How to use this calculator
- Select your visa type — employment (2 years), family per dependent (2 years), freelance/green (5 years) or golden visa (10 years).
- Enter the number of people covered by the visa.
- Hit "Estimate cost" to see an itemised breakdown — issuance, medical, Emirates ID — per person and in total.
- Confirm the final fees on the ICP or GDRFA portal before paying: estimates are indicative and vary by emirate.
What makes up UAE visa fees
Key facts (indicative 2026 estimates)
- Employment residence visa (2 years): ≈ AED 1,100 per person.
- Family residence visa (2 years): ≈ AED 1,450 per dependent.
- Freelance / Green visa (5 years): ≈ AED 2,400.
- Golden visa (10 years): ≈ AED 4,500.
- Visa issuance / stamping — the residence permit itself
- Medical fitness test — required for adults (18+); standard vs VIP tiers
- Emirates ID — priced per year of visa validity
- Entry permit — for family visas, per dependent
- Health insurance — mandatory in Dubai/Abu Dhabi; cost varies widely by plan (not included above)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting health insurance. Our indicative totals exclude mandatory health insurance, which can cost more than the visa itself depending on the plan. Budget for it separately — it is compulsory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Mixing up emirate portals. Dubai visas go through GDRFA; all other emirates use ICP. Applying on the wrong portal wastes days. Confirm which authority covers your sponsor's emirate before paying anything.
- Underestimating per-dependent costs. Family visas are priced per person — entry permit, medical (adults), Emirates ID and issuance multiply with each child and spouse. Two children do not cost "a bit more"; they roughly triple the bill.
- Ignoring Emirates ID validity pricing. Emirates ID fees scale with visa duration — a 5-year green visa carries a higher ID cost than a 2-year employment visa. Compare total cost per year, not sticker price.
- Letting medical results expire. Medical fitness results have a limited validity window. Delays between the medical test and visa stamping can force a costly re-test.
- Trusting outdated fee lists. Visa fees change — always verify the final amount on the ICP or GDRFA portal before paying. Our figures are indicative 2026 estimates, not quotes.
Pro tips
- Bundle family applications. Processing the whole family together at one typing centre or through one PRO saves repeated trips and service charges versus filing separately.
- Choose the right medical tier. Standard medical fitness testing is enough for most residence visas — VIP/express tiers cost more and only buy speed. Pay for speed only when your entry permit is expiring.
- Time renewals early. Start renewal 1–2 months before expiry. Overstay fines accrue daily and dwarf any "savings" from delaying — and an expired visa blocks Emirates ID renewal, bank transactions and travel.
- Check golden visa eligibility before assuming the price. The 10-year golden visa has specific routes (AED 2M+ property, AED 30k+/month salary, recognised talent). Read our golden visa guide to see if you qualify before budgeting AED 4,500.
- Freelancers: compare permit vs green visa. A freelance permit (≈AED 7,500/year plus setup costs of AED 12k–20k in year one) and the 5-year green visa (≈AED 2,400 issuance) suit different situations — see the freelance visa cost breakdown.
- Keep digital copies of everything. Passport, entry permit, medical receipt, Emirates ID application — one PDF folder per family member avoids re-printing fees at typing centres.
Second worked example: sponsoring a family of four
Per dependent: issuance ≈ 500 + medical ≈ 400 (adults) + Emirates ID ≈ 200 + entry permit ≈ 350
Spouse (adult): ≈ AED 1,450
Two children (no medical test under 18): ≈ AED 1,050 each
Family total ≈ AED 3,550 — before mandatory health insurance, which you must add separately per person.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a UAE residence visa cost?
A standard 2-year employment visa costs roughly AED 1,000–1,500 all-in (issuance + medical + Emirates ID).
How much is a family visa per dependent?
Roughly AED 1,000–1,500 per dependent for 2 years, including entry permit, residence, medical (adults) and Emirates ID.
Is health insurance included?
No — it's mandatory but priced separately by insurer and plan. Budget AED 700–3,000+/year per person depending on coverage.
Do children need a medical test?
No — the medical fitness test applies to adults (18 and above) only.
What are the fines for overstaying a UAE visa?
Daily fines accrue from the day after your grace period ends, plus processing costs for your exit permit. Start your renewal or status change well before expiry — and check the current fine schedule on the ICP portal, as it is updated periodically.
How do I check my visa status online?
Use the ICP website or app (with UAE Pass login) and your passport or file number. If your visa was issued in Dubai, you can also use the GDRFA portal — both show validity, expiry and overstay status.
What salary do I need to sponsor my family's visas?
You must meet a minimum monthly salary threshold set by the federal authorities and provide suitable accommodation for your family. The threshold is updated periodically, so confirm the current figure on the ICP or GDRFA portals before applying.
Can I renew or change my visa without leaving the UAE?
In most cases, yes — residence and visit-visa holders can usually do an in-country status change through a typing centre or the ICP without a visa run. Rules depend on visa type, so confirm before your current visa expires.
How long does UAE visa processing take?
Employment and family residence visas typically take 5–15 working days end to end when documents are complete — entry permit, medical, Emirates ID biometrics and stamping. Express medical tiers and complete applications shorten this; document errors are the main cause of delays.
Can I work in the UAE while my residence visa is being processed?
You can work once your work permit/entry permit is issued and the employer has started the residence process — many people start on an entry permit while stamping completes. Working with no permit at all is illegal and penalised.
What happens if my visa application is rejected?
Common reasons include failed medical tests, incomplete documents or security holds. Government fees already paid are generally non-refundable, so verify eligibility and document requirements on the ICP/GDRFA portal before applying — re-applying doubles your cost.
Do I need to cancel my visa if I change jobs?
Yes — your current sponsor must cancel your residence visa (and work permit) before the new employer can issue theirs. The cancellation itself is quick, but coordinate timing so you are never without valid status, and settle any employment dues first.