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UAE Free Zone Visa Cost 2026: Complete Guide to Fees & Timelines

Quick answer: UAE free zone visa costs typically range from AED 1,500 to AED 4,500 per visa, depending on the free zone, visa type and applicant category. Packages including 1–3 visas are standard with most business licences. Total first-year visa costs — including medical, Emirates ID and government fees — generally fall between AED 3,000 and AED 6,000 per person.

UAE Free Zone Visa Cost Overview (2026)

Every UAE free zone licence entitles the holder to a certain number of investor or employee residence visas. The number and cost vary by free zone and selected package. Costs below reflect 2026 government fee schedules plus typical free zone service charges.

Free ZoneInvestor Visa (AED)Employee Visa (AED)Visa Quota (Entry)
IFZA (Dubai)3,200–4,0002,800–3,8000–6 (package-dependent)
SHAMS (Sharjah)2,500–3,8002,200–3,5000–6
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah)2,800–4,2002,600–4,0000–3 (flex desk) / up to 6
MEYDAN (Dubai)3,500–4,5003,000–4,2000–3
DMCC (Dubai)4,000–5,5003,500–5,000Based on office size
SPC Free Zone (Sharjah)2,400–3,6002,200–3,4000–3
SRTIP (Sharjah)2,200–3,5002,000–3,2000–3
AJMAN Free Zone1,800–3,0001,600–2,8000–3

Costs are approximate ranges and include standard government fees. Always verify current fees directly with the free zone authority before committing.

What Is Included in a UAE Free Zone Visa Cost?

A UAE residence visa involves several sequential fees. The combined cost covers:

  • Entry permit (inside or outside UAE): AED 350–750 depending on processing type
  • Status adjustment / change of status: AED 250–500 (if applicant is in UAE)
  • Medical fitness test: AED 300–500 (government-approved centre)
  • Emirates ID application: AED 370 (2-year validity) to AED 570 (10-year for some categories)
  • Visa stamping: AED 200–400
  • Free zone service charge: AED 300–1,500 (varies by zone)

When a free zone quotes “visa included” in a package, check which components are covered — some quotes exclude medical, Emirates ID or government fees and charge them separately.

Visa Quota and Office Type

The number of visas a free zone licence entitles you to depends on office type:

  • Zero/flexi-desk: typically 0–3 visas
  • Shared/hot-desk: typically 2–5 visas
  • Dedicated desk or office: typically 3–10 visas, sometimes more

If your business requires more than 3 visas without a physical office, confirm the zone’s policies before applying — not all free zones permit high visa quotas on virtual packages.

Renewal Cost (2-Year Visa)

UAE residence visas are issued with 2-year or 3-year validity (the default in most free zones is 2 years, though 5-year golden visas apply to qualifying investors). Renewal costs are similar to initial issuance — plan for AED 2,500–4,500 per visa per renewal cycle, plus medical and Emirates ID renewal where applicable.

Dependent and Family Visas

Free zone licence holders can sponsor dependents (spouse, children and, in some cases, parents). Dependent visa costs are similar to investor visas. Minimum salary requirements apply for sponsoring dependents — most authorities require a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000–6,000 to sponsor a spouse.

Timeframes

  • Entry permit: 3–7 working days (standard), 1–3 days (express)
  • Medical + Emirates ID: 5–10 working days
  • Visa stamping: 2–5 working days
  • Total process: typically 3–5 weeks from entry permit to stamped visa

Factors That Affect Visa Cost

  • Free zone authority: each authority has its own fee schedule and service charges
  • Visa type: investor, employee, partner or dependent (rates differ)
  • Processing speed: express vs standard processing carries a premium
  • Number of visas: some zones offer volume pricing on multi-visa packages
  • Office type: a larger office allocation typically includes more visa quota at lower per-visa cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a UAE visa through a free zone without renting a physical office?

Yes — most free zones allow at least 1–3 investor visas on a virtual/flexi-desk package. The number depends on the zone and package tier. For larger visa quotas, a dedicated desk or office is generally required.

Is a UAE free zone visa the same as a residence permit?

Yes — a UAE residence visa (issued through a free zone employer) grants the right to live and work in the UAE. It must be sponsored by a UAE entity — in this case, your free zone company acts as the sponsor.

What is the minimum salary to sponsor a dependent visa?

The general minimum is AED 4,000 per month to sponsor a spouse, though some authorities set it at AED 5,000 or AED 6,000. Requirements can change — confirm directly with the relevant free zone or GDRFA.

Can I renew my free zone visa if I change packages?

Generally yes, but you should confirm with the free zone authority before downgrading a package during a visa renewal period. Visa entitlement is tied to your active licence and office package.

Are UAE free zone visa costs tax-deductible for the business?

Visa costs are a business expense and may be deductible for Corporate Tax purposes if incurred wholly for business operations. Consult a UAE-registered tax adviser for guidance specific to your activity and Qualifying Free Zone status.

Important Caveats

  • All cost figures are indicative ranges based on 2026 government fee schedules and typical free zone service fees. They may not reflect every free zone or all cost components.
  • Immigration fees are set by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) and are subject to change.
  • Always request an itemised cost breakdown from the free zone authority or a registered business setup consultant before committing.

Content reviewed: June 2026. UAE immigration fees are periodically revised. Verify current rates with the relevant free zone authority or the ICP.

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