{"id":17,"date":"2026-06-08T10:35:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T10:35:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/?p=17"},"modified":"2026-06-08T11:01:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T11:01:27","slug":"uae-visa-fees-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/uae-visa-fees-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"UAE Visa Fees 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n<meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\n<title>UAE Visa Fees 2026: The Complete Cost Breakdown Every Traveller Needs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Planning a trip or relocation to UAE in 2026? Get the full UAE visa fees guide \u2014 tourist, Golden Visa, Green Visa, transit, and family visas with exact AED costs, hidden charges, and money-saving tips.\">\n<meta name=\"keywords\" content=\"UAE visa fees 2026, Dubai visa cost 2026, UAE tourist visa price, Golden Visa UAE, Green Visa UAE, UAE visa types, Dubai visa types, UAE visa on arrival, UAE transit visa fee, UAE visa extension cost\">\n \n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@400;700&amp;family=Source+Serif+4:wght@300;400;600&amp;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n \n<style>\n  :root {\n    --bg: #faf8f4;\n    --surface: #ffffff;\n    --ink: #1a1714;\n    --ink-muted: #5c5751;\n    --ink-light: #8f8880;\n    --accent: #c8863a;\n    --accent-dark: #9c6227;\n    --accent-light: #f5ead8;\n    --teal: #0f6e56;\n    --teal-light: #e1f5ee;\n    --ruby: #99253b;\n    --ruby-light: #fbeaed;\n    --gold: #b8902e;\n    --gold-light: #fdf6e3;\n    --border: #e5e0d8;\n    --kw-bg: #fef3d0;\n    --kw-color: #7a5100;\n    --kw-border: #f0c84a;\n    --radius: 10px;\n    --font-display: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n    --font-body: 'Source Serif 4', Georgia, serif;\n  }\n \n  *, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; 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}\n \n  .faq-item {\n    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);\n    padding: 20px 0;\n  }\n  .faq-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .faq-q {\n    font-family: var(--font-display);\n    font-size: 17px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    color: var(--ink);\n    margin-bottom: 10px;\n  }\n  .faq-a {\n    font-size: 15.5px;\n    color: var(--ink-muted);\n    line-height: 1.75;\n    margin: 0;\n  }\n \n  .footer-note {\n    font-size: 13px;\n    color: var(--ink-light);\n    border-top: 1px solid var(--border);\n    padding-top: 20px;\n    margin-top: 40px;\n    text-align: center;\n    line-height: 1.7;\n  }\n \n  @media (max-width: 600px) {\n    .fee-table { font-size: 13px; }\n    .fee-table th, .fee-table td { padding: 10px 12px; }\n    .hero { padding: 48px 16px 40px; }\n    .container { padding: 0 16px; }\n    .toc-box { padding: 20px; }\n    .highlight-box { padding: 18px 20px; }\n    .cta-block { padding: 30px 20px; }\n  }\n<\/style>\n\n\n \n<div class=\"hero\">\n  <span class=\"hero-badge\">\u2708 Updated for 2026<\/span>\n  <h1>UAE Visa Fees 2026:<br><span>The Complete Cost Breakdown<\/span><br>Every Traveller Needs<\/h1>\n  <p class=\"hero-sub\">Tourist, Golden Visa, Green Visa, Transit &amp; Family \u2014 exact AED costs, hidden charges, and expert money-saving tips<\/p>\n  <p class=\"hero-meta\">By City One Tours &nbsp;|&nbsp; Travel &amp; Visa Guides &nbsp;|&nbsp; Last updated: June 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n<div class=\"container\">\n \n  <div class=\"toc-box\">\n    <h3>\ud83d\udccb What&#8217;s Inside This Guide<\/h3>\n    <ol>\n      <li><a href=\"#intro\">Why UAE Visa Fees Changed in 2026<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#tourist\">Tourist Visa Fees: Single &amp; Multi-Entry<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#transit\">UAE Transit Visa Costs<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#business\">Business &amp; Visit Visa Fees<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#employment\">Employment Visa Cost Breakdown<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#green\">UAE Green Visa Fees 2026<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#golden\">UAE Golden Visa Cost: The Full Picture<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#family\">Family &amp; Dependent Visa Fees<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#hidden\">Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQs: UAE Visa Fees 2026<\/a><\/li>\n    <\/ol>\n  <\/div>\n \n  <article>\n \n    <p class=\"lead\">Planning your trip or relocation to the UAE and wondering exactly how much you&#8217;ll pay? Whether you&#8217;re a first-time tourist eyeing a Dubai getaway, a freelancer considering the <em class=\"kw\">UAE Green Visa<\/em>, or an investor pursuing the coveted <em class=\"kw\">UAE Golden Visa<\/em>, understanding the <em class=\"kw\">UAE visa fees 2026<\/em> is the smartest first step you can take \u2014 before you book a single flight.