Quick answer
A UAE residency visa usually costs around AED 3,500 to AED 10,000 per person for the visa process itself, depending on the visa type, whether you apply from inside or outside the UAE, and which services are included. Health insurance, medical test, Emirates ID and typing / PRO support add to the total. Employment visa costs are usually covered by the employer. Use the calculator below for an indicative range based on your case.
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Cost breakdown
Main cost drivers
Documents usually required
Consultant review may be required. Some of your selections depend on eligibility rules or the specific emirate.
This is an indicative estimate only. Final costs depend on the visa type, emirate, current government fees, insurance plan and provider package.
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How this calculator works
The calculator estimates a per-person range for the selected visa type, adjusts it for the application situation (outside the UAE, inside the UAE, renewal, or cancellation plus a new visa), adds the extra services you select, and multiplies by the number of applicants. The result is a typical indicative range, not a quote: government fees change, emirates differ, and providers bundle services differently.
UAE visa cost table
| Visa type | Indicative cost per person | Typical validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor / partner visa | Usually AED 4,500 - 9,500 plus extras | Often 2 years | Linked to a mainland or free zone company; company setup cost is separate |
| Employment visa | Usually AED 4,000 - 8,500 plus extras | Usually 2 years | Usually paid by the employer; cost varies by company category and skill level |
| Family visa (per dependant) | Usually AED 3,500 - 8,000 plus extras | Usually follows the sponsor | Sponsor salary and accommodation requirements apply |
| Freelancer visa | Usually AED 4,500 - 10,000 plus permit | Often 1-2 years | Freelance permit cost depends on the free zone; packages vary widely |
Indicative ranges only, excluding company setup. Figures vary by emirate, authority, current government fees and provider package.
What affects UAE visa cost?
Visa type
Investor, employment, family and freelancer routes have different fee structures and sponsor requirements.
Where you apply from
Applying from inside the UAE usually adds a status change fee; applying from outside uses an entry permit route.
New vs renewal
Renewals are often slightly cheaper; a cancellation plus new visa adds cancellation fees and timing considerations.
Number of applicants
Most fees apply per person, so family or team applications multiply the total.
Health insurance
Mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and increasingly across the UAE; plan level strongly affects the price.
Express processing
Faster processing options may be available at extra cost in some emirates.
Document attestation
Family visas usually require attested marriage and birth certificates, which cost extra per document.
Typing / PRO support
Professional handling of applications saves time and mistakes but adds service fees.
Documents usually required
- Passport copy (usually valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-size photos
- Entry permit or current visa / entry stamp copy
- Emirates ID application (for residents)
- Medical fitness test results
- Sponsor documents (trade licence, establishment card or employment contract)
- Attested marriage / birth certificates (family visas)
- Proof of accommodation and minimum salary (family visas)
- Additional documents depending on the emirate and visa type
UAE visa cost FAQ
How much does a UAE residency visa cost?
A UAE residency visa usually costs somewhere between AED 3,500 and AED 10,000 per person for the visa process itself, depending on the visa type, where you apply from and the services included. Extras such as health insurance, medical test, Emirates ID and PRO support add to the total. Use the calculator above for an indicative range based on your own selections.
What is included in the cost of a UAE visa?
A typical visa budget covers the entry permit, status change or entry, the medical fitness test, Emirates ID fees, visa stamping or residency issuance, and often health insurance. Costs vary by emirate, visa type and the package offered by the sponsor, free zone or service provider.
How much does an investor or partner visa cost in the UAE?
An investor or partner visa is usually in the range of AED 4,500 to AED 9,500 for the process itself, depending on the jurisdiction and whether it is linked to a free zone or mainland company. Insurance, medical test and Emirates ID are usually added on top. Final pricing depends on current government fees.
Who pays for an employment visa in the UAE?
For employment visas the employer usually covers the visa cost, as required by UAE labour rules in most cases. If you are budgeting as an employer, the calculator can give you an indicative per-employee range including typical extras.
How much does a family visa cost in the UAE?
Sponsoring a spouse, child or parent usually costs around AED 3,500 to AED 8,000 per dependant including typical government fees, plus medical test, Emirates ID and insurance where applicable. Sponsors generally need to meet minimum salary and accommodation requirements, which a consultant can confirm for your case.
Is a freelancer visa cheaper than a company setup?
A freelance permit with a linked residency visa is often cheaper than a full company setup, with indicative all-in packages starting from roughly AED 7,500 in some free zones. Pricing varies significantly by free zone and included services, so compare options before committing.
How long does a UAE residency visa take?
A standard residency visa process often takes around 1 to 3 weeks once documents are ready, depending on the emirate, visa type and whether you apply from inside or outside the UAE. Express options may be available at extra cost.
Do visa costs differ if I apply from inside or outside the UAE?
Yes, they can. Applying from inside the UAE usually involves a status change fee, while applying from outside uses an entry permit route. Renewals are often slightly cheaper than new applications, and a cancellation plus new visa adds cancellation fees. The calculator reflects these differences with indicative ranges.
Is health insurance mandatory for a UAE visa?
Health insurance is mandatory for residency visas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is increasingly required across the UAE. Basic compliant plans may start from a few hundred dirhams per year, while broader cover costs more. Insurance is one of the extras you can include in the estimate.
What documents are usually required for a UAE visa?
Typically you need a passport copy with at least six months validity, passport photos, the entry permit or sponsorship documents, medical test results, Emirates ID application and, for family visas, attested marriage or birth certificates. Exact requirements depend on the visa type and emirate.
Does this calculator show final government prices?
No. It provides an indicative estimate only, based on typical ranges. Government fees change and vary by emirate and visa type, and service providers bundle different inclusions. A consultant review may be required for an exact quote.
Can Emirae.Pro connect me with visa support consultants?
Yes. After you see your estimate you can request quotes, and with your consent Emirae.Pro shares your request with verified UAE consultants who handle visa and PRO services, so you can compare offers before deciding.
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