UAE Residency Visa Fees can be confusing for newcomers and long-term expats. How much should you budget for your stay in the Emirates? What factors influence the costs of different visa types? Did you know a 2-year residence visa in Dubai without medical insurance costs around AED 3,500? With insurance, it goes up to AED 4,200. Understanding these fees is key for financial planning in the UAE.
Navigating visa costs impacts your UAE experience. Let’s explore the details.
The United Arab Emirates offers many residency visa options, each with its own fee. From Employment and Family visas to the newer Green and Golden visas, the costs vary a lot. The UAE Government and its immigration policies aim to attract skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs. They also want to keep a balance in the country’s demographic makeup.
Whether you’re thinking of a short-term stay or making the Emirates your long-term home, knowing the residency visa fees is crucial. This guide will explain the various charges, including application fees, government charges, and extra costs in the visa process. We’ll also look at payment methods, potential fee exemptions for certain applicants, and recent updates to residency visa fee structures.
Understanding UAE Residency Visa Types and Their Basic Costs
The UAE has many residency visa options for expats. This is because about 88% of UAE residents are from other countries. Knowing about these visas and their costs helps plan your stay in the UAE.
Employment and Family Visa Fees
Employment visas in the UAE last 2 years in mainland companies and 3 years in free zones. Family visas let residents sponsor their immediate family. The age limit for sponsoring children is now 25 years. The costs for these visas vary by Emirates like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
Investment and Golden Visa Costs
The UAE has good investment options. The 10-Year Golden Visa needs a minimum investment of AED 10 million. The 5-Year Golden Visa requires at least AED 5 million in property. These visas are available in all Emirates, including Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Student and Retirement Visa Expenses
Student visas are sponsored by schools. For retirees, the UAE offers a special visa for those over 55. This includes owning property worth AED 2 million, having savings of AED 1 million, or a monthly income of AED 20,000.
Green Visa Financial Requirements
The Green Visa is a 5-year renewable visa for skilled workers and freelancers. It requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 for employees or an annual income of AED 360,000 for freelancers. This visa allows self-sponsorship, offering more flexibility for residents.
| Visa Type | Duration | Main Financial Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Golden Visa | 10 years | AED 10 million investment |
| 5-Year Golden Visa | 5 years | AED 5 million property investment |
| Retirement Visa | 5 years | AED 20,000 monthly income |
| Green Visa | 5 years | AED 15,000 monthly salary |
When comparing fees across visa types in the UAE, it’s important to consider hidden costs in residency visa applications. The UAE Government sometimes offers discounts or waivers. This can affect the overall cost for applicants. Planning for visa fee expenses is key for a smooth transition to life in the UAE.
UAE Residency Visa Fees
Knowing about UAE residency visa fees is key for those moving to the Emirates. The prices change based on the visa type and how long it’s for. There are extra fees for services and processing.
Standard Processing Charges and Government Fees
UAE residency visa application fees start at 100 AED. The cost for getting the visa varies by type. For example, a newborn’s permit is 100 AED a year.
Work permits and investor visas have similar base fees. The eChannel services fee is 150 AED for most applications.
Medical Examination and Emirates ID Costs
Medical checks are needed for residency visas, costing about 700 AED. Emirates ID prices range from 654 AED for a 5-year card to 1,154 AED for 10 years. These costs are key parts of the visa process.
Additional Service Charges and VAT
There are hidden costs in UAE visa applications. These include typing center fees and a 5% VAT on all fees. Support workers face a 5,000 AED recruitment fee. Plan for these extra costs when figuring out total visa expenses.
Insurance Requirements and Associated Fees
Insurance is a must for many visa types. For support workers, insurance costs 2,000 AED. Other visas might need different insurance, costing between 40 and 90 AED based on the visa’s length.
Knowledge and Innovation Dirham Fees
In Dubai, a Knowledge and Innovation Dirham fee of 10 AED is applied to many services. This small fee helps fund Dubai’s growth projects.
| Visa Type | Application Fee (AED) | Issuance Fee (AED/year) | eChannel Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn Residence | 100 | 100 | 150 |
| Work Permit | 100 | 100 | 150 |
| Investor/Partner | 100 | 100 | 150 |
Conclusion
Knowing about UAE Residency Visa Fees is key for those moving to the Emirates. The fees change based on the visa type, how long it’s for, and who’s applying. Each visa, like work or family visas, has its own costs and rules.
Investors aiming for the Golden Visa pay between $760 and $1,310. There’s a 60% refund if they’re not approved. Extra costs include medical checks, Emirates ID, and health insurance, starting at $220.
For the Golden Visa, you need big investments. This can be over $544,514 in company funds or property.
When planning for visa fees in the UAE, remember hidden costs like translation and travel. Employers and employees should know who pays for what. Visa lengths vary from two to ten years, so think about your future plans and money.
As UAE visa fees change, it’s important to stay updated. Knowing all the costs helps applicants smoothly move to the UAE.
