Dubai Visa Cost Estimator
Estimate total costs for Dubai visas -- employment, investor, Golden Visa, freelance, and family sponsorship including dependents and insurance.
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Planning your move to Dubai?
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Understanding Dubai Visa Costs
Moving to Dubai requires a valid residence visa, and understanding the full cost beyond just the visa application fee is essential for accurate budgeting. Whether you are relocating for employment, starting a business, investing in property, or joining family already in the UAE, each visa category carries different fees and requirements. The UAE visa portal provides official information on all visa types and application procedures.
The employment visa is the most common route, with the employer typically covering costs. The visa application fee is approximately AED 3,670, plus a mandatory medical fitness test (AED 320) and Emirates ID issuance (AED 370 for 2 years). Employers are legally required to provide health insurance, though the tier varies. The Golden Visa, introduced for property investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals, costs around AED 4,800 for the application with a 10-year Emirates ID fee of AED 1,070. You can find the official eligibility criteria on the ICP Golden Visa page.
Freelancers opting for Dubai's growing freelance permit ecosystem should budget approximately AED 7,500 for the permit and visa, making it a popular choice for remote workers and independent professionals. The freelance visa is valid for 2 years and allows you to sponsor dependents, provided you meet the minimum income requirements.
For those exploring Golden Visa eligibility, property investors need a minimum property value of AED 2 million. The visa itself is one of the more affordable components -- the real investment is the qualifying property or business. Use our Golden Visa Eligibility Checker to see which category fits your profile.
Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents and represents the largest recurring cost. Basic plans start around AED 5,000 per year, while comprehensive international coverage can reach AED 22,000 or more. When sponsoring family members, insurance costs multiply -- budget accordingly for each dependent. For a broader view of living expenses, try our Relocation Cost Estimator.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Dubai employment visa costs approximately AED 3,670 for the visa application, plus AED 320 for the medical fitness test and AED 370 for the Emirates ID (2-year). With mandatory health insurance, the total first-year cost typically ranges from AED 9,000 to AED 15,000 depending on your insurance tier.
The Golden Visa application fee is approximately AED 4,800, plus AED 320 for the medical test and AED 1,070 for the 10-year Emirates ID. Total government fees are around AED 6,190. Property investors need a minimum property value of AED 2 million to qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa.
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all Dubai and UAE residents. Employers must provide insurance for employees, and visa sponsors must provide insurance for dependents. Basic plans start around AED 5,000 per year, while premium plans with international coverage can cost AED 15,000-25,000 annually.
Sponsoring a dependent (spouse or child) costs approximately AED 3,670 for the visa, AED 320 for the medical test, and AED 370 for the Emirates ID. Including mandatory health insurance, budget AED 9,000-15,000 per dependent for the first year depending on your chosen insurance tier.
To sponsor a spouse or children, you need a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation. Some free zones may have different thresholds. You must also provide approved housing to obtain an entry permit for dependents.
A Dubai freelance permit is valid for 2 years and costs approximately AED 7,500 for the permit and visa, plus AED 320 for the medical test and AED 370 for the Emirates ID. Including basic health insurance, the total initial cost is around AED 13,000-18,000. Renewal costs are similar.
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