This page does one job: it tells you which of the four UAE residency routes applies to you, and where the costed guide for that route lives. It deliberately does not quote a fee schedule. UAE visa pricing is set separately by ICP, by each emirate’s GDRFA, and by individual free zones; it varies by validity (two-year versus three-year), by whether you apply inside or outside the country, and by typing-centre and service charges that are not published as one list. A single “UAE visa costs AED X” table would be wrong for most readers on the day they read it, so the costed detail sits in the route-specific guides below, each of which states the basis for its figures.
| If you are… | Your route | Where the costs are |
|---|---|---|
| Hired by a UAE company | Employment visa (employer-sponsored) | Visa Calculator |
| Bringing a spouse, children or parents | Family sponsorship | UAE family visa costs |
| Self-employed, no company | Freelance permit via a free zone | Freelance visa costs by free zone |
| Investing, or qualifying on talent | Golden Visa (5 or 10 years) | Golden Visa requirements and costs, including via property |
Employment Visa and Sponsorship
Employment visas are sponsored by your employer. The employer applies for your entry permit and then your residence visa; you undergo medical and biometrics. Visa validity is usually two or three years, renewable. You must work for the sponsoring employer; changing employer requires a new visa and NOC or transfer process.
Family Sponsorship Requirements
Family sponsorship allows a resident with a sufficient salary (as set by the authorities) to sponsor a spouse and children. Some nationals can sponsor other relatives. Requirements and permitted relationships are set by GDRFA/ICP. You need proof of relationship, housing, and income.
Freelance and Virtual Work Permits
Freelance and virtual work permits are offered by selected free zones and (for virtual work) by the federal scheme. They suit self-employed professionals who do not need a company. You get a permit and then a residence visa. Validity and renewal depend on the scheme.
Golden Visa Tiers
Golden Visa offers 5- or 10-year residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals. Categories include property investment (e.g. AED 2m+ in Dubai), financial investment, and talent. Eligibility and documents are set by GDRFA and ICP. Use our Golden Visa Calculator.
What Actually Drives Your Visa Cost
Whichever route you take, the bill is assembled from the same components, and it is the number of them — not a headline fee — that surprises people:
- Entry permit and residence-visa issuance, priced by ICP or your emirate’s GDRFA, and different for a two-year versus a three-year permit.
- Medical fitness test and biometrics, with an express tier at a higher price.
- Emirates ID, priced by validity period.
- Mandatory health insurance, which is a real recurring cost, not a formality — see our health-insurance guide.
- Typing centre or PRO service charges, which are commercial, not governmental, and vary widely.
- For family sponsorship, a refundable deposit per dependant and proof of adequate housing and income.
Fees are re-set by the authorities without much notice, so price your own case on the Visa Calculator and confirm the current figure on the official ICP or GDRFA portal before you budget.
Renewal and Change of Status
Renewal is before expiry; overstaying incurs fines. Change of status (e.g. from employment to Golden, or new employer) may require a new application. Keep copies of all visas and entry stamps. Use our Visa Calculator to plan costs and timelines.
Quick Reference
| Route | Sponsor | Typical validity |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | Your employer | 2–3 years, renewable |
| Family | You, as resident sponsor | Tied to the sponsor’s visa |
| Freelance permit | A free zone (you are self-sponsored) | Per the scheme, typically 1–3 years |
| Golden Visa | Self-sponsored | 5 or 10 years |