Quick Answer
The UAE offers 13 visa types in 2026: Tourist Visa, Visa on Arrival, Transit Visa, Visit Visa, Employment Visa, Green Visa (5-year self-sponsored), Golden Visa (10-year), Blue Visa (10-year environmental), Remote Work Visa, Student Visa, Job Seeker Visa, Retirement Visa, and Family/Dependent Visa. All fees are in AED, governed by ICP/GDRFA, and the application process is handled by authorised visa sponsors.
Planning a trip, starting a new job, or relocating your family to the UAE? The right visa type determines your stay duration, work rights, family sponsorship ability, and renewal options. This guide covers every current UAE visa category with official AED fees, eligibility criteria, and application steps — sourced directly from ICP and GDRFA.
📋 Table of Contents
- UAE Visa Types 2026 — Complete Overview
- UAE Tourist Visa
- UAE Visa on Arrival
- UAE Transit Visa
- UAE Visit Visa
- UAE Green Visa — 5-Year Self-Sponsored Residency
- UAE Golden Visa — 10-Year Residency
- UAE Property Owner Visa (2-Year) — April 2026 Update
- UAE Blue Visa — 10-Year Environmental Residency
- UAE New Visa Categories 2026 — AI, Entertainment, Event & Maritime
- UAE Remote Work Visa
- UAE Employment / Work Visa
- UAE Student Visa
- UAE Job Seeker Visa
- UAE Retirement Visa
- UAE Family / Dependent Visa
- UAE Visa Fees 2026 — Official AED Table
- Which UAE Visa Is Right for Me? — Quick Selector
- How to Apply for a UAE Visa
- UAE Visa Extension and Overstay Fines
UAE Visa Types 2026 — Complete Overview
All fees are in AED (UAE Dirham). VAT at 5% applies to most categories. *Visa on Arrival: 90-day cumulative limit within 180 days.
| Visa Type | Duration | Sponsor? | Fee (AED) | Best For |
|---|
| Tourist Visa | 30 / 60 days | No | AED 210–315 | Tourism, sightseeing, leisure |
| Visa on Arrival | Up to 90 days* | No | Free | US, UK, EU & 70+ nationalities |
| Transit Visa | 48 / 96 hours | No (airline) | Free – AED 53 | Airport layovers |
| Visit Visa | 30 / 60 / 90 days | Yes (resident) | AED 315–1,050 | Family & friend visits |
| Employment Visa | 2–3 years | Yes (employer) | Employer-paid | Working in UAE |
| Green Visa | 5 years | No (self) | AED 1,150 | Skilled workers, freelancers |
| Golden Visa | 10 years | No (self) | AED 2,800 | Investors, professionals, talents |
| Blue Visa | 10 years | No (gov. award) | AED 2,800 | Environmental experts |
| Remote Work Visa | 1 year | No (self) | ~USD 611 | Digital nomads |
| Student Visa | 1 year (renewable) | Yes (institution) | AED 370–500 | University students |
| Job Seeker Visa | 60 / 120 days | No | AED 500–750 | Pre-employment entry |
| Retirement Visa | 5 years | No (self) | AED 1,150 | Residents aged 55+ |
| Family/Dependent Visa | 1–3 years | Yes (sponsor) | AED 600–1,500 | Spouses, children, parents |
Source: Fees from official ICP and GDRFA schedules, May 2026. Exclude third-party agent charges.
UAE Tourist Visa
The tourist visa is the standard pre-arranged entry document for visitors coming to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any UAE emirate for leisure or short-term activity. It is applied for online before travel and sent by email as an e-visa.
Options & Fees
Requirements
- Passport valid for 6+ months beyond intended stay
- Passport-sized photograph (white background)
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or accommodation proof
- Bank statement showing sufficient funds (last 3 months)
How to Apply
- ICP Smart Services: icp.gov.ae (all emirates except Dubai)
- GDRFA Smart Services: gdrfad.gov.ae (Dubai-issued visas)
- UAE airlines: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia
- Licensed UAE visa service agency like Emirates Visa (verify DTCM or ICA authorisation)
- Processing time: 3–5 working days (standard) or 24–48 hours (express, additional fee).
