United Arab Emirates – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to the UAE?

Nationals of GCC member states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia — are exempt from UAE visa requirements entirely. GCC citizens may present a national identity card in lieu of a passport when crossing into the UAE. For all other nationalities, the applicable rules differ considerably, making it essential to verify your individual situation well before you travel.

Certain nationalities are entitled to receive an entry visa upon arrival, valid for up to 30 days, while passport holders from other qualifying countries may receive a 90-day visa on arrival. Eligible travellers simply proceed through immigration upon landing at Dubai International Airport, where their passport is stamped with a visit visa at no cost. The UAE has been progressively broadening its visa-on-arrival policy, so it is advisable to confirm your eligibility on the official UAE government portal ahead of any trip.

To be admitted to the UAE, a passport must remain valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of arrival. Holders of a residence permit need only present a passport with at least three months of remaining validity from the date they arrive.

A short-stay visit visa is an entirely separate matter from the permissions required to live and work in the UAE on a long-term basis. Anyone who enters on a visit visa and wishes to take up employment must first obtain a probationary work permit from the Ministry of Labour; performing paid work without this authorisation can lead to financial penalties, a custodial sentence, and the risk of deportation. People intending to relocate to the UAE permanently must secure the appropriate residence visa before commencing work or establishing residency.

Visa regulations are set and enforced by UAE authorities and are subject to frequent revision. Always confirm your specific circumstances with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or through the nearest UAE embassy or consulate before making travel arrangements.

What types of visa are available for people moving to the UAE?

Every prolonged stay in the UAE begins with an entry permit, which authorises a person to enter the country for a defined purpose — whether employment, investment, study, or family reunification. Once inside, this entry permit is converted into a residency visa, granting the holder the right to reside in the UAE for a fixed period, typically ranging from one to ten years depending on the category.

Employment Residence Visa: The route most commonly taken by expats relocating to the UAE is the employer-sponsored work residence visa. The UAE employer applies for the employee’s work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), which is subsequently converted into a residency visa affixed to the applicant’s passport. As of 2024, the work permit validity has been extended from two to three years, reducing both the financial and administrative load on expatriate workers. Like employer-sponsored schemes in other jurisdictions — such as the UK’s Skilled Worker route — the holder’s legal status in the UAE remains linked to their sponsoring employer.

Golden Visa: The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit enabling foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying a range of exclusive benefits. Those eligible include investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, exceptional students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. It offers five- or ten-year renewable residency and, crucially, does not require the holder to maintain a local sponsor or employer. Key eligibility thresholds include a minimum basic monthly salary of AED 30,000 for employment-based applicants (as of October 2025), or a real estate investment of no less than AED 2 million for a ten-year renewable visa.

Green Visa: Introduced as part of the UAE’s broader strategy to attract international talent, the Green Visa provides five-year self-sponsored residency for skilled workers and entrepreneurs seeking long-term stability without the requirement of company sponsorship. Its flexible renewal conditions have made it one of the most sought-after residence permits in the region. The Green Visa is available to those holding a bachelor’s degree who earn AED 15,000 or more per month.

Investor and Property Visa: Foreign nationals who purchase real estate with a minimum value of AED 750,000 may be eligible to apply for a property visa. The property must be registered in the purchaser’s name; completed units are generally required for the two-year investor visa, while certain off-plan properties may qualify depending on the developer, the project’s status, and official approvals.

Family Residence Visa: Spouses and children of UAE residents may apply for a family residence visa sponsored by the primary resident. Eligibility hinges on the sponsor satisfying minimum income requirements and maintaining appropriate accommodation. Further detail is provided in the family section below.

Blue Residency: The Blue Residency is a ten-year long-term residence visa established by the UAE government to recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.

Towards the end of 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security announced a comprehensive overhaul of the existing visa framework, including the introduction of four newly purpose-built visit visa categories and eleven key amendments to reflect contemporary travel and business needs. Given the pace of change in the UAE’s visa landscape, always refer to the ICP website for the most current categories and eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for a visa for the UAE?

