About these figures: Costs and timelines on this page are indicative planning figures compiled from public free zone fee information. They have not been individually verified for this page, may be out of date, and must be confirmed with the free zone before you pay. How we source prices · How we compile data.
Understanding the total cost of UAE residence visas through free zone company ownership is essential for budgeting. This guide provides a complete breakdown of every visa cost component for UAE free zone company investor and employee visas in 2026.
In this guide:
UAE Free Zone Investor Visa Cost Components
- Entry permit (visa on application): AED 300–500
- Status change (if already in UAE on visit visa): AED 500–800
- Medical fitness test (chest x-ray + blood test): AED 300–500 (Dubai; varies by emirate)
- Emirates ID: AED 100–200 (2-year ID for 2-year visa; 3-year ID for 3-year visa)
- Visa stamping: AED 200–400
- Total investor visa (government fees): AED 1,400–2,400
- Free zone processing fee (administrative): AED 500–2,000 (zone-dependent)
- PRO service fee (if using an agent): AED 500–1,500
- Total all-in: AED 2,500–6,000 per visa
UAE Employee Visa Cost Components
- Employment entry permit: AED 500–800
- Status change (if in UAE on visit): AED 500–800
- Labour card (work permit): AED 500–1,000
- Medical fitness: AED 300–500
- Emirates ID: AED 100–200
- Visa stamping: AED 200–400
- Total employee visa (government fees): AED 2,100–3,700
- Free zone processing fee: AED 500–1,500
- PRO service fee: AED 500–1,500
- Total all-in: AED 3,200–6,700 per employee visa
Family Sponsorship Visa Costs
- Spouse visa: AED 2,000–4,000 (government fees + processing)
- Child visa (under 18): AED 1,500–3,000 per child
- Parent visa: AED 5,000–8,000 (more complex; requires higher income proof)
- Required minimum salary for family sponsorship: AED 4,000/month (basic) or AED 3,000/month + accommodation
Visa Renewal Costs (2-year and 3-year visas)
- Renewal government fees: approximately same as initial issuance (AED 1,400–2,400)
- Medical fitness: AED 300–500 (required for each renewal)
- Emirates ID renewal: AED 100–200
- Total renewal: AED 2,000–4,000
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Health insurance (mandatory for UAE residence): AED 600–3,000/year per person
- UAE driving licence conversion (if holding eligible foreign licence): AED 800–1,500
- Emirates ID smart application (optional, speeds up processing): AED 150
- Document attestation (if foreign documents required): AED 1,000–5,000 per document
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