Extension: Tourist visas can be extended once online for the same duration. Fee: AED 600 + VAT — AED 630 total if applied from outside the UAE, or AED 1,130 if applied from inside the UAE (adds a Knowledge Dirham, Innovation Dirham, and an in-country processing fee). Apply at least 3 days before expiry — no grace period applies.
UAE Visa on Arrival
Citizens of over 70 countries receive a free visa on arrival at any UAE border point — no advance application needed. Eligible nationalities include the USA, UK, all EU member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and most GCC countries.
Duration: Up to 90 days cumulative within any 180-day period from first entry
Cost: Free — no fee for eligible nationalities
Issued at: All UAE airports, land borders, and sea ports
Extendable: No — the VOA cannot be extended
Cumulative rule: The 90-day limit is cumulative, not per trip. If you enter for 30 days, leave, and return, your remaining allowance is 60 days — not a fresh 90 days. Track your days to avoid overstay fines.
UAE Transit Visa
For travelers with a UAE layover who want to exit the terminal. Pure airside transits under 4 hours need no visa.
- 48-Hour Transit: Free — via Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia with confirmed onward ticket
- 96-Hour Transit: AED 50 + VAT — via airline or self-apply
Transit visas cannot be extended. If your onward flight is cancelled, contact GDRFA immediately.
UAE Visit Visa
For individuals visiting UAE-resident family or friends. Requires a UAE-resident or citizen sponsor. Available for 30, 60, or 90 days (fees: AED 315–AED 1,050 approx.). Sponsor must earn AED 4,000+/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation). Extendable online for the same duration — AED 630 from outside the UAE, or AED 1,130 if extending from inside the UAE.
UAE Green Visa — 5-Year Self-Sponsored Residency
Introduced in 2022, the Green Visa allows skilled workers, freelancers, and certain investors to live in the UAE for 5 years without an employer sponsor — a major reform in UAE immigration.
Duration: 5 years — renewable
Sponsor: Not required — self-sponsored
Fee: AED 1,150 approx.
Family sponsorship: Eligible — spouse, children, and parents
Apply via: ICP Smart Services: icp.gov.ae
Who Qualifies
- Skilled employees: UAE job offer + AED 15,000/month minimum salary + degree-level qualification
- Freelancers and self-employed: valid UAE freelance permit or self-employment licence
- Business investors: partner or owner of a UAE-licensed business
- Outstanding graduates: GPA 3.8+ from UAE university (within 2 years of graduation)
Key difference from employment visa: The Green Visa is not tied to a single employer. You can change jobs, go freelance, or take a career break with a 6-month grace period — without losing residency.
UAE Golden Visa — 10-Year Residency
The UAE's flagship long-term residency programme. Grants a 10-year renewable residence permit with no sponsor requirement. Introduced in 2019 and significantly expanded in 2022–2023.
Duration: 10 years — renewable (the 5-year version was discontinued)
Sponsor: Not required — self-sponsored
Fee: AED 2,800 approx. (varies by emirate)
Family: Unlimited family members and domestic helpers
Outside UAE: Can remain outside UAE beyond the usual 6-month limit without losing status
Eligibility Categories
- Real estate investors: UAE property worth AED 2 million+ (mortgaged and off-plan eligible)
- Entrepreneurs: UAE company with AED 1 million+ annual revenue or AED 500,000 paid-up capital
- Skilled professionals: AED 30,000/month salary + degree in a priority field (medicine, engineering, IT, science)
- Exceptional talents: artists, athletes, humanitarian workers — with UAE ministry endorsement
- Outstanding students: GPA 3.8+ from UAE university or accredited international equivalent (within 2 years of graduation)
UAE Property Owner Visa (2-Year) — April 2026 Update
Separate from the Golden Visa, the UAE offers a 2-year renewable Property Owner Visa for expats who own Dubai real estate below the AED 2 million Golden Visa threshold. In April 2026, the Dubai Land Department published a significant rule change that expanded eligibility substantially.
📌 April 2026 Rule Change — Dubai Land Department
Before April 2026: Minimum property value of AED 750,000 required for sole owners.
After April 2026: Sole owners may apply regardless of property value — no minimum threshold.
