Are you planning to live and work in the UAE? Understanding the residence visa cost in Dubai is a crucial first step toward making your move smooth and hassle-free. Whether relocating for a job, setting up a business, or sponsoring your family, knowing the visa expenses helps you plan better.
Many expats also explore options for the cheapest residence visa in UAE, especially freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective ways to stay in the country legally. This blog includes everything you need about residence visa pricing, options, and what influences the overall cost.
What is a Residence Visa in the UAE?
A Residence Visa in the UAE is an official permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, study, or invest in the United Arab Emirates for an extended period. This visa is typically sponsored by an employer, family member, or through property or business ownership. It is essential for accessing services such as banking, healthcare, schooling, and long-term accommodation in the UAE.
If you’re seeking the most affordable UAE residence visa, investor visas in certain free zones are among the most cost-effective options. These visas are especially popular among small business owners and entrepreneurs who wish to legally reside in the UAE without the high costs linked to traditional employment or large-scale investments.
Types of Residence Visas in the UAE
The UAE offers a variety of residence visas, each designed to serve different needs and circumstances. Here’s an overview of the main types of residence visas available in the country:
1. Employment Visa
An Employment Visa is issued to individuals who secure a job within the UAE. This visa is usually sponsored by the employer responsible for managing the visa process, including obtaining the work permit and labour card.
It allows the visa holder to live and work in the country for the duration of their employment contract. The employee is typically bound to work for the sponsoring employer unless the visa is transferred to another employer.
2. Family Visa
The Family Visa enables UAE residents or citizens to sponsor their family members, including spouses, children, and sometimes parents. To be eligible, the sponsor must meet certain salary and accommodation requirements.
This visa allows the family members to live in the UAE and seek employment or attend school, depending on their age and circumstances. Proof of relationship and financial support is typically required to secure this visa.
3. Investment (Investor) Visa
An Investment Visa, often called the Investor Visa, is intended for individuals who invest in real estate, businesses, or other financial ventures within the UAE. Depending on the scale of the investment, the residency granted can last several years and is often tied to the value or potential growth of the investment.
This type of visa is ideal for UK entrepreneurs or wealthy individuals who want to start a business or purchase property in the UAE while taking advantage of its tax incentives.
4. Student Visa
The Student Visa is designed for international students accepted into an accredited educational institution in the UAE. The educational institution typically sponsors the visa, which must provide documentation proving the student’s enrollment.
In addition to proof of admission, students must provide financial evidence to demonstrate that they can support themselves during their studies. The visa allows students to live in the UAE for their academic program.
5. Retirement Visa
The Retirement Visa is for individuals aged 55 and older who wish to retire in the UAE. It was introduced as part of the country’s initiative to attract long-term residents.
To qualify, retirees must meet specific financial criteria, including owning property in the UAE, having sufficient savings, or demonstrating a stable monthly income. This visa allows retirees to stay in the country without needing employment.
6. Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa introduced by the UAE government that targets investors, entrepreneurs, specialised professionals, researchers, and exceptional students. It provides a residency of 5 or 10 years, with automatic renewal, for eligible individuals.
It allows them to live, work, and study in the UAE without a national sponsor. It is designed to attract highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the country’s development and economic growth.
7. Green Visa
The Green Visa is a new residency visa that offers more autonomy to skilled workers, freelancers, and investors. Unlike other visas, holders of the Green Visa do not need a sponsor to live or work in the UAE.
This visa category provides flexibility and long-term stability to professionals in specific fields. The Green Visa also facilitates sponsoring family members, making it an attractive option for those seeking independence while residing in the UAE.
What Is the Process for Obtaining a Residence Visa in the UAE?
The following information contains the application procedure for a resident visa in the UAE in 2025:
Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Type of Residency Visa
Begin by identifying the specific type of residency visa that suits your purpose of stay. Common options include an employment visa, green visa, student visa, or family visa. Choosing the right category is essential, as each has its own eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
Step 2: Apply for an Entry Permit
Your sponsor must obtain an online admission permit from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. The permit is also available on the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). You can also do this in person at one of the authorised GDRFA locations.