<\/p>\n \n    <p>This guide cuts through the confusion. We&#8217;ve compiled every official fee category \u2014 from the humble <em class=\"kw\">96-hour UAE transit visa<\/em> to the prestigious <em class=\"kw\">10-year Golden Visa UAE<\/em> \u2014 along with the hidden costs that catch most applicants off guard. All figures are in UAE Dirhams (AED), with USD equivalents where helpful.<\/p>\n \n    <div class=\"highlight-box tip\">\n      <span class=\"box-label\">\u2705 Good News for 2026<\/span>\n      <p>The UAE government has confirmed <strong>no major visa fee increases<\/strong> for 2026. Digital processing has also been enhanced, meaning faster approvals through the UAE Smart Services portal and GDRFA online platforms.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <!-- SECTION 1 -->\n    <h2 class=\"section-title\" id=\"intro\">Why UAE Visa Fees Are Different in 2026<\/h2>\n \n    <p>The UAE&#8217;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 <strong>17+ distinct visa categories<\/strong> \u2014 each with its own fee structure, eligibility criteria, and processing timeline.<\/p>\n \n    <p>Two government bodies handle most visa processing: the <em class=\"kw\">GDRFA Dubai<\/em> (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) for Dubai-specific visas, and the <em class=\"kw\">ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship)<\/em> for the rest of the UAE. Fees can differ slightly between the two, which is why you&#8217;ll often see a fee range rather than a single number.<\/p>\n \n    <p>Your final <em class=\"kw\">Dubai visa cost 2026<\/em> 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&#8217;ll break all of these down clearly.<\/p>\n \n    <!-- SECTION 2 -->\n    <h2 class=\"section-title\" id=\"tourist\">UAE Tourist Visa Fees 2026<\/h2>\n \n    <p>The <em class=\"kw\">UAE tourist visa<\/em> is available in single-entry and multiple-entry formats, across 14-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day durations. It&#8217;s the most popular visa category, and also one of the most misunderstood \u2014 many travellers see only the base fee and miss the mandatory refundable deposit.<\/p>\n \n    <table class=\"fee-table\">\n      <thead>\n        <tr>\n          <th>Visa Type<\/th>\n          <th>Duration<\/th>\n          <th>Approx. Base Fee<\/th>\n          <th>Refundable Deposit<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Single-Entry Tourist Visa<\/td>\n          <td>14 days<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 350 \u2013 450<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>AED 1,000<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Single-Entry Tourist Visa<\/td>\n          <td>30 days<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 350 \u2013 400<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>AED 1,000<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Single-Entry Tourist Visa<\/td>\n          <td>60 days<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 500<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>AED 1,000<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Single-Entry Tourist Visa<\/td>\n          <td>90 days<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 600<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>AED 1,000<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Multi-Entry Tourist Visa<\/td>\n          <td>30 days<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 550 \u2013 690<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>AED 2,000<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Multi-Entry Tourist Visa<\/td>\n          <td>60 days<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 950<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>AED 2,000<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Multi-Entry Tourist Visa<\/td>\n          <td>90 days<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 900 \u2013 1,200<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>AED 2,000<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>5-Year Multi-Entry Tourist Visa<\/td>\n          <td>90 days\/visit<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 1,200 \u2013 1,600<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>AED 3,000<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n \n    <div class=\"highlight-box info\">\n      <span class=\"box-label\">\ud83d\udca1 Pro Tip: Frequent Travellers<\/span>\n      <p>If you visit the UAE 3\u20134 times a year, the <strong>5-year multi-entry tourist visa<\/strong> (90 days per visit, extendable to 180 days annually) could save you significant money over time. You&#8217;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.