UAE Visa Cost Calculator — What Does UAE Residency Cost in 2026?
UAE visa costs vary significantly depending on visa type, number of dependants, emirate, and which services you use. This comprehensive cost guide covers the real cost of UAE residency for investors, employees, families, and freelancers in 2026.
In this guide:
UAE Investor Visa Costs (via Free Zone Company)
- Free zone licence: AED 5,750 (Shams/UAQ) to AED 30,000+ (DMCC); this is the biggest variable
- Entry permit (to enter UAE for residence processing): AED 400-700 (included in most free zone packages)
- Medical fitness test: AED 150-300 at DHA-approved clinic
- Emirates ID: AED 200-350 (varies by visa validity)
- Residence visa stamp: AED 300-800 (government fee; 2-year or 3-year validity)
- Typing centre service charge: AED 200-500
- Total investor visa cost (Shams + visa): approximately AED 8,000-12,000 (Year 1)
- Renewal (Year 2 or 3): repeat visa fees only; approximately AED 1,500-2,500 every 2 years for visa renewal
UAE Employment Visa Costs (borne by employer)
- MOHRE work permit: AED 500-2,000 (depends on skill category)
- Entry permit: AED 400-700
- Medical fitness test: AED 150-300
- Emirates ID: AED 200-350
- Residence visa stamp: AED 300-800
- Medical insurance (mandatory in Dubai): AED 600-3,000/year (basic to premium plan)
- Total per employee (employer cost): AED 2,000-5,000 first year; AED 1,500-2,500 renewal every 2 years
UAE Family Visa Costs (Spouse and Children)
- Prerequisite: sponsor must have salary AED 4,000+/month (AED 10,000+ for maid/domestic worker sponsorship)
- Entry permit (each family member): AED 400-700
- Medical fitness test (each): AED 150-300
- Emirates ID (each): AED 200-350
- Residence visa stamp (each): AED 300-800
- Medical insurance (each): AED 600-2,500/year
- Total per family member (first year): AED 2,000-4,000
- Family of 4 (spouse + 2 children): AED 6,000-12,000 for visa processing + AED 2,000-8,000/year for health insurance
UAE Golden Visa Costs (10-year)
- Property purchase (to qualify): AED 2,000,000+ (separate investment cost)
- Golden Visa entry permit: AED 500-700
- Medical test: AED 250-350
- Emirates ID: AED 400-600
- Residence visa stamp: AED 700-1,200
- Typing centre: AED 300-500
- Total Golden Visa processing cost: approximately AED 3,000-5,000
- Renewal: 10 years later; similar processing cost