The issuance of UAE residency visas is overseen by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and, specifically within Dubai, by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Dubai-based visa services fall under the GDRFA–Dubai, while the ICP handles equivalent services for all remaining emirates.

All applicants must follow a standardised sequence: entry permit approval, medical fitness clearance, Emirates ID registration, and final visa stamping. Since 2024, the UAE has digitalised the overwhelming majority of visa-related processes, enabling most applications to be completed through authorised centres or dedicated online portals.

The general steps for obtaining a work or long-term residence visa are as follows:

1. Determine your visa category. Establish whether you are applying via an employer, as an investor, as a skilled professional under the Green or Golden Visa pathway, or through family sponsorship. Each category carries distinct eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
2. Secure an entry permit. For employer-sponsored visas, the UAE employer applies for the entry permit through MOHRE and the ICP or GDRFA portal. The entire application is conducted online via integrated platforms connecting the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the ICP, and health authorities. Golden Visa and Green Visa applicants apply for their entry permit through the ICP Smart Services portal.
3. Enter the UAE. After entry permit approval is confirmed, travel to the UAE within the validity window specified in your approval — read the documentation carefully before making travel arrangements.
4. Undergo a medical fitness test. Residence visa applicants are required to undergo a blood test at a government-approved health centre. A positive result for certain communicable diseases may result in detention and deportation with no right of appeal.
5. Register for an Emirates ID. The Emirates ID is the official government-issued identity document for all UAE citizens and residents, and holding one is mandatory. Biometric data is captured at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre during the registration process.
6. Receive residence visa stamping. Once all checks and clearances are completed, the residence visa is stamped into your passport, concluding the application process.
7. Update your contact details. It is standard practice for a sponsor’s representative to be recorded as the contact on the initial application — once your visa is issued, update your personal details using ICP Smart System services.

Applicants residing in the United States should direct consular enquiries to the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. Those based in the United Kingdom should contact the UAE Embassy in London. Applicants in other countries should reach out to their nearest UAE embassy or consulate. For all long-term visa matters, the authoritative sources are the ICP and, for Dubai-specific applications, the GDRFA Dubai.

As of 2025, it is possible to convert a visit or job-seeker visa into an employment residence visa from within the UAE, eliminating the need to exit the country and saving considerable time for both applicants and their employers.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for the UAE?

Before submitting any residency visa application, the most critical step is establishing eligibility and assembling all required documentation. Every visa type — whether employment-based, investment-based, or property-related — carries its own specific requirements, and incomplete paperwork remains the leading cause of application delays.

The following documents are generally required across most long-term visa categories:

• Valid passport — all travellers must hold a passport with a minimum of six months’ validity, or three months if the applicant holds a residence permit.
• Passport-size photographs — recent, colour images taken against a plain white background.
• Passport copy and external cover copy — applicants should expect to submit a copy of the personal data page, a passport-size photograph, and a copy of the passport’s external cover.
• Proof of accommodation — a confirmed hotel reservation covering the duration of the stay, or a valid tenancy contract if residing with a family member.
• Proof of funds — updated entry visa rules require travellers to have AED 3,000 available in cash or credit (as of 2024). For long-term visa applications, bank statements or salary documentation evidencing financial self-sufficiency are typically required.
• Health insurance — the policy must be issued by a UAE-approved insurer; coverage must be active and valid at the time of application. Standard travel insurance is not acceptable — applicants must hold long-term residency health insurance.
• Employment or sponsorship letter — employer-sponsored visa applicants must provide a valid employment contract or a formal letter from the UAE employer.
• Proof of relationship — family visa applicants must supply evidence of their relationship to the sponsor, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or family book.
• Medical fitness certificate — required for applicants over the age of 18 seeking a residence visa, obtained at a UAE-approved health centre following arrival in the country.
• Educational certificates — required for Green Visa and skilled-professional Golden Visa applicants. Investors must submit trade licences and audited financial statements; entrepreneurs must provide business incorporation documents; skilled professionals must submit attested academic qualifications and employment contracts.
• Clean criminal record certificate — applicants are generally expected to have an unblemished criminal history and may be required to provide an official certificate issued by their home country’s authorities.