Joint Owners: Each co-owner must hold a registered share of at least AED 400,000 to qualify individually.
| Category | 2-Year Property Owner Visa | 10-Year Golden Visa (Property) |
|---|
| Minimum property value | No minimum (sole owner)
AED 400K per share (joint) | AED 2 million (DLD-assessed value) |
| Visa duration | 2 years — renewable | 10 years — renewable |
| Government fee | AED 12,000 (new)
AED 8,215 (renewal) | AED 2,800 approx. |
| Off-plan eligible? | No — completed property only | Yes — with DLD documentation |
| Outside UAE 180-day rule | Applies — must return within 180 days | Exempt — no limit |
| Apply via | DLD Taskeen platform / DLD Cube Centre | ICP Smart Services |
Who This Applies To
Any expat who owns a completed (not off-plan) Dubai property as a sole owner now qualifies for the 2-year visa regardless of the property's value. For studio apartments, compact units, or properties in developing areas previously valued below AED 750,000, this rule change directly unlocks a legal residency pathway that was previously unavailable.
The 2-year property visa is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 and processed through the DLD's Taskeen platform. Required documents include: title deed, valid passport (6+ months), medical fitness certificate, UAE health insurance, and a Dubai Police Good Conduct Certificate addressed to the DLD. If the property is mortgaged, a bank NOC is also required.
✅ Summary: Two separate property visa tiers now exist in Dubai:
• 2-Year Property Visa: Any completed property value (sole owner) — AED 400K+ share (joint owner) — Fee: AED 12,000
• 10-Year Golden Visa: AED 2 million+ DLD-assessed property value — Fee: ~AED 2,800
Important: Both are fully separate applications processed through different platforms.
UAE Blue Visa — 10-Year Environmental Residency
Launched in 2024, the Blue Visa is a 10-year residency awarded by the UAE government to individuals with exceptional contributions to environmental protection, climate action, or sustainability. Fee: AED 2,800 approx. Applications are nomination-based through the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment — not available through standard online portals.
UAE New Visa Categories 2026 — AI, Entertainment, Event & Maritime Tourism
As part of its 2026 immigration overhaul, the ICP introduced four entirely new short-term visit visa categories. These go beyond the standard tourist and visit visa framework and target specific professional and industry groups. If you fall into any of these categories, you no longer need to apply on a standard tourist visa — a purpose-built category now exists for your trip.
| Visa Category | Who It Is For | Duration | Sponsor Required? |
|---|
| AI Specialist Visa | AI engineers, data scientists, ML professionals, robotics experts working for foreign firms | 3 years — renewable | No local contract needed |
| Entertainment Visa | Performers, musicians, artists, media professionals, creative collaborations | Up to 60 days | UAE-licensed entertainment company or event organiser |
| Event Visa | Conference delegates, exhibition staff, festival attendees, officials at approved UAE events | Up to 60 days | Event organiser or official UAE institution |
| Maritime Tourism Visa | Yacht crew, maritime tourists, boat charter passengers docking at UAE marinas | Up to 60 days | Marina operator or licensed maritime tourism company |
UAE AI Specialist Visa — Key Details
The AI Specialist Visa is the most significant of the four new categories. Unlike standard employment visas, it does not require a UAE-based employer. Data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI researchers employed by recognised foreign firms can obtain a 3-year renewable permit provided they meet two conditions: a minimum monthly income of AED 30,000 (approximately USD 8,170) and an accredited STEM degree.
This visa directly supports the UAE's AI Strategy 2031, which targets 9% of the global AI market. Applications are submitted through ICP Smart Services (icp.gov.ae) with a salary certificate, employment letter from the foreign company, and degree attestation.
Entertainment, Event & Maritime Tourism Visas
These three categories cover short-term professional and industry-specific travel. They are issued as single or multi-entry permits valid for up to 60 days per visit. The key requirement for all three is an invitation or sponsorship letter from a UAE-licensed entity — an entertainment company, a registered event organiser, or a marina operator respectively.
For yacht crew and maritime tourists, the Maritime Tourism Visa simplifies crew rotations at marinas including Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina and Dubai Marina, removing the need to apply on a standard tourist visa which carried ambiguity around working status.
