UAE Visa Cost Calculator

Estimate costs for Tourist, Work, Green & Golden Visas

Last updated: May 2026

The Comprehensive Guide to UAE Visa Costs and Procedures (2026)

The United Arab Emirates operates one of the most advanced, fast, and highly digitized immigration systems in the world. Whether you are an HR manager budgeting for new hires, an investor applying for a Golden Visa, or a tourist navigating an extension, understanding the intricate breakdown of UAE visa costs is essential. Government fees, typing center margins, and medical requirements all compound to form the final price tag.

This 1,500+ word definitive guide explores the complete cost structure of the UAE immigration system in 2026. It details the exact breakdown of standard employment visas, tourist visas, and the coveted 10-year Golden Visa. It also explains the "Inside vs. Outside" country rules, mandatory medical fees, and provides step-by-step worked calculations for various immigration scenarios.

1. The Golden Visa: Costs and Requirements

Introduced to attract top talent and massive foreign investment, the 10-year Golden Visa is the most prestigious residency tier in the UAE. While the base government application fee appears relatively low, the true cost is much higher when accounting for medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, and administrative processing.

  • Base Government Fee: AED 2,800 to AED 3,800 depending on the specific category (Investor, Specialized Talent, Outstanding Student, etc.).
  • Medical Fitness Test (VIP): AED 800. VIP is highly recommended as it guarantees results in under 4 hours, expediting the application.
  • 10-Year Emirates ID: AED 1,000 (AED 100 per year) plus AED 70 typing and AED 40 ICP fees = AED 1,110.
  • Administrative / Typing Center Margins: Between AED 1,000 and AED 2,000 depending on the agency handling your paperwork.
  • The Total Real Cost: When all steps are combined, an individual should budget approximately AED 9,000 to AED 10,000 to complete the Golden Visa process.

2. Standard 2-Year Employment Visas

The standard private sector employment contract in the UAE comes with a 2-year residence visa. It is a critical tenet of UAE Labour Law that the employer must pay all visa-related expenses. It is strictly illegal to deduct visa costs from an employee's salary or ask them to reimburse the company.

Cost Breakdown for Employers

Employers must navigate fees paid to two separate entities: the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

  • MOHRE Work Permit (Labour Card): Costs vary based on the company's classification tier (Tier 1, 2, or 3) and the employee's skill level. Prices range from AED 250 to AED 3,450.
  • Entry Permit / Pink Visa: AED 500 to AED 1,100 depending on whether the employee is inside or outside the UAE.
  • Medical Test & Emirates ID: AED 320 for standard medical, plus AED 270 for a 2-year ID.
  • Residence Visa Stamping: Approximately AED 500.
  • Total Corporate Cost: Typically between AED 6,000 and AED 8,000 per employee.

3. Tourist and Transit Visas

The UAE offers incredible flexibility for short-term visitors, ranging from 48-hour transit visas up to 60-day multi-entry tourist visas.

  • 48-Hour Transit Visa: Free of charge (only AED 50 admin fee applies). Must be processed before arrival via a UAE-based airline.
  • 96-Hour Transit Visa: Approximately AED 200.
  • 30-Day Single Entry: AED 350 to AED 450 depending on the travel agency margin.
  • 60-Day Single Entry: AED 600 to AED 750.

4. Worked Calculation Examples: Visa Cost Scenarios

Visa pricing drastically changes based on where the applicant is located when applying. Here are two detailed worked examples demonstrating how total costs are calculated.

Worked Example 1: 30-Day Tourist Visa Extension (Inside UAE)

Scenario: Jane is currently in Dubai on a 30-day tourist visa. Her visa is expiring tomorrow. She does not want to fly out of the country, so she opts to extend her visa from inside the UAE (a process known as 'Change Status' or A2A).

  • Step 1: Identify base visa cost (30 Days): AED 350
  • Step 2: Add the "Inside Country" status change fee: AED 650
  • Step 3: Add typing center processing and VAT: AED 150
  • Step 4: Final Calculation: AED 350 + AED 650 + AED 150 = AED 1,150

Result: AED 1,150

Worked Example 2: Sponsoring a Dependent (Wife/Child)

Scenario: Michael earns AED 20,000/month and wants to sponsor his wife on a 2-year dependent visa. His wife is currently residing outside the UAE.

  • Step 1: File opening fee (paid once per sponsor): AED 260
  • Step 2: Entry Permit (Outside UAE): AED 500
  • Step 3: Medical Fitness Test (Standard): AED 320
  • Step 4: 2-Year Emirates ID: AED 270
  • Step 5: Residence Visa Stamping: AED 500
  • Step 6: Final Calculation: AED 260 + AED 500 + AED 320 + AED 270 + AED 500 = AED 1,850

Result: AED 1,850

5. The "Inside vs. Outside" Country Rule

A critical factor that dictates visa pricing is whether the applicant is physically inside the UAE when the application is processed.

  • Outside UAE: If you are applying for a work permit or tourist visa while physically in your home country, you pay the standard entry permit fee (approx. AED 500). Once issued, you have 60 days to fly into the UAE to complete the medical and stamping.
  • Inside UAE (Change Status): If you enter on a tourist visa, find a job, and want to transition to an employment visa without flying back home, you must pay an additional "Status Change" fee. This fee ranges from AED 650 to AED 850. It acts as a premium for the convenience of not exiting the country.

6. Overstaying Fines and Penalties

The UAE immigration system has zero tolerance for overstaying past your visa validity or grace period. As of the recent ICP updates, the fine structure has been unified across all visa types (tourist, residence, and golden visas).

  • The Standard Fine: AED 50 per day for every day overstayed.
  • Exit Permit Fee: If you overstay and are finally leaving the country, you must pay an exit permit fee (ranging from AED 250 to AED 350) at the airport or immigration center before you can pass through passport control.
  • Absconding: If an employer reports an employee as absconding, the employee will face massive fines and an immediate travel ban/deportation.

Official Legal References

Visa regulations and pricing structures are dynamic. To verify the most current 2026 data, or to apply officially without paying unnecessary typing center margins, utilize the following government portals:

Disclaimer: This calculator provides purely estimates based on market averages. Official government fees are subject to change. Medical and typing fees vary by provider. Always consult with an official PRO or typing center for exact quotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

A 30-day single-entry tourist visa typically costs around AED 350 - 450 depending on the provider. If applying from inside the UAE (status change), costs are higher (approx. AED 1,400 - 1,600).
The total cost for a 2-year employment visa is approximately AED 6,000 - 7,000. This includes MOHRE fees, immigration fees, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and health insurance. These costs are usually borne by the employer.
The government fees for a 10-Year Golden Visa are approximately AED 2,800 - 3,800. However, inclusive of medical, ID, and administrative services, the total package often ranges from AED 9,000 to AED 10,000.
Yes, you can change your visa status (e.g., from tourist to employment or extending a tourist visa) inside the country without exiting. This normally incurs an additional "Inside Country" or "Status Change" fee of approximately AED 1,100 - 1,500.