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <h3 class=\"sub-title\">UAE Tourist Visa Extension Cost<\/h3>\n    <p>Already in the UAE and need more time? <em class=\"kw\">UAE tourist visa extensions<\/em> are permitted once or multiple times per the issuing authority, so long as the total stay doesn&#8217;t exceed 120 days. Extension fees typically range from <strong>AED 250 \u2013 AED 500<\/strong>, depending on the emirate and remaining validity. Overstaying without extension incurs a fine of <strong>AED 50 per day<\/strong> \u2014 avoid this at all costs, as it can result in travel bans and future visa rejections.<\/p>\n \n    <!-- SECTION 3 -->\n    <h2 class=\"section-title\" id=\"transit\">UAE Transit Visa Cost 2026<\/h2>\n \n    <p>Passing through Dubai or Abu Dhabi on a long layover? The <em class=\"kw\">UAE transit visa<\/em> is your most affordable entry option \u2014 and in some cases, it&#8217;s entirely free.<\/p>\n \n    <table class=\"fee-table\">\n      <thead>\n        <tr>\n          <th>Transit Visa Type<\/th>\n          <th>Duration<\/th>\n          <th>Cost<\/th>\n          <th>Notes<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Airport Transit (Airside)<\/td>\n          <td>Up to 12 hrs<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">Free<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>No UAE entry required<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>96-Hour Transit Visa<\/td>\n          <td>4 days<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 50<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>Available via airlines like Emirates, flydubai<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>48-Hour Transit Visa<\/td>\n          <td>2 days<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 50<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>Popular for brief stopovers<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n \n    <p>The <em class=\"kw\">96-hour UAE transit visa<\/em> \u2014 just AED 50 \u2014 is the most popular choice for travellers with a long Dubai layover who want to explore the city. Apply through your airline&#8217;s website before travel; Emirates and flydubai process these in as little as 24\u201348 hours.<\/p>\n \n    <!-- SECTION 4 -->\n    <h2 class=\"section-title\" id=\"business\">Business &amp; Visit Visa Fees 2026<\/h2>\n \n    <p>The <em class=\"kw\">UAE business visa<\/em> is ideal for attending conferences, client meetings, trade exhibitions, and B2B visits. Unlike the tourist visa, it explicitly permits business-related activities \u2014 though not employment.<\/p>\n \n    <table class=\"fee-table\">\n      <thead>\n        <tr>\n          <th>Visa Type<\/th>\n          <th>Duration<\/th>\n          <th>Approx. Cost (AED)<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Business \/ Visit Visa (Single Entry)<\/td>\n          <td>30 days<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 400 \u2013 550<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Business \/ Visit Visa (Multiple Entry)<\/td>\n          <td>6 months<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 1,000 \u2013 1,500<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Business \/ Visit Visa (Multiple Entry)<\/td>\n          <td>1 year<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 2,000 \u2013 2,800<\/span><\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n \n    <div class=\"highlight-box warning\">\n      <span class=\"box-label\">\u26a0\ufe0f Important<\/span>\n      <p><strong>Working on a UAE tourist or visit visa is illegal.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <!-- SECTION 5 -->\n    <h2 class=\"section-title\" id=\"employment\">UAE Employment Visa Cost 2026<\/h2>\n \n    <p>Relocating to the UAE for work? The <em class=\"kw\">UAE employment visa cost<\/em> 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 \u2014 but not always.<\/p>\n \n    <table class=\"fee-table\">\n      <thead>\n        <tr>\n          <th>Component<\/th>\n          <th>Approximate Cost (AED)<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr><td>Government Visa Fee (2-year)<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 960 \u2013 1,890<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Medical Fitness Test<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 150 \u2013 300<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Emirates ID (2 years)<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 100 \u2013 370<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Labor Card \/ Work Permit<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 100 \u2013 150<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Health Insurance (mandatory)<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 600 \u2013 2,500+\/yr<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td><strong>Total Estimated Range<\/strong><\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 3,000 \u2013 7,000<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n \n    <p>For a 3-year employment visa \u2014 which offers better long-term value \u2014 government fees run slightly higher but renewal frequency drops, reducing administrative burden and cumulative costs for both employer and employee.