Documents produced outside the UAE typically require formal attestation — either via apostille (where the issuing country is a signatory to the Hague Convention) or through a formal legalisation chain involving the relevant embassy and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Academic qualifications often require attestation by the appropriate national authority as well as the UAE embassy in the country where the certificate was issued. Requirements vary, so verify current standards carefully. Additional charges may apply for legal translation, document notarisation, and support from service providers. For a definitive and current document checklist, consult the ICP website or the GDRFA Dubai portal directly.

How long does a visa application for the UAE take to process?

Since 2024, the UAE has digitalised the vast majority of its visa-related services, and most applications can now be handled through authorised centres or online portals within two to six weeks, depending on the visa category. This marks a substantial improvement over earlier paper-based procedures, which routinely took far longer.

For visit and short-stay visas, all applications require prior approval from the UAE authorities and typically take around three working days to process. Pre-arranged electronic visas submitted online are processed at a similarly prompt pace.

Residence visa applications involve a more extended timeline, encompassing several sequential steps — entry permit approval, medical testing, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping. As of 2025, residence visa processing has been reduced to approximately 10–15 business days. Nevertheless, applicants should budget additional time for document attestation, medical appointment scheduling, and Emirates ID collection, meaning the complete end-to-end journey frequently spans four to eight weeks in practice.

A bundled processing initiative introduced in 2024 compresses the procedure from 30 days down to just five by consolidating multiple stages into a single integrated service. This streamlined approach, available for employment-based applications, is accessible through the ICP online portal.

Processing durations can fluctuate and may differ by emirate, visa category, and individual circumstances. For the most current estimates, consult the ICP website or the GDRFA Dubai website, and submit your application well ahead of your planned relocation date — ideally a minimum of three months in advance.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for the UAE?

UAE visa fees are determined by the government and differ according to visa type, category, and whether the application is submitted from within or outside the country. All figures below reflect the position as of 2025 and are subject to revision — always verify the latest fees on the ICP website before proceeding.

Submitting a Golden Visa application from within the UAE typically incurs government fees of AED 2,800–AED 3,800, rising to AED 3,800–AED 4,800 for applications made from abroad (as of 2025). These amounts cover the core application and issuance fees only and do not include ancillary expenses.

All applicants must arrange a minimum of one year’s health insurance from a UAE-approved provider. Costs vary by age and level of coverage, typically falling between AED 800 and AED 2,500 per year (as of 2025). Medical examinations attract fees of between AED 800 and AED 1,000 (as of 2025).

Total expenditure encompasses the application fee, Emirates ID, medical tests, and any optional agency charges, with supplementary costs for family sponsorship and document processing. Immigration consultants or licensed agents may levy service fees on top of official government charges; while engaging such professionals is discretionary, they can be valuable for complex cases. Always select government-approved or certified agents to minimise the risk of delays or inflated fees.

For standard employer-sponsored work visas, fees are ordinarily covered by the UAE employer — confirm this arrangement with your employer before initiating any application. All fee schedules are subject to change; consult the ICP official website for the most up-to-date figures.

Can my family members join me in the UAE on a visa?

Family reunification is a well-established feature of the UAE’s residency framework, and the majority of long-term visa holders are permitted to sponsor close relatives to join them in the country. The precise conditions depend on the primary visa holder’s category and income level.

For standard employer-sponsored work visas, the primary applicant must satisfy a minimum salary threshold in order to sponsor dependants. Current requirements should be verified directly with the ICP or your employer, as these thresholds are revised periodically. Where the visitor is a first-degree relative of a UAE foreign resident, the sponsoring resident must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of AED 4,000 (as of 2025). Higher thresholds may apply for more distant family categories.

