UAE Visa Fees 2026
UAE Visa Fees 2026:
The Complete Cost Breakdown
Every Traveller Needs
Tourist, Golden Visa, Green Visa, Transit & Family — exact AED costs, hidden charges, and expert money-saving tips
📋 What’s Inside This Guide
- Why UAE Visa Fees Changed in 2026
- Tourist Visa Fees: Single & Multi-Entry
- UAE Transit Visa Costs
- Business & Visit Visa Fees
- Employment Visa Cost Breakdown
- UAE Green Visa Fees 2026
- UAE Golden Visa Cost: The Full Picture
- Family & Dependent Visa Fees
- Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
- FAQs: UAE Visa Fees 2026
Planning your trip or relocation to the UAE and wondering exactly how much you’ll pay? Whether you’re a first-time tourist eyeing a Dubai getaway, a freelancer considering the UAE Green Visa, or an investor pursuing the coveted UAE Golden Visa, understanding the UAE visa fees 2026 is the smartest first step you can take — before you book a single flight.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ve compiled every official fee category — from the humble 96-hour UAE transit visa to the prestigious 10-year Golden Visa UAE — along with the hidden costs that catch most applicants off guard. All figures are in UAE Dirhams (AED), with USD equivalents where helpful.
The UAE government has confirmed no major visa fee increases for 2026. Digital processing has also been enhanced, meaning faster approvals through the UAE Smart Services portal and GDRFA online platforms.
Why UAE Visa Fees Are Different in 2026
The UAE’s visa landscape has evolved dramatically since 2022, when sweeping residency reforms introduced new long-term options like the Green Visa and expanded Golden Visa eligibility. By 2026, there are now 17+ distinct visa categories — each with its own fee structure, eligibility criteria, and processing timeline.
Two government bodies handle most visa processing: the GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) for Dubai-specific visas, and the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) for the rest of the UAE. Fees can differ slightly between the two, which is why you’ll often see a fee range rather than a single number.
Your final Dubai visa cost 2026 is almost always higher than the base government fee, because it includes mandatory add-ons: medical insurance, Emirates ID, medical fitness tests, typing/service charges, and VAT at 5%. We’ll break all of these down clearly.
UAE Tourist Visa Fees 2026
The UAE tourist visa is available in single-entry and multiple-entry formats, across 14-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day durations. It’s the most popular visa category, and also one of the most misunderstood — many travellers see only the base fee and miss the mandatory refundable deposit.
| Visa Type | Duration | Approx. Base Fee | Refundable Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry Tourist Visa | 14 days | AED 350 – 450 | AED 1,000 |
| Single-Entry Tourist Visa | 30 days | AED 350 – 400 | AED 1,000 |
| Single-Entry Tourist Visa | 60 days | AED 500 | AED 1,000 |
| Single-Entry Tourist Visa | 90 days | AED 600 | AED 1,000 |
| Multi-Entry Tourist Visa | 30 days | AED 550 – 690 | AED 2,000 |
| Multi-Entry Tourist Visa | 60 days | AED 950 | AED 2,000 |
| Multi-Entry Tourist Visa | 90 days | AED 900 – 1,200 | AED 2,000 |
| 5-Year Multi-Entry Tourist Visa | 90 days/visit | AED 1,200 – 1,600 | AED 3,000 |
If you visit the UAE 3–4 times a year, the 5-year multi-entry tourist visa (90 days per visit, extendable to 180 days annually) could save you significant money over time. You’ll need bank statements showing a minimum balance of USD 4,000 and valid health insurance. The refundable AED 3,000 deposit is returned when the visa is cancelled.
UAE Tourist Visa Extension Cost
Already in the UAE and need more time? UAE tourist visa extensions are permitted once or multiple times per the issuing authority, so long as the total stay doesn’t exceed 120 days. Extension fees typically range from AED 250 – AED 500, depending on the emirate and remaining validity. Overstaying without extension incurs a fine of AED 50 per day — avoid this at all costs, as it can result in travel bans and future visa rejections.
UAE Transit Visa Cost 2026
Passing through Dubai or Abu Dhabi on a long layover? The UAE transit visa is your most affordable entry option — and in some cases, it’s entirely free.
| Transit Visa Type | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Transit (Airside) | Up to 12 hrs | Free | No UAE entry required |
| 96-Hour Transit Visa | 4 days | AED 50 | Available via airlines like Emirates, flydubai |
| 48-Hour Transit Visa | 2 days | AED 50 | Popular for brief stopovers |
The 96-hour UAE transit visa — just AED 50 — is the most popular choice for travellers with a long Dubai layover who want to explore the city. Apply through your airline’s website before travel; Emirates and flydubai process these in as little as 24–48 hours.
