The UAE has around 20 distinct visa categories and the government site doesn't list them all in one place. Here's every visa type relevant to tourists and short-term residents, with 2026 prices and realistic processing times.
Tourist visas
14-day single entry: AED 350 government + AED 200 typical agent fee. Processing: 3–4 working days. 30-day single entry: AED 500 + AED 200 agent. Processing: 3–4 working days. 30-day multiple entry: AED 950 + AED 200 agent. Processing: 3–4 working days. 60-day single entry: AED 950 + AED 200 agent. Processing: 3–4 working days. 5-year multi-entry: AED 1,850 + AED 300 agent. Processing: 5–7 working days. Extension of any tourist visa: AED 600 online via ICP Smart Services. Processing: 24 hours.
On-arrival visas
Free 30-day (77 free-tier countries incl. US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia): AED 0. Immediate. 14-day paid on-arrival (Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi/Filipino/Nepali with US visa or UK/EU residence): AED 100. Immediate. Extension of on-arrival visa: same AED 600 online process. GCC nationals: free entry, up to 180 days per year. Immediate.
Transit visas
48-hour transit (sponsored by airline): AED 0. Processing: 3–4 working days via airline. 96-hour transit (sponsored by airline): AED 50 government + AED 15 processing + airline markup (typically AED 100–200 total). Processing: 3–4 working days via airline. Neither transit visa can be extended.
Work and residence visas
Standard employment visa (sponsored by UAE employer): AED 300 entry permit + AED 320 medical + AED 370 Emirates ID + visa stamping AED 300–1,000 depending on validity. Processing: 4–6 weeks. Employer pays for expat employees by law. Freelance permit + visa: AED 7,500–20,000 depending on free zone and category. Processing: 2–4 weeks. Investor visa: AED 2,800–4,000 total government fees, plus qualifying investment (AED 750,000+ property or AED 500,000 company). Processing: 2–3 weeks.
Special long-term visas
Golden Visa (5 or 10 year): AED 2,800–4,000 total government fees. Processing: 2–4 weeks talent/student routes, 4–8 weeks property route. Virtual Working Programme (1-year remote work): USD 611 total. Processing: 2–5 weeks. Green Visa (5-year self-sponsorship for skilled workers): AED 2,800 + income proof. Processing: 4–6 weeks. Retirement Visa (5-year, age 55+, AED 20K/month income OR AED 1M property): AED 2,800. Processing: 3–4 weeks.
Dependent and family visas
Spouse visa (sponsored by UAE resident earning AED 4,000+/month): AED 400 permit + AED 500–1,000 stamping + medical + Emirates ID. Processing: 2–3 weeks. Child visa (under 18, or under 21 if student): AED 300 permit + AED 500 stamping + Emirates ID. Processing: 2 weeks. Parent visa (income requirement AED 20,000+/month for sponsor): AED 500 + AED 2,000 refundable deposit + full package. Processing: 3–4 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the cheapest Dubai visa in 2026?+
The 14-day single-entry tourist visa at AED 350 (government fee), or AED 100 for the 14-day on-arrival visa if you qualify (Indians/Pakistanis with US/UK/EU secondary documents).
How long does a Dubai tourist visa take to process?+
3–4 working days for standard 14-day and 30-day visas. 5–7 days for the 5-year multi-entry. Express (24 hours) available for AED 100–200 extra.
How much does the Dubai Golden Visa cost?+
AED 2,800–4,000 in total government fees. The qualifying investment (AED 2M+ property, or specialised talent nomination) is separate.
What's the total cost of a Dubai work visa in 2026?+
About AED 1,300–2,000 in government fees (entry permit + medical + Emirates ID + stamping). By UAE law, the employer pays for expat employees.
Are Dubai visa fees refundable if rejected?+
Government fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome. Some agents refund their service fee (AED 200) on rejection — confirm before applying.
How much is a Dubai visa extension in 2026?+
AED 600 per 30-day extension, paid online via the ICP Smart Services app. Two extensions allowed per entry (total 90 days).
What's the fee for the Dubai digital nomad visa?+
USD 611 total (about AED 2,245), covering application + medical + Emirates ID. Health insurance is mandatory and adds USD 200–800/year.