UAE Remote Work Visa (Virtual Working Programme)
Allows digital nomads and remote professionals to live in the UAE for one year while working for employers or clients outside the UAE.
Duration: 1 year — renewable
Fee: ~USD 611 (includes processing and mandatory health insurance)
Income requirement: USD 3,500/month minimum — verified by bank statement or employment contract
Work restriction: Cannot work for UAE-based employers
Apply via: Emirates Visa Application
UAE Employment / Work Visa
Issued to foreign nationals with a UAE job offer. Fully sponsored by the employer through MoHRE. Duration: 2–3 years. Includes work permit, Emirates ID, and mandatory medical fitness test. Employer bears all costs by law. Cancellation of employment triggers a 30-day grace period to transfer sponsor or exit.
UAE Student Visa
Issued to students enrolled in UAE-accredited universities or colleges. Sponsored by the institution.
Duration: 1 year, renewed annually.
Fee: AED 370–500 approx.
Part-time work (up to 15 hours/week) permitted with an NOC from the institution.
Outstanding graduates (GPA 3.8+) are eligible for the Golden Visa within 2 years of graduation.
UAE Job Seeker Visa
Allows qualified professionals to enter the UAE and search for employment without a prior job offer. Self-sponsored.
Duration: 60 days (general) or 120 days (bachelor's degree holders and above).
Fee: AED 500–750 approx.
Apply via icp.gov.ae. Once a job is offered, the employer initiates an employment visa — no exit from UAE required for conversion.
UAE Retirement Visa
For UAE residents aged 55 or above. Self-sponsored, 5-year renewable residency.
Fee: AED 1,150 approx.
Must meet ONE of three financial thresholds: (A) own UAE property worth AED 1 million+, (B) hold AED 1 million+ in savings, or (C) earn AED 15,000+/month in passive income (pension, dividends, rental).
UAE Family / Dependent Visa
UAE residents earning AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation) can sponsor immediate family members. Covers spouse, children (sons to 18, daughters unmarried at any age, enrolled students to 21), and parents (subject to higher income thresholds).
Duration: 1–3 years, tied to sponsor's visa.
Fee: AED 600–1,500 per dependent.
Documents required: attested marriage and birth certificates, salary certificate, tenancy contract.
UAE Visa Fees 2026 — Official AED Table
All fees are in AED (UAE Dirham). VAT at 5% is included in the 'Total' column. Third-party agent fees (AED 100–300) are additional.
Currency note: Fees are in AED — the official currency of UAE government visa transactions. USD equivalent at 1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED.
| Visa Type | Base Fee | Total Payable | Notes |
|---|
| 30-Day Tourist Visa (single) | AED 200 + VAT | AED 210 total | Cheapest pre-arranged visa. Apply via ICP or GDRFA. |
| 60-Day Tourist Visa (single) | AED 300 + VAT | AED 315 total | For extended leisure stays. |
| 60-Day Tourist Visa (multiple) | AED 650 + VAT | AED 683 total | Multiple entries within 60-day window. |
| 90-Day Visit Visa (multiple) | AED 1,000 + VAT | AED 1,050 total | Extended family or business stays. |
| 5-Year Multi-Entry Tourist | AED 1,800 + VAT | AED 1,890 total | Up to 90 days per visit for 5 years. |
| 48-Hour Transit | Free | Free | Via Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia. |
| 96-Hour Transit | AED 50 + VAT | AED 53 total | Via airline or GDRFA portal self-apply. |
| Green Visa (5-year) | AED 1,150 approx. | Incl. service fee | Self-sponsored. Via icp.gov.ae. |
| Golden Visa (10-year) | AED 2,800 approx. | Incl. service fee | Varies by emirate and category. |
| Remote Work Visa (1-year) | ~USD 611 | Incl. insurance | Via Dubai Virtual Working Programme. |
| Visa Extension (any type) | AED 600 + VAT | AED 630 (outside UAE) / AED 1,130 (inside UAE) | Apply online before expiry. |
| Overstay Fine | AED 50/day | No grace period | + AED 250–300 exit permit on departure. |
Which UAE Visa Is Right for Me? — Quick Selector
With 13+ visa categories, choosing the right one is the most common source of application errors and rejected fees. Use this selector to identify the correct visa for your situation in under 60 seconds.