<\/p>\n \n    <div class=\"pullquote\">\n      <p>&#8220;Choosing a 3-year work visa over a 2-year visa isn&#8217;t just about convenience \u2014 over a 6-year career, you save an entire renewal cycle, cutting your total visa processing costs nearly in half.&#8221;<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <!-- SECTION 6 -->\n    <h2 class=\"section-title\" id=\"green\">UAE Green Visa Fees 2026: The Freelancer&#8217;s Best Friend<\/h2>\n \n    <p>Introduced as part of the UAE&#8217;s 2022 visa reforms, the <em class=\"kw\">UAE Green Visa<\/em> has become one of the most sought-after permits for skilled professionals, freelancers, and smaller investors who don&#8217;t meet the AED 2 million threshold for a Golden Visa. It offers <strong>5-year self-sponsored residency<\/strong> \u2014 no employer sponsor needed.<\/p>\n \n    <h3 class=\"sub-title\">Who Qualifies for the UAE Green Visa?<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"styled\">\n      <li><strong>Skilled Employees:<\/strong> UAE job with AED 15,000+ monthly salary in a skilled occupation<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Freelancers \/ Self-Employed:<\/strong> Valid UAE freelance permit + annual income of AED 360,000+<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Investors:<\/strong> Documented business investment with a proper UAE trade licence<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Outstanding Students \/ Graduates:<\/strong> Top students from UAE or globally ranked universities<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n \n    <table class=\"fee-table\">\n      <thead>\n        <tr>\n          <th>Green Visa Cost Component<\/th>\n          <th>Approx. Fee (AED)<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr><td>Government Processing Fee (5 years)<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 2,300 \u2013 3,000<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Medical Fitness Test<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 500<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Emirates ID (5 years)<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 570<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Health Insurance (mandatory)<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 2,000+\/yr<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td><strong>Total Estimated Cost<\/strong><\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 4,500 \u2013 6,500<\/span><\/td><\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n \n    <div class=\"highlight-box tip\">\n      <span class=\"box-label\">\u2705 Green Visa Advantage<\/span>\n      <p>Unlike a standard employment visa, <strong>Green Visa holders don&#8217;t lose their residency when they change jobs<\/strong>. This makes it the go-to option for UAE freelancers, digital nomads, and self-employed professionals who want stability without employer dependency.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <p>Note: Freelancers will also need a <em class=\"kw\">UAE freelance permit<\/em> from a recognised free zone (such as Dubai Media City or twofour54), which costs an additional AED 6,000 \u2013 AED 10,000 separately.<\/p>\n \n    <!-- SECTION 7 -->\n    <h2 class=\"section-title\" id=\"golden\">UAE Golden Visa Cost 2026: The Full Picture<\/h2>\n \n    <p>The <em class=\"kw\">UAE Golden Visa<\/em> is the country&#8217;s flagship long-term residency programme \u2014 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.<\/p>\n \n    <p>Cost varies significantly by pathway \u2014 and it&#8217;s important to understand that the AED 2 million investment threshold is an <em>eligibility requirement<\/em>, not a fee. Your assets remain yours.