Golden Visa holders may sponsor their spouse and children of any age, as well as parents on one-year renewable residency permits. Family members of Golden Visa holders receive residency of the same duration as the primary applicant, and no separate qualifying grounds are needed to obtain their visas.

Green Visa holders are able to sponsor their spouse, children, and in certain circumstances other dependants. Children can typically be included up to the age of 25, provided the financial requirements for family sponsorship are satisfied.

Every family member must submit their own individual application accompanied by the relevant supporting documents. Required items include a valid passport, recent passport-sized photographs, proof of the family relationship (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate), and — for those aged 18 or over — a medical fitness certificate.

Dependants residing in the UAE on a sponsored residence visa do not automatically have the right to work. Those wishing to take up employment must obtain a separate work permit, either through a new employer or, in some instances, by transitioning to an independent visa category. Children sponsored as dependants generally retain the right to attend school in the UAE. For the latest rules on family sponsorship thresholds and dependant entitlements, consult the ICP.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in the UAE?

The UAE does not offer a permanent residency programme in the traditional sense — there is no status comparable to, say, the EU’s long-term residence permit or the US Green Card that becomes automatically available following a defined period of continuous residence. That said, the country provides a robust portfolio of long-term renewable visas that can, in practical terms, underpin stable residency over many decades.

Since December 2025, the majority of 30-day or 60-day tourist and business visit visas can be extended from within the UAE, entirely online via the ICP portal, without any requirement to leave the country. Entry permits may now be extended for up to 90 days depending on the stated purpose of the visit.

For holders of employer-sponsored residence visas, renewal is ordinarily managed by the employer before the visa’s expiry date. The conditions of residency — including remaining in active employment and maintaining valid health insurance — must be observed on a continuous basis. A special permit can be issued for residents who remain outside the UAE for more than six months, subject to the provision of a valid explanation, so as to prevent residency cancellation during extended absences.

The Golden Visa offers five- or ten-year long-term residency with automatic renewal and affords holders the freedom to travel in and out of the UAE without jeopardising their visa status. Golden Visa holders may spend extended periods abroad without any risk to their residency standing — a significant advantage over standard visa categories and, for most expats, the closest available equivalent to long-term or permanent residency.

Regarding citizenship: a UAE resident may apply for nationality on the basis of exceptional achievements, significant economic contributions, or following a 30-year period of continuous residence through the country’s naturalisation programme. The Golden Visa provides long-term residency but does not itself confer citizenship; in specific cases, individuals who make outstanding contributions — such as exceptional investors, professionals, or specialists — may be considered for citizenship through a separate, highly selective nomination process evaluated on an individual basis.

For current eligibility rules governing long-term visas or any citizenship pathway, consult the ICP official website or seek advice from a qualified UAE immigration lawyer.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for the UAE are refused?

Incomplete documentation is consistently the leading cause of delays and outright refusals across all UAE visa categories. Ensuring that every required document is present, properly attested, and still valid before submission is the single most effective measure an applicant can take to protect their application from failure.

The most frequently encountered grounds for refusal or rejection include:

• Incomplete or improperly attested documents. Absent signatures, lapsed certificates, or paperwork that has not been legalised or attested through the prescribed chain — national authority, UAE embassy, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs — are a primary driver of unsuccessful applications.
• Failure to meet financial thresholds. Insufficient evidence of funds or income to support the applicant and any dependants — whether demonstrated through payslips, bank statements, or proof of investment — is a frequent basis for refusal at both the visit and residence visa stages.
• Adverse medical test results. Residence visa applicants must undergo a blood test; a positive result for certain communicable diseases, including HIV, hepatitis, or tuberculosis, may result in detention and deportation without the right of appeal.
• Criminal record. A background of serious criminal convictions can lead to refusal. An official clean criminal record certificate is typically required, and any convictions not declared but subsequently uncovered during background screening will result in rejection.
• Visa overstay history. Travellers who exceed their visa duration are subject to fines; unused visas must also be cancelled within the designated period to avoid complications with future applications (as of 2024). A track record of immigration violations in the UAE is likely to affect subsequent applications adversely.
• Failure to cancel a prior UAE visa. Returning to the UAE while a previous visa remains uncancelled — for example, a former work visa — carries the risk of arrest. Always ensure that any earlier visas have been formally cancelled before applying for a new one.
• Inadequate proof of accommodation. Failing to provide evidence of a confirmed place to stay — whether a hotel booking or a tenancy contract — can result in refusal at both the visa application and border entry stages.

