UAE Visa Types 2026: Complete Guide to All 13 Visa Categories

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 

How to Apply 

Extension: Tourist visas can be extended once online for the same duration. Fee: AED 600 + VAT (AED 630). 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. 

Transit visas cannot be extended. If your onward flight is cancelled, contact GDRFA immediately. F4A261 

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 at AED 630. 

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 

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 

Work restriction: Cannot work for UAE-based employers 

Apply via: apply. 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. Do not reference INR or other third-party currency conversions on this page. 

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.