test & Emirates ID
Medical fitness test at MOHAP center + biometric registration for Emirates ID.
Freelance Visa Issued
Receive UAE residence visa (freelance category) and freelance work permit. Start working legally!
Freelance Visa Costs 2026
| Cost Component | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Free Zone Registration | AED 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Residence Visa Fee | AED 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Medical Fitness Test | AED 200 – 350 |
| Emirates ID | AED 370 |
| Health Insurance (required) | AED 600 – 1,500/yr |
| Total Estimate | AED 7,670 – 20,220 |
* Fujairah Creative City and Sharjah are most affordable starting ~AED 7,500/year.