Visa Cost in UAE 2026: Complete Fee Guide for All Visa Types
UAE visa costs vary significantly by type, duration, and sponsorship method. Understanding all associated fees helps budget accurately for residency and employment sponsorship. This comprehensive guide details costs for all visa categories in 2026.
Overview of UAE Visa Costs
UAE offers multiple visa types at different price points. Visa fees include government processing costs, medical screening, and administrative charges. All costs are in AED and subject to change. Additional costs may include medicals, labor approvals, and services provider fees.
Employment Visa Costs
Work Permit Visa Fees 2026
| Visa Duration | Government Fee (AED) | Total Typical Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Year Work Visa | 960 – 1,260 | 1,300 – 1,800 |
| 3-Year Work Visa | 1,440 – 1,890 | 1,900 – 2,400 |
| Work Visa Renewal (2 years) | 960 – 1,260 | 1,300 – 1,800 |
| Work Visa Renewal (3 years) | 1,440 – 1,890 | 1,900 – 2,400 |
*Total cost includes medical fitness test (AED 150-300), labor card (AED 100-150), and processing fees
Work Visa Cost Components
- Government Visa Fee: AED 960 – 1,890 (main cost)
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 150 – 300
- Labor Card Registration: AED 100 – 150
- Labor Contract Registration: AED 210
- Emirates ID Card: AED 100 – 150
- Processing/Service Fee (if using consultant): AED 500 – 1,500
Family and Dependent Visa Costs
Dependent Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee Per Person (AED) | Salary Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse Visa | 960 – 1,260 | AED 4,000 minimum |
| Child Visa (up to 18 years) | 960 – 1,260 | AED 6,000 for 2 children |
| Additional Child (3rd+) | 960 – 1,260 | AED 8,000 for 3+ children |
| Parent/Parent-in-law Visa | 1,260 – 1,890 | AED 10,000 minimum |
| Newborn Visa | 100 – 300 | Same as parents |
Example Family Visa Costs
- Main Employee + Spouse: AED 1,920 – 3,150 (minimum salary AED 4,000+)
- Main Employee + Spouse + 1 Child: AED 2,880 – 3,780 (minimum salary AED 6,000+)
- Main Employee + Spouse + 2 Children: AED 3,840 – 5,400 (minimum salary AED 8,000+)
- Additional family members: Each adds AED 960 – 1,260
Visit and Tourist Visa Costs
Short-Term Visit Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (AED) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Visa | 30 Days | 100 – 200 | 2-24 hours |
| Single Entry Visa | 60 Days | 200 – 300 | 2-24 hours |
| Single Entry Visa | 90 Days | 300 – 400 | 2-24 hours |
| Multiple Entry Visa | 6 Months | 500 – 800 | 3-5 days |
| Tourist Visa (Hotel Sponsorship) | 30 Days | 100 – 200 | Instant – 24 hours |
Golden Visa Costs
Long-Term Residency Visa Fees
| Golden Visa Type | Validity | Fee (AED) | Investment Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Golden Visa | 5 Years | AED 3,000 – 5,000 | AED 500,000 – 1,000,000 |
| Investor Golden Visa | 10 Years | AED 5,000 – 8,000 | AED 1,000,000+ |
| Entrepreneur Golden Visa | 5 Years | AED 2,500 – 4,500 | Business establishment |
| Professional/Scientist Visa | 5 Years | AED 2,000 – 3,500 | Specialized skills/degree |
Special Visa Categories
Other Visa Types and Costs
- Student Visa: AED 500 – 1,500 (varies by institution)
- Investor Business Visa (3 years): AED 1,890 – 2,500
- Retirement Visa: AED 2,000 – 3,000
- Freelancer/Self-Employed Visa: AED 1,000 – 2,000
- Domestic Worker Visa: AED 960 – 1,260
- Sponsor Change (Visa Transfer): AED 500 – 800
- Exit/Re-entry Visa: AED 100 – 300
- Multiple Re-entry Permit: AED 100 – 300
Associated Visa Costs Beyond Government Fees
Medical and Health Requirements
- Medical Fitness Test (DHA): AED 150 – 300
- Health Insurance (if required): AED 50 – 300 monthly
- Additional medical tests: AED 50 – 200 each
Administrative and Processing Costs
- Emirates ID Card Issuance: AED 100 – 150
- Labor Card/Department Card: AED 100 – 150
- Document translation services: AED 50 – 200 per document
- Document attestation: AED 100 – 300
- Processing via consultant: AED 500 – 2,000 (optional)
Additional Related Costs
- Passport copies and photos: AED 50 – 150
- Bank statements/certificates: Free to AED 100
- Educational certificate attestation: AED 100 – 500
- Police clearance (if required): AED 200 – 500
Total Cost Examples for Common Scenarios
Complete Cost Breakdown for Different Cases
| Scenario | Visa Fee | Medical/Admin | Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Work Visa (2 years) | 960 – 1,260 | 300 – 700 | 1,260 – 1,960 |
| Work Visa + Spouse (2 years) | 1,920 – 2,520 | 600 – 1,400 | 2,520 – 3,920 |
| Work Visa + Family of 4 (2 years) | 3,840 – 5,040 | 1,200 – 2,800 | 5,040 – 7,840 |
| 30-Day Visit Visa (Individual) | 100 – 200 | 0 – 50 | 100 – 250 |
| 90-Day Visit Visa (Individual) | 300 – 400 | 0 – 50 | 300 – 450 |
| 6-Month Multiple Entry (Individual) | 500 – 800 | 0 – 50 | 500 – 850 |
| Golden Visa (5-year, investor) | 3,000 – 5,000 | 300 – 700 | 3,300 – 5,700 |
Payment Methods and Processing
How to Pay Visa Fees
- Online through GDRFA/Tasheel portal (card payment)
- Bank transfer to government account
- Cash at government service centers
- Cheque payment (for corporate applications)
- Through authorized visa service providers
Payment Timing
Fees must be paid before visa application submission. Payment is non-refundable. Processing begins only after payment confirmation. Most online payments are processed immediately.
Visa Renewal Costs
Renewal Fee Structure
Renewal fees are typically the same as initial visa fees. Renewals must begin 30-60 days before expiration. Renewal process is faster than initial application when documents remain unchanged.
Multi-Year Visa Advantages
- 3-Year Work Visa: Higher initial cost but lower renewal frequency
- Cost per year: AED 480 – 630 (vs AED 480 – 630 for 2-year)
- Administrative burden: Renewal every 3 years vs every 2 years
- Overall value: 3-year visas better for long-term employees
Cost-Saving Tips
Ways to Reduce Visa Costs
- Apply for 3-year visas to reduce renewal frequency
- Process multiple family members together for efficiency
- Use government portals directly instead of agents when possible
- Combine applications to reduce processing fees
- Plan visa timelines to avoid rush/express fees
- Use corporate employer group discounts if available
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help with Visa Cost Planning?
eCompanySetup.com provides detailed visa cost analysis and manages complete visa processing for employees and families.
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