Your essential guide to getting a visa for the UAE in 2025

Moving to the UAE is an exciting experience, but one of the first and often most stressful tasks is securing a visa. It's non-negotiable if you’re planning a move to the UAE. I wouldn’t even recommend booking your flights until you've secured visas for yourself and your family. Having a UAE residence visa is ground zero for making the move to the country.

Whether you're relocating for work, starting a business, or exploring life as a digital nomad, one of the most important steps is securing the right UAE visa.

This guide covers the most common visa types, application steps, costs, renewal timelines, family sponsorship rules, and information about visa overstays and visa runs.

• Types of UAE visas
• Where and how to apply for your visa
• Visa costs
• Visa renewals
• How family sponsorship works
• Sponsoring domestic workers
• Visa renewal and overstaying penalties
• What you need to know about ‘the visa run’
• FAQs about UAE visas

Types of UAE visas

The UAE offers plenty of visa options, each tailored to different needs. The most common types include:

Employment Visa

• Ideal for employees hired by UAE-based companies.

• You’re eligible if a company sponsors you. You must have a valid job offer.

• Valid for 2 or 3 years, depending on contract and the emirate you’re based in.

Investor/Partner Visa

• Ideal for entrepreneurs or company shareholders.

• Eligibility is determined by proof of business ownership or significant shareholding.

• Valid typically for 3 years.

Freelance Visa

• Ideal for self-employed professionals in media, tech, design, and education.

• Eligibility is determined by submitting a portfolio of work, credentials, and a freelance licence from a free zone (46 free zones across the UAE).

• Valid for 1 to 2 years.

Family Sponsorship Visa

• Ideal for residents wishing to bring their dependents to the UAE.

• Eligibility requires a minimum salary of AED4,000, or AED3,000 with housing provided. Marriage and birth certificates are also required.

• Valid for 1 to 3 years.

Golden Visa

• Ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, and scientists.

• Eligibility is based on factors such as your asset value, patent ownership, university ranking, investment amount, or recognition as a skilled professional contributing significantly to the UAE.

• Valid for 10 years.

Green Visa

• Ideal for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors.

• To be eligible, you'll need a minimum salary of AED15,000 for skilled workers. Educational and professional proof is also required.

• Valid for 5 years.

Tourist Visa

• Ideal for short-term visits for leisure.

• To be eligible, you must meet nationality requirements and be sponsored by an airline, travel agent, or hotel.

• Valid for 30 to 60 days, and is extendable.

Student Visa

• Ideal for university or school students.

• You'll need a letter of admission or enrollment from UAE institution to be eligible.

• Valid for 1 year, and can be renewable annually.

Digital Nomad Visa

• Ideal for remote workers employed outside the UAE.

• To be eligible, you'll need proof of employment and a minimum income of USD 3,500 per month.

• Valid for 1 year, and is renewable.

Where and how to apply for your visa

If you have accepted a job in the UAE, part of your employee agreement should be visa sponsorship for yourself. In some cases, this covers your immediate family as well. A sponsored visa means the visa cost is covered, and the company will also ensure a lot of the admin work is completed before you enter, making your move smoother with less stress.

Who can process my visa application?

• Employer sponsorships for work-related visas.

• UAE government portals such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).

• Free zone authorities for freelancers and investors.

• Airlines and travel agencies for tourist visas.

Step-by-step visa application process

1. Determine the visa type you'd like to apply for, based on your purpose for moving to the UAE. For example, work, family, investment.

2. Gather the required documents, such as passport, passport photos, job/investment offer, tenancy contract, bank statements, etc.

3. Submit your application through your employer, free zone authority, or ICP/GDRFA portal.

4. Complete a 'Medical Fitness Test', which is equired for all residence visa applicants over 18.

5. Get your Emirates ID Biometrics—your fingerprinting and photo capture for residency.

6. Once approved, you will be issued your Emirates ID as the UAE no longer adds a formal “stamp” or “sticker" into your passport.

Visa costs

The cost of a UAE visa varies depending on the type and duration. Below is an estimated breakdown.

Note: These are estimated and may vary based on processing fees and additional requirements.

Visa renewals

Most UAE visas require renewal before expiry to avoid fines. The renewal processes often involve similar steps as the initial application, including medical tests, Emirates ID renewals, and submission of required documents. Depending on where in the UAE your visa is issued, the renewal will take less than a month, including the period to do your medical exam.

