How Much Does a Residence Visa Cost in the UAE?

If you’re planning to live, work, invest, or start a business in the UAE, you’ll need a valid residence visa. Whether you’re moving to Dubai for work, sponsoring your family, or setting up a business, understanding the UAE residence visa cost is an essential step in your journey.

In this article, we’ll explain the exact costs involved in obtaining a residency visa in UAE, break down the fees by visa type, and highlight what’s included. We’ll also walk you through the visa process, medical test requirements, and associated expenses so you’re financially prepared from start to finish.

What is a UAE Residence Visa?

A residence visa in UAE is a legal permit that allows a foreign national to live in the country for a specific period—usually 2 to 10 years, depending on the visa category. It is renewable and typically tied to employment, investment, property ownership, or family sponsorship.

To hold a valid UAE residence visa, you’ll need a UAE sponsor, pass a medical fitness test, and obtain Emirates ID registration. Once granted, your visa will be stamped on your passport, and you can legally live, work, rent property, and even sponsor dependents.

Factors That Affect UAE Residence Visa Cost

The cost of a UAE residence visa depends on several factors:

• Type of visa (employment, investor, freelance, property, family)

• Validity period (2, 3, 5, or 10 years)

• Emirate of issuance (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.)

• Inside or outside country application

• Urgent or normal processing

• Additional services (Emirates ID, medical tests, attestation, etc.)

Understanding these variables helps you budget more accurately.

Breakdown of Residence Visa Costs in the UAE (2024–2025)

Here is a general cost structure for different residence visa categories in the UAE.

Employment Residence Visa

If you’re hired by a UAE-based employer, they will typically sponsor your work visa.

Estimated cost: AED 3,000 – AED 7,000
Includes:

• Entry permit

• Emirates ID (2-3 years)

• Medical fitness test

• Visa stamping

• Labour card (if applicable)

Note: Costs are usually paid by the employer, but some fees (like medical or Emirates ID renewal) may be deducted.

Investor or Partner Visa (Business Owners)

If you register a company in the UAE, you can apply for a partner or investor visa under your business license.

Estimated cost: AED 4,000 – AED 7,000 (2-year visa)
Additional deposits: AED 2,000 – AED 3,000 refundable (depending on jurisdiction)
Includes:

• Entry permit

• Medical test

• Emirates ID

• Visa stamping

• Company documents (MOA, trade license copy, etc.)

Property Owner Visa

If you own a property worth AED 750,000 or more, you may qualify for a Dubai property visa.

Estimated cost: AED 10,000 – AED 14,000
Includes:

• Property ownership proof

• Title deed

• No-objection certificate (from developer)

• Entry permit, visa stamping, medical test, and Emirates ID

Note: This visa does not allow work privileges but permits residency.

Freelance Visa or Self-Employment Visa

Freelancers can apply for a freelance permit and a corresponding residence visa through Free Zones such as Dubai Media City, RAKEZ, or Fujairah Creative City.

Estimated cost: AED 7,500 – AED 15,000/year (package dependent)
Includes:

• Freelance permit

• UAE residence visa (2 years)

• Medical and Emirates ID

• Access to coworking space (optional in some packages)

Family Sponsorship Visa (Spouse, Children)

UAE residents can sponsor their spouse, children, and in some cases, parents, under specific conditions.

Estimated cost: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 per dependent
Additional requirements:

• Minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000–AED 10,000 (varies by dependent)

• Tenancy contract (Ejari)

• Relationship documents (translated and attested)

Golden Visa (5–10 Years)

This long-term visa is offered to investors, scientists, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Estimated cost: AED 3,800 – AED 5,500 (excluding eligibility screening)
Includes:

• Application fees

• Emirates ID

• Medical tests

• Visa issuance

Golden Visas are valid for 5 or 10 years, with no need for local sponsorship.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Residence Visa in UAE

Here is how to apply for a residence visa in the UAE:

Step 1 – Entry Permit

For new residents, an entry permit (valid for 60 days) is issued before entering the UAE or converting to resident status if already inside the country.

Step 2 – Medical Fitness Test

All applicants above 18 must undergo a blood test and chest X-ray at a government-approved health center.

