How Much Does UAE Residence Visa Cost? Everything You Should Know

how much does uae residence visa cost

Table of Contents

Nowadays, businesses increasingly select the UAE as their preferred destination for work travel. Business owners set up operations in the United Arab Emirates while bringing their loved ones to live with them. However, to apply for residence visas for their family, they need to understand UAE residence visa costs and other related regulations. So, let’s examine how much does UAE residence visa cost align with the visa application process.

What is a UAE Residency Visa? 

The UAE residence visa serves as a document that permits foreign people to reside and earn income within the country for extended periods lasting between 2 and 10 years. It differs from visitor visas as these permits are for limited-duration stays.  

UAE immigration policies differ from those of other nations because all residency visas depend on a sponsor. This sponsor can be: 

  1. A company must sponsor you to obtain an employment visa in the UAE. They start and manage all steps required to obtain a visa for you.
  2. When several UAE residents work together, they can obtain a visa sponsorship from any of them. Most UAE visa applications require a family member sponsorship, with a wife applying through her husband or a husband applying through his wife as examples.
  3. Having a sponsor means they take legal responsibility for your need to live in the country. Your sponsor demonstrates to the authorities that you need to stay in the country for work, and they will take responsibility for your presence. 

There are exceptions, though. A new UAE visa program called the Green Visa enables freelance workers, self-employed professionals and qualified employees to apply for a five-year visa independently. This system removes both company and UAE citizen requirements for sponsorship. 

How Much Does a Residence Visa Cost in the UAE?

The cheapest residence visa application typically incurs around AED 100* payment. The visa cost in the UAE depends on basic conditions when applying, along with specific aspects such as the applicant’s locality and family member insurance coverage. You must pay AED 3,990* for two years of a UAE residence visa.

The details below show the estimated residence visa in Dubai costs:

  1. The fee for a UAE residence visa depends on how long you want the permit to be effective. The UAE offers its least expensive residence visa for AED 3,990*at this time.
  2. The total expense for a 2-year residence visa in Dubai stands at AED 3,500* without medical insurance, but reaches AED 4,200* with medical insurance.
  3. People applying for 3 years of residency from Dubai need to pay AED 3,700* without insurance and AED 5,472* with insurance coverage. The official registration cost does not have an active amount but will likely change in the future.
  4. The basic golden visa application fee totals AED 5000*, and patients must pay additional expenses for medical tests at a typing centre.
  5. The retirement or visit visa requires a payment of AED 3,000* for handling government applications plus standard medical checkup expenses.

UAE Resident Visa Renewal Fees 

Now you know how much does UAE residence visa cost, let’s discuss the renewal fee. 

You can only renew your visa under the visit and temporary work permit exceptions. You need to start your visa renewal steps before the end of its official term. A fine may apply if you renew your visa after its expiration date. 

The typical steps to renew your UAE residence visa are listed below:

  • The first step depends on whether you are the visa holder or your sponsor controls the process, except for Green Visa holders. 
  • Present all needed documents, including your passport, Emirates ID, visa application and evidence of your employment or income. 
  • Pay the associated fees. 
  • Medical test (if required) 
  • Emirates ID renewal 

When you send your application, the authorities will complete the review process. Collect your authorised visa and Emirates ID after the application is accepted.  The UAE residence visa renewal fees will range between AED 3,000* and AED 7,000* due to several determining factors:  

  • Most applicants need to pay the AED 100* visa processing fee
  • Issuance fee 
  • Typing centre fees 
  • Emirates ID renewal fee 
  • Medical insurance 
  • Knowledge and innovation Dirham

Types of UAE Residence Visas

The UAE offers multiple types of residence visas that fit the different needs of people who want to stay in the country. Here we list the main types of visa in the UAE: 

  1. Employment Visa

The employment visa is the primary visa type that employers grant to their new UAE-based personnel. Under this system, the sponsoring employer usually fills out most visa paperwork on behalf of the soon-to-be employee.   

  1. Investment (Investor) Visa

To live and work permanently in the UAE, you must make substantial investments in the country as a foreigner. The investment visa allows you to live permanently without a sponsor requirement and allows its holders to stay for up to 10 years.   

  1. Family Visa

The visa program exists to support family members of UAE residents and citizens with close ties.  

  1. Student Visa

Students who study in UAE educational institutions qualify for this visa type. An educational institution is a sponsor to enter the UAE throughout the student visa application process.  

  1. Retirement Visa

This visa is valid for seniors aged 55 and above who make at least AED 20,000 a month and want to live in the United Arab Emirates during their retirement. A person who lives in the UAE permanently can act as a sponsor for the application. 

  1. UAE Business Visa

A business setup visa within the UAE’s visa framework provides foreign investors with authorised permits to work and develop their business in Dubai and the UAE. 

  1. Green Visa

This new visa type came into existence recently. This five-year visa allows the UAE to invite experienced workers who bring their skills as independent contractors and business owners. People who register in the UAE’s green visa program no longer require an employer to sponsor them directly. 