<\/p>\n \n    <table class=\"fee-table\">\n      <thead>\n        <tr>\n          <th>Golden Visa Pathway<\/th>\n          <th>Processing Fees (AED)<\/th>\n          <th>Key Requirement<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Property Investor<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 9,685 \u2013 10,250<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>AED 2M+ property (retained)<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Bank Deposit Investor<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 4,600 \u2013 4,650<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>AED 2M bank deposit (retained)<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Skilled Professional<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 5,500 \u2013 7,000<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>Bachelor&#8217;s degree + AED 30,000\/month salary<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Entrepreneur \/ Start-Up<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 6,000 \u2013 8,000<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>Approved UAE business or start-up<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n        <tr>\n          <td>Outstanding Student<\/td>\n          <td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 6,000 \u2013 8,000<\/span><\/td>\n          <td>Top academic performance + qualifying degree<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n \n    <p>The base government fee runs AED 2,800 \u2013 AED 4,800 (ICP vs GDRFA). Adding medical examination (AED 500\u2013700), Emirates ID (AED 370), and typing\/service fees (AED 200\u2013500) brings the total processing cost to typically <strong>AED 4,000 \u2013 AED 6,500<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \n    <div class=\"highlight-box info\">\n      <span class=\"box-label\">\ud83c\udfc6 Golden Visa Key Benefits 2026<\/span>\n      <p><strong>No minimum stay requirement:<\/strong> You can remain outside the UAE for extended periods without your visa being cancelled \u2014 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.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <!-- SECTION 8 -->\n    <h2 class=\"section-title\" id=\"family\">Family &amp; Dependent Visa Fees 2026<\/h2>\n \n    <p>UAE residence visa holders can sponsor family members including spouses, children, and parents. The <em class=\"kw\">UAE family visa cost<\/em> depends on the relationship, the sponsor&#8217;s visa type, and the dependent&#8217;s age.<\/p>\n \n    <table class=\"fee-table\">\n      <thead>\n        <tr>\n          <th>Dependent Type<\/th>\n          <th>Approx. Government Fee (AED)<\/th>\n          <th>Notes<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr><td>Spouse<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 500 \u2013 800<\/span><\/td><td>Sponsor must earn AED 4,000+\/month<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Child (under 3 years)<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 100 \u2013 300<\/span><\/td><td>Significantly discounted fee for newborns<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Child (3\u201318 years)<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 500 \u2013 800<\/span><\/td><td>Standard child visa fee<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Parents<\/td><td><span class=\"fee-badge\">AED 500 \u2013 1,000<\/span><\/td><td>Higher income threshold required for sponsor<\/td><\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n \n    <p>Remember: each dependent also needs health insurance (mandatory), Emirates ID (for residents), and a medical fitness test \u2014 adding AED 1,500 \u2013 AED 3,000 per person to the total cost.<\/p>\n \n    <!-- SECTION 9 -->\n    <h2 class=\"section-title\" id=\"hidden\">Hidden UAE Visa Costs Nobody Tells You About<\/h2>\n \n    <p>The most common frustration among applicants is discovering fees that weren&#8217;t mentioned upfront. Here are the <em class=\"kw\">hidden UAE visa charges<\/em> to budget for before you start your application:<\/p>\n \n    <ul class=\"styled\">\n      <li><strong>Typing &amp; Service Charges:<\/strong> AED 50 \u2013 AED 150 per application, charged by authorised AMER centres and typing offices.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>VAT (5%):<\/strong> Added on top of government fees in most cases.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Medical Fitness Test:<\/strong> AED 150 \u2013 AED 500 depending on visa type. Work and residence visas require this.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Document Attestation:<\/strong> Educational or professional certificates from outside UAE often require attestation, costing AED 200 \u2013 AED 2,000+ depending on country and document type.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Express Processing Surcharge:<\/strong> Need your visa in 24\u201348 hours? Expect an additional AED 100 \u2013 AED 250 on top of the base fee.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Health Insurance (Mandatory for Residents):<\/strong> AED 600 \u2013 AED 2,500+ per year, depending on coverage level and emirate. Dubai mandates it by law.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Overstay Fines:<\/strong> AED 50 per day \u2014 standardised across all visa categories in 2026.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Refundable Deposit (Tourist Visas):<\/strong> AED 1,000 \u2013 AED 3,000, depending on entry type. Returned upon visa cancellation.