Cost: AED 320 – AED 750 (depending on speed of service)

Step 3 – Emirates ID Application

Biometric data is collected, and an Emirates ID is issued, valid for the duration of the visa.

Cost: AED 370 – AED 1,070 (based on years of validity)

Step 4 – Visa Stamping

After medical and ID processing, the residence visa is stamped on your passport.

Medical Test and Emirates ID – Cost and Requirements

Both the medical fitness test and Emirates ID are mandatory parts of the visa process.

Medical Fitness Test

• Basic test cost: AED 320

• VIP/fast-track options: AED 550 – AED 750

• Required documents: Passport, photo, entry permit copy

Emirates ID Cost

• 2 years: AED 370

• 3 years: AED 470

• 5 years (Golden Visa): AED 1,070

• Required: Application form, photo, biometric scan

Additional Costs to Consider

When planning your budget for a residence visa in UAE, include the following:

• Document attestation: AED 150 – AED 500 per document

• Typing center fees: AED 50 – AED 200

• Insurance: Mandatory in some Emirates (AED 500 – AED 3,000/year)

• Overstay fines (if delayed): AED 50/day

Who Can Apply for a Residence Visa in UAE?

Here are the categories of people eligible to apply:

• Employees with valid job offers in UAE

• Investors and business owners

• Freelancers and self-employed professionals

• Property owners

• Spouses and children of UAE residents

• Golden Visa applicants

Each category has its own documentation and fee structure.

Validity and Renewal of UAE Residence Visa

• Standard residence visa: 2 to 3 years

• Golden Visa: 5 or 10 years

• Property visa: 2 years

• Freelance visa: 1 to 2 years

Renewals require:

• Valid passport

• Updated Emirates ID

• New medical test

• Updated tenancy or sponsor documents

Renewal costs are similar to the initial application.

Can I Sponsor My Family?

Yes. If you’re a resident with a valid visa, you can sponsor your family in UAE, provided you meet:

• Minimum salary requirement

• Valid tenancy contract

• Relationship proof (attested marriage or birth certificates)

Each family member will go through the same medical and Emirates ID process.

How Long Does It Take to Get a UAE Residence Visa?

On average, the process takes 5 to 10 working days from start to finish, depending on:

• Visa type

• Medical test timeline

• Emirates ID appointments

• Jurisdiction (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.)

Fast-track services are available for urgent applications.

UAE Visa Cost Comparison by Emirates

Benefits of UAE Residence Visa

• Legal right to live and work in the UAE

• Open a bank account and apply for loans

• Access healthcare and education

• Apply for a driving license

• Sponsor family members

• Freedom to travel in and out of the UAE

• Eligibility for long-term visas like the Golden Visa

Conclusion

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, employee, freelancer, or property investor, the UAE residence visa is your ticket to legally living and thriving in the Emirates. The UAE residence visa cost varies depending on the visa category, but with the right planning and documentation, the process is simple and efficient.

From medical testing and Emirates ID to visa stamping and renewals, understanding all steps in advance helps avoid surprises and delays. And if you plan to launch a business, invest in property, or sponsor your family, securing your visa is the first step toward a brighter future in the UAE.

To make this journey even easier, work with a professional Business Setup Company in Dubai, UAE that can guide you through licensing, visa applications, and compliance—all under one roof.

FAQs

How much does a 2-year residence visa cost in Dubai?

The 2-year UAE residence visa cost typically ranges between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000, depending on your visa type and Emirates.

Can I get a residence visa without a job?

Yes. You can get a UAE residence visa through investment, freelance license, property ownership, or by being sponsored by a family member.

Is the medical test mandatory?

Yes. Every applicant over 18 must pass a medical fitness test, which includes a blood test and chest X-ray.

Can I apply for a residence visa from outside the UAE?

Yes. You can apply from abroad using an entry permit, then complete the process upon arrival. Processing differs for inside and outside applications.

Is Emirates ID required for a residence visa?

Yes. The Emirates ID is mandatory and is processed alongside your visa. It’s used for identification and access to services in the UAE.