Where a visa is refused, applicants may in some cases reapply once the grounds for refusal have been remedied. There is no single universal appeals process applicable to all visa categories; the remedies available depend on the type of visa involved and the specific reason for the decision. Engaging a licensed UAE immigration lawyer or registered agent is strongly advisable following a refusal. For guidance tailored to your circumstances, contact the ICP or the nearest UAE embassy in your country of residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the UAE have a visa-free arrangement for any nationalities?

GCC nationals are not required to hold a visa when entering the UAE, and travellers from a number of other countries are eligible to receive a visa on arrival, while citizens of certain nationalities must apply in advance. The list of qualifying countries evolves over time, so always verify your nationality’s current status through the official UAE government portal or the nearest UAE embassy before travelling.

Can I work in the UAE on a tourist or visit visa?

Anyone who enters Dubai on a visit visa and wishes to take up employment must first obtain a probationary work permit from the Ministry of Labour, valid for up to three months. Performing paid work without this permit may result in a financial penalty, a prison sentence, and the risk of deportation. The correct work permit or residence visa should be arranged before commencing any employment.

What is the difference between the Golden Visa and the Green Visa?

The Golden Visa grants five- or ten-year renewable residency to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, and senior professionals, with comparatively higher investment or salary thresholds. The Green Visa is a five-year self-sponsored permit aimed at skilled workers and entrepreneurs seeking long-term stability without the need for company sponsorship, typically requiring lower eligibility thresholds. Both permits allow family sponsorship and neither requires a local employer to act as guarantor.

How much money do I need to qualify for a UAE Golden Visa?

Employment-route applicants must demonstrate a minimum basic monthly salary of AED 30,000 — excluding allowances — as of October 2025. Those applying via the real estate route must invest in property worth at least AED 2 million to qualify for a ten-year renewable visa. Investment fund and business routes similarly require a minimum of AED 2 million in qualifying capital. Refer to the ICP website for current thresholds.

Do I need health insurance to live in the UAE?

Yes. Health insurance is a compulsory requirement for all UAE residence visa holders. The policy must be issued by a UAE-approved insurance provider, must be active and valid at the time of application, and standard travel insurance is not accepted — applicants must hold dedicated long-term residency health insurance. In most emirates, employers are legally required to provide health cover for their sponsored employees.

Can I bring my parents to live with me in the UAE?

Golden Visa holders are permitted to sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and parents under one-year renewable residency arrangements. For holders of standard work visas, parental sponsorship is more constrained and may not be available under all categories. Rules governing parental sponsorship are subject to change, so confirm the current requirements directly with the ICP.

Is there a pathway to UAE citizenship for long-term residents?

A UAE resident may apply for citizenship on the basis of outstanding achievements, significant economic investment, or following 30 years of continuous residence through the country’s naturalisation programme. The UAE does not offer citizenship by investment as such; the Golden Visa is a renewable long-term residency permit and does not itself confer citizenship. The naturalisation pathway is exceptional in nature and applied on a highly selective, case-by-case basis.

What happens if I overstay my UAE visa?

Travellers who remain in the UAE beyond their permitted stay are subject to financial penalties (as of 2024). Fines accumulate daily and must be cleared before the individual can depart or re-enter the country. Repeated or significant overstays may result in a future entry ban. Overstay fines can be settled online through the ICP official website, and payment progress can be tracked through the same platform. Always confirm your visa status is in order both before departing and before returning to the UAE.