Your medical tests are typically, an x-ray and blood work for Tuberculosis as well as HIV-AIDs, hepatitis, and a spectrum of other communicable diseases. A pregnancy test can be included at an extra cost, but is most definitely not included unless requested by you.

How family sponsorship works

Residents earning a minimum salary (varies depending on your own visa type) can sponsor family members, including spouses and children. The sponsor must provide proof of income, accommodation, and relationship documentation such as birth and marriage certificates.

UAE residents can sponsor their immediate family members based on the following.

Eligibility

• To sponsor a family member you require a minimum monthly salary of AED4,000 or AED3,000, plus accommodation.
• You must have a valid UAE residency visa.
• Proof of relationship (attested marriage/birth certificates).
• Proof of accommodation and insurance.

Age limit for children

• Sons can be sponsored up to age 25 if unmarried.
• Daughters can be sponsored regardless of age if unmarried.
• Children with disabilities can be sponsored regardless of age.

Parents

Residents can also sponsor parents with proof of sole support and a salary over AED20,000. There may however be additional deposits required.

Renewals

Family visas are typically valid for 1 to 3 years and must be renewed before expiry.

Sponsoring domestic workers

Should you wish to or want to, UAE residents can sponsor domestic staff such as nannies, housekeepers, drivers, and cooks.

Eligibility

• Your sponsor must earn a minimum monthly salary, typically more than AED25,000.
• You are required to be married and living with family.

Required documents

1. Copy of sponsor’s passport and visa.
2. Labour contract, tenancy contract, salary certificate.
3. Passport and photos of domestic worker.

Costs

The initial processing will cost you approximately AED6,000 – 7,000, and your annual renewal will be similar. You'll also need to pay extra for your medical, Emirates ID, and health insurance.

Visa renewal and overstaying penalties

Renewals follow the same steps as the original application and must be initiated before the visa expires. Late renewals may incur fines.

Daily fines for overstaying a visa in the UAE

• Tourist visas: AED 50 per day.

• Residence visas: AED 25–50 per day after a 30-day grace period.

• Additional fees may apply for exit permits and overstay clearance.

What you need to know about ‘the visa run’

What is a visa run?

A visa run involves temporarily exiting the UAE to places like Oman or Bahrain. This process allows you to reset your visa and apply for a new one.

Can you still do visa runs in 2025?

Policies have tightened. Some nationalities can still re-enter, but others face stricter re-entry restrictions, such as staying out of the UAE for up to 90 days.

Alternatives to visa runs

• In the event of country status change, you'll need to go via the ICP portal.

• Tourist visa extensions are possible to do from within the UAE.

Insider tip:

Always check with Emirates Airlines or an official PRO before planning a visa run. Emirates Airlines are also a great resource to use when you’re looking for any additional information as the visa process is ever changing and you will find that the airline has the most up to date rules and regulations for visas.

Navigating the UAE visa system can be complex, but understanding the types, costs, and renewal processes makes it easier. Consulting a PRO or checking government portals ensures a smooth application process. I’d also highly recommend calling Emirates Airlines to ask specific questions relating to your tourist visas and sponsoring family as they will often have the most up-to-date information.

FAQs about UAE visa

Questions on Facebook groups and among friends are always being thrown around, so here is a convenient one stop shop for any pressing questions around UAE visa that need to be answered:

Q: Can I switch from a tourist visa to a residence visa without exiting the UAE?

A: Yes, you can apply for a status change through the ICP portal or via a PRO.

Q: How long does the employment visa process take?

A: Typically 7 to 14 working days after documents have been submitted.

Q: Can women sponsor their families in the UAE?

A: Yes, if they meet the salary threshold and profession requirements set by the immigration department. They are eligible to sponsor their spouse and/or children.

Q: What happens if my visa expires and I don’t renew it?

A: You will be fined daily and must pay for an exit permit.

Q: Can I sponsor my sibling or extended family?

A: No, only immediate family such as spouses, children, or parents are eligible under sponsorship regulations.

Q: Can I sponsor my family if I am on a Golden Visa?

A: Yes, if you are eligible for, or have a Golden Visa you are able to extend the Golden Visa to your immediate family – their visas will also be valid for 10 years.