- Investor/Partner Visa: AED 3,500–8,000 all-in, valid 2–3 years
- UAE Golden Visa: AED 3,800–12,000, valid 10 years, no sponsor needed
- Employee Visa: AED 2,500–4,500, sponsored by your company
- Dependent Visa (spouse/children): AED 2,000–4,000 per person
- All visa holders need Emirates ID (AED 370) and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Golden Visa requires AED 2M property or AED 750K business investment
This guide covers every UAE residence visa type relevant to free zone company owners, employees, and investors — with exact AED costs, processing times, and eligibility requirements. Updated August 2026.
UAE Visa Types Comparison Table
| Visa Type | Total Cost (AED) | Validity | Eligibility | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investor / Partner Visa | 3,500–8,000 | 2–3 years | Free zone or mainland company owner | 2–4 weeks |
| Employee Residence Visa | 2,500–4,500 | 2–3 years | Employed by UAE-licensed company | 2–4 weeks |
| UAE Golden Visa (10-year) | 3,800–12,000 | 10 years | AED 2M+ property, AED 750K+ investment, talent, or PhD | 4–8 weeks |
| Freelance Permit Visa | 5,500–10,000 | 1–2 years | Freelance permit from approved free zone | 2–4 weeks |
| Dependent Visa (spouse) | 2,000–3,500 | Same as sponsor | Sponsor earns AED 4,000+/month or AED 3,000+ with accommodation | 2–3 weeks |
| Dependent Visa (child) | 1,500–3,000 | Same as sponsor | Under 18 (sons), any age unmarried daughters | 2–3 weeks |
| Dependent Visa (parents) | 2,500–4,500 | 1 year, renewable | Sponsor income AED 20,000+/month | 2–3 weeks |
| Long-Term Visit Visa (5-year) | 2,000–4,000 | 5 years (multi-entry) | AED 1M+ property or qualifying family member | 2–3 weeks |
Investor Visa Cost Breakdown (Free Zone)
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Permit | 500–1,500 | Issued by free zone / ICA; allows entry to UAE |
| Medical Fitness Test | 300–500 | Chest X-ray + blood test at approved health centre |
| Emirates ID | 370 | Fixed government fee; biometrics at ICA typing centre |
| Visa Stamping (residence) | 200–500 | Stamped in passport; ICA fee |
| Establishment Card (one-time) | 300 | Needed before any visa applications from your company |
| PRO / Typing Centre Fees | 150–400 | Form submissions and data entry at ICA-approved typing centres |
| TOTAL | 1,820–3,570 (first visa) 3,500–8,000 incl. agent fees | DIY vs full-service agent |
UAE Golden Visa: Who Qualifies in 2026?
The UAE Golden Visa grants a 10-year self-sponsored residence visa. Main qualifying routes:
- Property investor: Own AED 2M+ UAE property (completed, not off-plan). Mortgaged property qualifies if AED 2M is paid.
- Business investor: Invest AED 750,000 in an existing UAE business, or establish a company with AED 1M+ capital.
- Skilled professional: STEM graduates, doctors, engineers, scientists — needs UAE government department approval.
- Talents: Artists, athletes, authors, inventors with proven track record.
- PhD holders: Doctorate from an accredited university.
Golden Visa cost: AED 3,800–12,000 all-in depending on route and whether using an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UAE investor visa cost in 2026?
An investor visa via a UAE free zone costs AED 3,500–8,000 all-in (entry permit + medical + Emirates ID + stamping + establishment card). DIY through the free zone portal costs approximately AED 1,800–2,500; using a full-service agent costs AED 4,000–8,000.
Can I get a UAE residence visa without a job?
Yes. You can get a UAE investor visa by forming a free zone company (license from AED 4,888). This gives you a self-sponsored residence visa valid for 2–3 years, renewable annually. Alternatively, a UAE Golden Visa is self-sponsored and valid for 10 years.
How long does UAE investor visa processing take?
Entry permit: 3–7 working days. Medical appointment: 1–2 days after entry. Emirates ID: 5–10 working days after biometrics. Visa stamping: 3–7 working days. Total from entry permit to stamped visa: approximately 15–25 working days.