<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n \n    <div class=\"highlight-box tip\">\n      <span class=\"box-label\">\ud83d\udcb0 Money-Saving Tips<\/span>\n      <p><strong>Apply directly through the ICP portal or GDRFA<\/strong> 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 \u2014 this is standard practice and often expected.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <!-- FAQ -->\n    <h2 class=\"section-title\" id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions: UAE Visa Fees 2026<\/h2>\n \n    <div class=\"faq-item\">\n      <p class=\"faq-q\">How much does a standard UAE tourist visa cost in 2026?<\/p>\n      <p class=\"faq-a\">A 30-day single-entry UAE tourist visa costs approximately AED 350 \u2013 AED 400 in base government fees. A 90-day multiple-entry tourist visa ranges from AED 900 \u2013 AED 1,200. Add the refundable deposit (AED 1,000 \u2013 AED 2,000) and service charges to get your total cost.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <div class=\"faq-item\">\n      <p class=\"faq-q\">Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?<\/p>\n      <p class=\"faq-a\">Yes. Tourist visas can be extended, provided the total stay doesn&#8217;t exceed 120 days. Extension fees range from AED 250 \u2013 AED 500 and must be applied for before the current visa expires to avoid overstay fines of AED 50 per day.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <div class=\"faq-item\">\n      <p class=\"faq-q\">What is the cheapest UAE visa option in 2026?<\/p>\n      <p class=\"faq-a\">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.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <div class=\"faq-item\">\n      <p class=\"faq-q\">What&#8217;s the difference between the UAE Golden Visa and the Green Visa?<\/p>\n      <p class=\"faq-a\">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.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <div class=\"faq-item\">\n      <p class=\"faq-q\">Are UAE visa fees the same in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?<\/p>\n      <p class=\"faq-a\">Not always. GDRFA handles Dubai-specific visas, while ICP covers Abu Dhabi and federal applications. Fees can differ by AED 200 \u2013 AED 500 depending on the category. Medical test and typing charges may also vary slightly by location.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <div class=\"faq-item\">\n      <p class=\"faq-q\">Is health insurance mandatory for UAE visas?<\/p>\n      <p class=\"faq-a\">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 \u2013 AED 2,500+ per year per person for adequate coverage.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <div class=\"faq-item\">\n      <p class=\"faq-q\">How long does UAE visa processing take in 2026?<\/p>\n      <p class=\"faq-a\">Tourist visas processed through the ICP portal or airlines typically take 3\u20135 business days; airlines like Emirates and flydubai can do it in 24\u201348 hours. Work and residence visas take 4\u20138 weeks for standard processing, or 1\u20132 weeks for urgent processing (at an additional cost).<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <div class=\"cta-block\">\n      <h3>Ready to Plan Your UAE Trip?<\/h3>\n      <p>City One Tours offers expert visa assistance, curated Dubai tour packages, and Abu Dhabi experiences tailored to every budget. Let our team guide you from visa application to your first sunset over the desert.<\/p>\n      <a class=\"cta-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\" target=\"_blank\">Explore Packages \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n \n    <p class=\"footer-note\">\n      <strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong> UAE visa fees are subject to change. All figures in this article reflect publicly available 2026 fee schedules from GDRFA Dubai, ICP, and authorised processing centres, and are accurate as of June 2026. Always verify current fees directly with the relevant UAE government authority (u.ae) or your authorised visa service provider before submitting any application. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official visa advice.\n    <\/p>\n \n  <\/article>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UAE Visa Fees 2026: The Complete Cost Breakdown Every Traveller Needs \u2708 Updated for 2026 UAE Visa Fees 2026:The Complete Cost BreakdownEvery Traveller Needs Tourist, Golden Visa, Green Visa, Transit &amp; Family \u2014 exact AED costs, hidden charges, and expert money-saving tips By City One Tours &nbsp;|&nbsp; Travel &amp; Visa Guides &nbsp;|&nbsp; Last updated: June&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24,"href":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17\/revisions\/24"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cityonetours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}