United Arab Emirates
General visa requirements for travelling to United Arab Emirates. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (Golden Visa (Long-Term Residence))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 3650 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- AED 4,600-10,250 (approx. $1,252-$2,790 USD)
- Validity
- 5-10 years, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The UAE Golden Visa is a 5- or 10-year renewable long-term residence visa. It is self-sponsored and not tied to an employer. Categories include: Investors (real estate worth AED 2M+ or bank deposit of AED 2M+ or business investment), Entrepreneurs, Skilled Professionals (with valid UAE employment contract, minimum salary, and specialized qualifications), Scientists and Researchers, Outstanding Students, and select Creative and Cultural professionals. Since 2026, the program also covers nurses with 15+ years in UAE healthcare, teachers with 10+ years in UAE schools, digital creators/influencers, professional gamers and e-sports professionals (age 25+), and yacht owners/maritime executives. Government fees range from AED 4,600 (bank deposit route) to AED 10,250 (property investors).
Eligibility
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Nationality
Available to all nationalities
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Financial
Investors: own property worth AED 2M+ or maintain a bank deposit of AED 2M+ or invest in a business. Skilled professionals: salary requirements vary by category
Minimum funds: AED 2,000,000 for investors
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Employment
Skilled professionals must have a valid UAE employment contract and specialized qualifications. Entrepreneurs must have a viable business project approved by an accredited UAE incubator
Required status: Investor, entrepreneur, or skilled professional
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Health
Must pass the UAE medical fitness test
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 4; Specifications: Recent colour passport-size photographs with white background
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Property title deed, bank deposit certificate, business licence, employment contract, or evidence of specialized qualifications; Minimum amount: Varies by category: AED 2,000,000 for investors (property or bank deposit)
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: UAE; Minimum coverage: Valid health insurance covering UAE
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via ICP or GDRFA portal; Amount: AED 4,600-10,250 depending on category
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Medical fitness
Provide a medical fitness certificate if the destination requires one for this route.
Destination country: UAE; Examining center: UAE-approved medical centre
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather passport copies, passport photos, proof of investment/qualification/employment (property deed, bank statements, employment contract, academic credentials), and health insurance
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Online application
Apply through ICP smart services portal, GDRFA Dubai, or the Creators HQ website (for content creators). Self-sponsored application
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Fee payment
Pay government fees of AED 4,600-10,250 depending on your category
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Processing wait
Wait 2-4 weeks for application review and approval
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Document submission
Upon arrival, complete medical fitness test at an approved centre
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Biometrics
Apply for Emirates ID at a typing centre with biometrics capture
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Visa collection
Receive 5- or 10-year Golden Visa residence stamp in passport
Work / Immigration visa (Employment Visa (Standard))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 5-10 business days
- Fee
- AED 500-1,000 (entry permit) + AED 3,500-6,000 (residency stamping and Emirates ID)
- Validity
- 2 years, renewable
- Entry
- Single entry
Standard employment visa for foreign nationals employed in the UAE private sector, government sector, or free zones. The employer acts as the visa sponsor and handles the application process. Valid for 2 years and renewable. The process involves obtaining an entry permit, arriving in the UAE, completing medical fitness tests, applying for Emirates ID, and receiving the residence visa stamp. Total costs including medical tests, Emirates ID, and health insurance typically range from AED 4,000-7,000.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to all nationalities
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Employment
Must have a valid employment offer from a UAE-licensed company. Employer must obtain a labour card/work permit from MOHRE before applying for the employment visa
Required status: Confirmed employment offer from UAE-licensed company
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Health
Must pass the UAE medical fitness test. Applicants testing positive for HIV, Hepatitis B/C, or tuberculosis may be denied
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 4; Specifications: Recent colour passport-size photographs with white background
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Paid by employer through GDRFA/ICP portal; Amount: AED 500-1,000 for entry permit; AED 3,500-6,000 for residence stamping and Emirates ID
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Medical fitness
Provide a medical fitness certificate if the destination requires one for this route.
Destination country: UAE; Examining center: DHA/MOHAP-approved medical centre
How to apply
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Document gathering
Employer obtains work permit from MOHRE. Gather passport copies (valid 6+ months), passport photos, educational certificates (attested), and employment contract
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Online application
Employer submits entry permit application through GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other emirates) portal
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Fee payment
Employer pays entry permit fee of AED 500-1,000 plus work permit fees
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Processing wait
Wait 5-10 business days for entry permit approval
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Visa collection
Receive entry permit via email. Enter the UAE within 60 days of issuance
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Document submission
Upon arrival, complete medical fitness test at an approved medical centre within 60 days
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Biometrics
Visit a typing centre to apply for Emirates ID and complete biometrics (fingerprints, photo, iris scan)
Work / Immigration visa (Green Visa (Self-Sponsored Work Residence))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1825 days
- Processing time
- 5-10 business days
- Fee
- AED 2,200-3,500 (approx. $599-$953 USD)
- Validity
- 5 years, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence visa for skilled workers, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and investors. Unlike the standard employment visa, it is not tied to an employer. Skilled workers must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 and hold at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Freelancers must hold a freelance/self-employment permit from MOHRE. Investors must have a valid commercial licence. Green visa holders may sponsor their spouse, children, and first-degree relatives.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Available to all nationalities
-
Employment
Skilled workers: minimum AED 15,000 monthly salary and bachelor's degree or equivalent. Freelancers: valid freelance/self-employment permit from MOHRE. Investors: valid UAE commercial licence
Required status: Skilled worker, freelancer, or investor
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Financial
Skilled workers must earn at least AED 15,000/month. Freelancers and investors must demonstrate sufficient income or business revenue
Minimum funds: AED 15,000/month for skilled workers
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Health
Must pass the UAE medical fitness test
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 4; Specifications: Recent colour passport-size photographs with white background
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Employment contract, salary certificate, freelance permit, or commercial licence; Minimum amount: AED 15,000 minimum monthly salary for skilled workers; or valid freelance permit; or commercial licence for investors
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: UAE; Minimum coverage: Valid health insurance covering UAE
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via ICP or GDRFA portal; Amount: AED 200 work visa fee + AED 10 Knowledge Dirham + AED 10 Innovation Dirham + AED 500 (if inside UAE) + additional processing fees
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Medical fitness
Provide a medical fitness certificate if the destination requires one for this route.
Destination country: UAE; Examining center: UAE-approved medical centre
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport copies, passport photos, educational certificates (attested), employment contract or freelance permit or commercial licence, salary certificate, and health insurance
-
Online application
Apply through ICP smart services portal or GDRFA Dubai. Self-sponsored application - no employer sponsor needed
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Fee payment
Pay visa fees online (approximately AED 2,200-3,500 total including all government fees)
-
Processing wait
Wait 5-10 business days for approval
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Document submission
Upon arrival or after approval, complete medical fitness test at approved centre
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Biometrics
Apply for Emirates ID at a typing centre with biometrics capture
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Visa collection
Receive 5-year Green Visa residence stamp in passport