  1. Golden Visa

In order to bring in successful individuals with financial resources, the UAE grants extended visas that last either 5 or 10 years.

Required Documents for a Residence Visa in the UAE

Complete the following sequence of documents to get your residency visa in the UAE: 

  • Completed the UAE visa application form 
  • Original passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining) 
  • Passport-sized photographs 
  • Proof of medical fitness 
  • UAE health insurance plan 
  • Company registration documents (for company investor visa) 
  • Property ownership documents (for property investor visa) 

The documents you need to get a UAE residency visa depend on the type and circumstances of your application. 

How to Apply for a Residence Visa in the UAE? 

To get a Dubai residence visa, follow these application steps:  

  1. Check If You Qualify

Study UAE residency visa choices and select the one designed for your needs. Check your qualifications for obtaining a specific visa type.  

  1. Secure a Sponsor (if required)

The UAE government issues residence visas depending on a sponsor’s legal permission to stay in the country. You must have either an employer, a UAE national family member, or a university sponsor to get the Dubai residence visa. Only the investor visa and the green visa allow you to obtain residency without needing a sponsor. 

  1. Apply for Entry Permit

When you find a sponsor and know the exact visa category, your sponsor or visa stamping processing agency will start preparing your entry permit application. The entry permit gives you access to start the UAE residence processing procedures. 

  1. Medical Examination and Emirates ID

To live in the UAE, you need to show the required medical test results after arriving with your entry permit from approved medical facilities. You must get an Emirates ID during this process since the government needs this identification card from all residents. 

  1. Visa Application and Collection

Once your medical results and Emirates ID application reach completion, your sponsor can start initiating the formal residency visa process. During this process, you need to deliver the paperwork through typing centres or GDRFA channels. 

  1. Visa Approval and Collection

The authorities will let you know about your visa results through official procedures once the processing is completed. You can obtain your Emirates ID and start living in the UAE once your application passes.

Benefits of Getting a UAE Residence Visa

Before starting a business in the UAE, individuals need to get a residence visa from the UAE. This section provides specific information about all the benefits.

  1. Easy to Open a Bank Account

To start a corporate account in a UAE bank, you should present both your Emirates ID document. You need to possess a UAE residence visa first to obtain an Emirates ID. The document lets you set up a bank account for foreigners without being a UAE resident. 

  1. Access to Financial Facilities

The UAE residence visa allows you to access different financial benefits in the country. You can request automobile financing, personal loans, and home mortgages with no issues arising from your residency status. 

  1. Driving Permit Becomes Effortless

To start life in the UAE, people need a driver’s license as a basic permit. The UAE residence visa helps nationals shift their driver’s licenses, while others may learn to drive and earn their license within the country. Every situation demands that residents in the UAE have their residence visa first to secure a driver’s license. 

  1. Medical and Educational Benefits

All migrants to new countries must obtain health insurance protection. Access to proper medical services can become expensive without the health facility provided through this program. The UAE requires all residents to have health insurance, which they can obtain through a UAE residence visa status. Moreover, the residence visa holders can bring their children to the UAE to enrol them in first-class schools and support their education at the nation’s top academic institutions. 

  1. Dependants Sponsorship

The UAE authorities let residence visa holders enter the country with their family members as long as their salary meets the required qualifications. The visa holders can use their sponsorship rights to bring domestic staff like housemaids and drivers, to the country. 

Final Words

Understanding how much does UAE residence visa cost helps you better prepare for your move while protecting you from financial surprises. Gaining a UAE residence visa brings more benefits than money because it gives you access to essential services like banking and healthcare, plus helps you support your family. Moreover, learning about UAE visa applications will help you settle into the country with assurance while accessing all its advantages.

Do you need professional assistance to get a UAE visa quickly? Xpert Advisory is here to help you with everything you need throughout the entire visa process. Our consultants make sure all visa requirements and permissions fit UAE rules while assisting you from start to finish for your special case. Contact our team to begin your journey confidently!

FAQs

What Factors Impact the Costs of Obtaining a UAE Residence Visa?

Visa price depends on visa type, length of stay, medical testing expenses, Emirates ID registration costs, insurance plans, and government portal or type centre fees.

Does the Cost of a UAE Residence Visa Vary Between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Other UAE Cities?

Smaller price differences depend on the government entity and free trade zone in the Emirate where you obtain your visa. Service fees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi run higher than in smaller Emirates.

Do I Have to Pay for Health Insurance Separately?

Yes. Every Emirate requires people to prove health insurance when they apply for a residence visa renewal. The expense of medical coverage ranges from AED 500* yearly up to AED 5,000* or higher, depending on your selected policy terms.

This blog is intended for informational purposes only. The content is provided “as is” and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding its accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog.

* – Fees and Costs Mentioned are for Reference Only.

Share

Guest assistance:

Contact Us

Lead gen