Step 3: Background Checks and Issuance of Entry Permits
Once you have provided your information and personal documents and paid the visa fees, your request, or file as it is known in the UAE, is sent to the immigration authorities for review by the regulatory body.
Your information is then sent to CID, the Criminal Investigation Department. The body conducts a background check to ensure you are not a threat. When your background is checked and your application is approved, you will be given an exclusive document known as an entry permit.
Step 4: Identification Verification and Medical Examination
You have 60 days after entering the UAE with the entry permit to create an Emirates ID by visiting an Emirates ID service site and providing a few required documents.
You must also pass a required medical examination. You can obtain a certificate of good health that attests to your good health, allowing you to apply for a residency permit in the UAE. For this, you must go to a government hospital.
Step 5: Obtain the Final Visa Stamp
After completing all the preceding steps, your UAE resident visa must be officially stamped. However, applicants must visit an authorised facility before the visa stamping procedure.
Following receipt of your application, the Immigration Department will send an SMS notification of approval or refusal to the registered contact information you provided.
Documents Required for a Residence Visa in Dubai
To apply for a residence visa in Dubai, you must submit several documents depending on your visa type (employment, family sponsorship, investor, etc.). Below are the general documents required for most types of Dubai residence visas:
- Passport (original and copy)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Entry Permit (if applying from outside the UAE)
- Medical Fitness Test Results
- Emirates ID Application Form
- Health Insurance
- Tenancy Contract / Ejari Certificate
- Visa Application Form
Cost of Residence Visa in UAE 2025
If you plan to live and work in the UAE, understanding the cost of a residence visa in Dubai and other emirates is crucial. The Cost of Residence Visa in UAE 2025 varies depending on the visa duration, emirate, application method, and additional services like medical insurance and visa stamping.
Cheapest Residence Visa in UAE 2025
The cheapest residence visa in UAE usually starts around AED 3,990*. This typically covers long-term entry permits valid for 90 days, which can be renewed twice for six months each. However, these initial costs don’t include mandatory medical test fees, typing centre charges, and visa stamping fees.
One-Year UAE Residence Visa Fees
For a 1-year residence visa, expect to pay between AED 1,000* to AED 3,000*, depending on the emirate and whether you’re applying online or in person. These fees may vary further based on your insurance plan and sponsor type.
2 Years Residence Visa Dubai Cost
A 2-year residence visa in Dubai typically costs AED 3,500* (without insurance). If you opt for insurance, the total cost could go up to AED 6,000*.
If you’re applying for a 2-year UAE family visa, the average fee is around AED 2,200* (excluding insurance).
3-Year UAE Residence Visa Cost
Are you planning to stay longer? The 3-year UAE residence visa costs about AED 3,700* without insurance but may rise to AED 5,472* with insurance.
5-Year Green Visa (Dubai)
For entrepreneurs, freelancers, and skilled professionals, the 5-year residence visa in Dubai, commonly known as the Green Visa, costs between AED 3,000* to AED 5,000*. Additional expenses include medical test charges and typing centre fees.
Note: The above residence visa fees for Dubai and other emirates are indicative and may vary depending on your nationality, sponsor type, and updates in UAE immigration policies.
Partner With Shuraa UK for a Resident Visa in the UAE
In the UAE, both day and night can be pretty fun. So, what are you waiting for now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about residence visa costs in the UAE? Although the process is simple, we recommend you seek professional assistance to avoid mistakes in the documentation.
Shuraa UK Branch experts will guide you through the entire process and compile all the necessary paperwork for the residence visa cost in the UAE. Furthermore, we will obtain all necessary permissions and clearances on your behalf. Tell us what you require, and we’ll handle the rest.