Business & Visit Visa Fees 2026
The UAE business visa is ideal for attending conferences, client meetings, trade exhibitions, and B2B visits. Unlike the tourist visa, it explicitly permits business-related activities — though not employment.
| Visa Type | Duration | Approx. Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Business / Visit Visa (Single Entry) | 30 days | AED 400 – 550 |
| Business / Visit Visa (Multiple Entry) | 6 months | AED 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Business / Visit Visa (Multiple Entry) | 1 year | AED 2,000 – 2,800 |
Working on a UAE tourist or visit visa is illegal. Any paid or unpaid employment, freelancing, or business operations without an employment visa or proper permit can result in deportation, fines, and a future entry ban. Always obtain the correct visa for your purpose of visit.
UAE Employment Visa Cost 2026
Relocating to the UAE for work? The UAE employment visa cost is significantly higher than a tourist visa because it bundles several mandatory components: the visa fee itself, a medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and health insurance. Typically, your employer covers most of these — but not always.
| Component | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Government Visa Fee (2-year) | AED 960 – 1,890 |
| Medical Fitness Test | AED 150 – 300 |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | AED 100 – 370 |
| Labor Card / Work Permit | AED 100 – 150 |
| Health Insurance (mandatory) | AED 600 – 2,500+/yr |
| Total Estimated Range | AED 3,000 – 7,000 |
For a 3-year employment visa — which offers better long-term value — government fees run slightly higher but renewal frequency drops, reducing administrative burden and cumulative costs for both employer and employee.
“Choosing a 3-year work visa over a 2-year visa isn’t just about convenience — over a 6-year career, you save an entire renewal cycle, cutting your total visa processing costs nearly in half.”
UAE Green Visa Fees 2026: The Freelancer’s Best Friend
Introduced as part of the UAE’s 2022 visa reforms, the UAE Green Visa has become one of the most sought-after permits for skilled professionals, freelancers, and smaller investors who don’t meet the AED 2 million threshold for a Golden Visa. It offers 5-year self-sponsored residency — no employer sponsor needed.
Who Qualifies for the UAE Green Visa?
- Skilled Employees: UAE job with AED 15,000+ monthly salary in a skilled occupation
- Freelancers / Self-Employed: Valid UAE freelance permit + annual income of AED 360,000+
- Investors: Documented business investment with a proper UAE trade licence
- Outstanding Students / Graduates: Top students from UAE or globally ranked universities
| Green Visa Cost Component | Approx. Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Government Processing Fee (5 years) | AED 2,300 – 3,000 |
| Medical Fitness Test | AED 500 |
| Emirates ID (5 years) | AED 570 |
| Health Insurance (mandatory) | AED 2,000+/yr |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 4,500 – 6,500 |
Unlike a standard employment visa, Green Visa holders don’t lose their residency when they change jobs. This makes it the go-to option for UAE freelancers, digital nomads, and self-employed professionals who want stability without employer dependency.
Note: Freelancers will also need a UAE freelance permit from a recognised free zone (such as Dubai Media City or twofour54), which costs an additional AED 6,000 – AED 10,000 separately.
UAE Golden Visa Cost 2026: The Full Picture
The UAE Golden Visa is the country’s flagship long-term residency programme — a 10-year renewable visa that grants holders the freedom to live, work, and invest in the UAE without a sponsor. Over 250,000 Golden Visas have been issued as of Q1 2026, making it the most successful long-term residency scheme in the region.
Cost varies significantly by pathway — and it’s important to understand that the AED 2 million investment threshold is an eligibility requirement, not a fee. Your assets remain yours.
| Golden Visa Pathway | Processing Fees (AED) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Property Investor | AED 9,685 – 10,250 | AED 2M+ property (retained) |
| Bank Deposit Investor | AED 4,600 – 4,650 | AED 2M bank deposit (retained) |
| Skilled Professional | AED 5,500 – 7,000 | Bachelor’s degree + AED 30,000/month salary |
| Entrepreneur / Start-Up | AED 6,000 – 8,000 | Approved UAE business or start-up |
| Outstanding Student | AED 6,000 – 8,000 | Top academic performance + qualifying degree |
The base government fee runs AED 2,800 – AED 4,800 (ICP vs GDRFA). Adding medical examination (AED 500–700), Emirates ID (AED 370), and typing/service fees (AED 200–500) brings the total processing cost to typically AED 4,000 – AED 6,500.
