UAE Visa Fees (2025): Complete Guide + Free Calculator
All the cost components that make up UAE visa fees — entry permit, status change (inside/outside UAE), Emirates ID, medical test, visa issuance/stamping and insurance — plus a free calculator to estimate your total cost accurately.
Updated: Oct 27, 2025 · 10 min read · By ADAD Team
Quick summary
- The calculator handles the math: Our UAE Visa Fees Calculator combines all typical cost components for a fast, realistic estimate.
- Exact fees vary by emirate and case: Inside/outside status, visa type and validity, Emirates ID years, and medical category influence totals.
- Government fees change: Always check the latest rates or use our calculator which we keep updated.
Common visa cases
- Family residence visa (sponsor spouse/children/parents)
- Employment residence visa (company‑sponsored)
- Dependent visa renewal (change Emirates ID validity)
- Visit/tourist visa (short‑term stay)
Document requirements, minimum salary, tenancy and attestations vary. Always confirm your case with official portals.
Visa fee components (typical)
1) Entry permit / issuance
Initial approval to enter or to begin the residence process (if already inside UAE via status change).
2) Status change (inside vs outside)
Inside‑country status change avoids exit/entry trips but has a fee; outside entry involves separate costs (airfare/visa on arrival if applicable).
3) Emirates ID (1–3 years)
Identity card fee depends on the number of years issued (matching your visa validity in most cases).
4) Medical test
Standard or fast‑track medical categories; pricing differs by emirate and service level.
5) Visa stamping/issuance
Residence sticker/eVisa issuance fee; some emirates issue purely eVisas now.
6) Insurance (where required)
Mandatory health insurance in some emirates (e.g., Dubai/Abu Dhabi) varies by age/coverage tier.
Step‑by‑step: Estimate your visa cost
- Choose your case: New visa or renewal; inside vs outside status; visa validity (1/2/3 years).
- Select Emirates ID years: Usually matches visa years.
- Pick medical category: Standard vs fast‑track where available.
- Add insurance (if required): Choose an indicative plan cost range.
- Use the calculator: Go to the Visa Fees Calculator for an instant itemized estimate.
Tips to avoid surprises
Many people underestimate the total cost of UAE visas because they only look at government fees. Here are practical tips from our experience helping thousands of UAE residents:
- Verify sponsor eligibility first: Before paying any fees, confirm you meet the salary requirement (AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation). Get your salary certificate and tenancy contract ready. Missing documents can delay the process by weeks.
- Budget for typing center charges: Government fees are only part of the cost. Typing centers charge AED 50-200 per application for form filling and submission. Some people handle this themselves through ICA or GDRFA apps, but most prefer typing centers for convenience.
- Compare inside vs outside status change: Inside country status change costs around AED 570-650 but saves you flight costs. If you need to travel anyway, outside entry might be cheaper overall. Calculate both options before deciding.
- Get document attestation done early: Marriage and birth certificates need attestation from your home country's UAE embassy, then MOFA in UAE. This can take 2-4 weeks and costs AED 150-300 per document. Start this process before anything else.
- Choose the right medical center: Standard medical tests cost AED 320-380. VIP/fast-track options cost AED 500-700 but give results in hours instead of days. During busy periods, the time savings can be worth it.
- Don't forget insurance: Dubai and Abu Dhabi require health insurance for all residents. Basic plans start at AED 600-700 annually, but for elderly parents or comprehensive coverage, expect AED 2,000-8,000+ per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UAE family visa cost in total?
A family residence visa typically costs between AED 3,000 and AED 4,500 per person, depending on the emirate and processing speed. This includes the entry permit (AED 500-600), Emirates ID (AED 370-390), medical test (AED 320-500), visa stamping (AED 500-600), and mandatory health insurance (AED 600-1,200 annually). Dubai and Abu Dhabi tend to be slightly more expensive due to mandatory insurance requirements.
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family in UAE?
The minimum salary requirement to sponsor family members in the UAE is AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 per month if your employer provides accommodation. You will also need a valid tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai) showing adequate housing for your family size. Some free zones have different requirements, so check with your specific jurisdiction.
What is the difference between inside and outside country status change?
Inside country status change allows you to convert your current visa (e.g., visit visa) to a residence visa without leaving the UAE. This costs around AED 570-650 but saves you flight costs and travel time. Outside country entry means you exit the UAE and re-enter on a new entry permit, which is sometimes cheaper in government fees but requires travel expenses. Many people prefer inside status change for convenience.
How long does the UAE visa process take?
The standard visa process takes 5-10 working days from start to finish. This includes: entry permit approval (1-3 days), medical test (1 day, results in 2-3 days), Emirates ID biometrics (same day), and visa stamping (1-2 days). Fast-track or VIP services can reduce this to 2-3 days but cost significantly more. During peak seasons like back-to-school or year-end, expect longer processing times.
What documents do I need for a UAE family visa?
For sponsoring family members, you typically need: sponsor's passport and visa copy, sponsor's Emirates ID, salary certificate from employer (not older than 30 days), tenancy contract (Ejari), attested marriage certificate (for spouse), attested birth certificates (for children), passport copies of family members, and passport-size photos. All foreign documents must be attested by the UAE embassy in the issuing country and then by MOFA in the UAE.
What is the overstay fine in UAE?
The UAE overstay fine is AED 50 per day after the grace period expires. Visit visa holders get a 10-day grace period after visa expiry, while residence visa holders get 30 days. After 6 months of overstay, you may face additional penalties and potential entry bans. If you are unable to pay fines, you can apply for amnesty programs when available or contact your embassy for assistance.
Can I sponsor my parents on a UAE visa?
Yes, you can sponsor parents if you meet the requirements: minimum salary of AED 20,000 per month (or AED 19,000 + accommodation), a two-bedroom apartment or larger, and health insurance for your parents. Parent visas are typically issued for 1 year and renewable. The cost is similar to spouse visas but insurance premiums are higher for elderly parents (AED 3,000-8,000+ annually depending on age and coverage).
What is the Golden Visa and how much does it cost?
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence visa for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, researchers, and outstanding students. The visa itself costs around AED 2,800-3,500 including all fees. To qualify, you typically need: property investment of AED 2 million+, or salary of AED 30,000+/month in specialized fields, or outstanding academic achievement. Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members and don't need a local employer.