| Your Situation | Correct Visa | Why Not Another? |
|---|
| Tourism / sightseeing / holiday | Tourist Visa (30/60 days) or Visa on Arrival | Visit Visa needs a sponsor. Job Seeker Visa requires active job intent. |
| Visiting family or friends | Visit Visa (30/60/90 days) — sponsored | Tourist Visa has no sponsor pathway. Visit Visa allows sponsor support. |
| Starting a job in UAE | Employment Visa | Working on tourist/visit/job seeker visa is illegal → deportation risk. |
| Freelancer / self-employed | Green Visa or Freelance Permit | Employment Visa needs employer. Tourist Visa does not allow work. |
| Remote worker (foreign company) | Remote Work Visa (USD 3,500/month required) | Employment Visa needs UAE employer. Tourist Visa doesn’t legalise remote work. |
| Investor (AED 2M+ property/business) | Golden Visa (10 years) | Green Visa is for employment. 2-Year Property Visa is shorter duration. |
| Property owner below AED 2M | 2-Year Property Owner Visa | Golden Visa requires AED 2M+ value. |
| Looking for a job (no offer) | Job Seeker Visa (60–120 days) | Tourist Visa not ideal & cannot be converted in-country. |
| Student in UAE | Student Visa | Tourist Visa expires & not aligned with academic cycle. |
| Retiring in UAE (55+) | Retirement Visa (5 years) | Employment/Green Visa require active income. |
| AI / entertainer / event / yacht crew | AI Specialist / Entertainment / Event / Maritime Visa | Tourist Visa creates compliance risk for professional activities. |
✅ Rule of Thumb — Choosing the Right UAE Visa
💼 Earning in the UAE: Apply for Employment, Green, Freelance, or Remote Work Visa.
✈️ Spending in the UAE: Apply for Tourist or Visit Visa (for travel, family visits, short stays).
🏢 Investing in the UAE: Apply for Golden Visa (10-year) or 2-Year Property Visa.
❓ Still unsure: Apply for a Job Seeker Visa or consult a licensed UAE immigration adviser before paying any fees.
How to Apply for a UAE Visa
The entire UAE visa application process is online — no embassy visit, no physical document submission.
Step 1: Visit the Emirates Visa Website
Step 2: Select the correct visa type using the overview table above
Step 3: Gather required documents (passport, photo, ticket, accommodation, bank statement for tourist visas)
Step 4: Apply via ICP (non-Dubai), GDRFA (Dubai), or a licensed UAE airline or agency
Step 5: Complete the online form — name must match passport exactly
Step 6: Upload documents (PDF/JPEG) and pay fee online by card — VAT added automatically
Step 7: Wait for processing — 3 to 5 working days standard, 24 to 48 hours express
Step 8: Receive approved e-visa by email. Print or save digitally for arrival.
Tip: Apply at least 7 days before travel. During peak season (November–April) and UAE public holidays, standard processing can be slower than usual.
UAE Visa Extension and Overstay Fines
Most pre-arranged tourist and visit visas can be extended online once, for the same duration as the original. Extension fee: AED 600 + 5% VAT — AED 630 total from outside the UAE, or AED 1,130 from inside the UAE (GDRFA adds a Knowledge Dirham, Innovation Dirham, and an AED 500 in-country processing fee). Apply via ICP or GDRFA at least 3 days before expiry.
- Visa on Arrival (90-day): NOT extendable
- Transit Visa: NOT extendable under any circumstances
- Green / Golden / Blue Visa: renewal (not extension) every 5 or 10 years
Overstay Fines (2026 — Updated Rules)
Fine rate: AED 50 per day from Day 1 of overstay — no grace period
Exit permit: AED 250–300 required to depart after visa expiry
10-day overstay: AED 500 fine + AED 275 exit permit = AED 775 minimum
30-day overstay: AED 1,500 fine + AED 275 exit permit = AED 1,775 minimum
Pay at: GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other emirates) — must clear before departure
Updated rule: The 10-day grace period that previously applied in Dubai has been abolished. Overstay fines begin from the very first day of expiry under the current ICP/GDRFA framework.
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