No minimum stay requirement: You can remain outside the UAE for extended periods without your visa being cancelled — unlike standard residence visas which require re-entry every 180 days. Family sponsorship is unlimited, and the visa is renewable for another 10 years upon meeting eligibility criteria.
Family & Dependent Visa Fees 2026
UAE residence visa holders can sponsor family members including spouses, children, and parents. The UAE family visa cost depends on the relationship, the sponsor’s visa type, and the dependent’s age.
| Dependent Type | Approx. Government Fee (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | AED 500 – 800 | Sponsor must earn AED 4,000+/month |
| Child (under 3 years) | AED 100 – 300 | Significantly discounted fee for newborns |
| Child (3–18 years) | AED 500 – 800 | Standard child visa fee |
| Parents | AED 500 – 1,000 | Higher income threshold required for sponsor |
Remember: each dependent also needs health insurance (mandatory), Emirates ID (for residents), and a medical fitness test — adding AED 1,500 – AED 3,000 per person to the total cost.
Hidden UAE Visa Costs Nobody Tells You About
The most common frustration among applicants is discovering fees that weren’t mentioned upfront. Here are the hidden UAE visa charges to budget for before you start your application:
- Typing & Service Charges: AED 50 – AED 150 per application, charged by authorised AMER centres and typing offices.
- VAT (5%): Added on top of government fees in most cases.
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 150 – AED 500 depending on visa type. Work and residence visas require this.
- Document Attestation: Educational or professional certificates from outside UAE often require attestation, costing AED 200 – AED 2,000+ depending on country and document type.
- Express Processing Surcharge: Need your visa in 24–48 hours? Expect an additional AED 100 – AED 250 on top of the base fee.
- Health Insurance (Mandatory for Residents): AED 600 – AED 2,500+ per year, depending on coverage level and emirate. Dubai mandates it by law.
- Overstay Fines: AED 50 per day — standardised across all visa categories in 2026.
- Refundable Deposit (Tourist Visas): AED 1,000 – AED 3,000, depending on entry type. Returned upon visa cancellation.
Apply directly through the ICP portal or GDRFA to avoid unnecessary agency markups. Compare multiple authorised agents if you need assistance. For employment visas, negotiate with your employer to cover medical tests and Emirates ID as part of your offer package — this is standard practice and often expected.
Frequently Asked Questions: UAE Visa Fees 2026
How much does a standard UAE tourist visa cost in 2026?
A 30-day single-entry UAE tourist visa costs approximately AED 350 – AED 400 in base government fees. A 90-day multiple-entry tourist visa ranges from AED 900 – AED 1,200. Add the refundable deposit (AED 1,000 – AED 2,000) and service charges to get your total cost.
Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?
Yes. Tourist visas can be extended, provided the total stay doesn’t exceed 120 days. Extension fees range from AED 250 – AED 500 and must be applied for before the current visa expires to avoid overstay fines of AED 50 per day.
What is the cheapest UAE visa option in 2026?
The cheapest options are the 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa at AED 50 each. For those entering the UAE, a 14-day single-entry tourist visa starting around AED 350 is the most affordable short-stay option.
What’s the difference between the UAE Golden Visa and the Green Visa?
The Golden Visa is a 10-year residency requiring AED 2 million in investment or exceptional professional qualifications. The Green Visa is 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled employees (earning AED 15,000+/month), freelancers (AED 360,000+/year income), and investors. The Green Visa is more accessible and significantly cheaper in processing costs.
Are UAE visa fees the same in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Not always. GDRFA handles Dubai-specific visas, while ICP covers Abu Dhabi and federal applications. Fees can differ by AED 200 – AED 500 depending on the category. Medical test and typing charges may also vary slightly by location.
Is health insurance mandatory for UAE visas?
Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residence visa holders, including Golden Visa and Green Visa holders. Dubai mandates it by law; other emirates require it for most visa categories. Budget AED 600 – AED 2,500+ per year per person for adequate coverage.
How long does UAE visa processing take in 2026?
Tourist visas processed through the ICP portal or airlines typically take 3–5 business days; airlines like Emirates and flydubai can do it in 24–48 hours. Work and residence visas take 4–8 weeks for standard processing, or 1–2 weeks for urgent processing (at an additional cost).
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