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United Arab Emirates
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP); GDRFA Dubai for Dubai-issued visas
✔ About 88% of residents are expats — the world's most expat-driven country
✔ Residency is sponsorship-based; no normal permanent residence or citizenship for most foreigners
✔ Your university sponsors your student visa, renewed yearly while you study
✔ No post-study work visa; graduates use the 60-120 day Jobseeker Visa
✔ Top graduates with high GPA can get the 10-year Golden Visa
✔ Long-term Golden, Green and Blue visas are the de facto settlement route
Currency UAE Dirham (AED)
Languages Arabic (official); English widely spoken
Population ~11 million (2026 est.)
Visitor visas
Tourist Visa (30/60-day and 5-year multi-entry)
Prepaid entry visa for tourists from countries not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, sponsored by airlines, hotels, or licensed travel agents — UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. A self-sponsored 5-year multiple-entry variant allows 90-day stays (extendable by a further 90 days) per visit for all nationalities.
Fees
GDRFA Dubai government fee approx. AED 250–350 (30-day vs 60-day) plus 5% VAT and AED 20 knowledge/innovation dirhams; typical all-in price via airlines/agents AED 335–535. 5-year multi-entry: ~AED 650–700
Processing
48 hours to 5 working days
Validity
30 or 60 days (extendable twice by 30 days); 5-year multi-entry allows 90 days per visit, extendable by a further 90 days
Who can apply: You can apply if you want to visit the UAE for fun or to see family and your country is not on the visa-free or visa-on-arrival list. An airline, hotel, or licensed travel agent must apply for you — UAE embassies do not give tourist visas. If you can show a USD 4,000 bank balance over the last 6 months, any nationality can apply for the 5-year multi-entry tourist visa.
Key requirements (6)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- One personal photograph and passport copy
- Proof of onward/return travel
- Valid health insurance covering the UAE stay (180-day cover required for the 5-year visa)
- For the 5-year multi-entry visa: bank balance of USD 4,000 (or equivalent) over the preceding 6 months
- National ID copy for some nationalities (Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan)
How to apply — step by step
- Check on the u.ae website if your nationality needs a visa before travel.
- Apply through your airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai websites), your hotel, or a licensed travel agent.
- For the 5-year multi-entry visa, apply yourself on the ICP Smart Services portal (or through GDRFA Dubai for Dubai).
- Upload your passport copy, photo, and proof of your return ticket and health insurance.
- Pay the fee online by card.
- Receive the e-visa by email in about 2 to 5 working days and print or save it.
- Show the e-visa and your passport when you board your flight and at UAE immigration.
Path to PR: None — visitor visas do not lead to residence; a status change to a work or residence visa is possible in-country for an extra fee
Official Site ↗
Study visas
Residence visa for foreign students enrolled full-time at accredited UAE universities, colleges, or schools, sponsored either by the institution or by a resident parent (sons to age 25; daughters until marriage).
Fees
Approx. AED 3,000–5,500 in government and processing fees per year via the sponsoring university (entry permit, residence stamping, medical, Emirates ID); universities commonly quote AED 5,500–8,500 all-in with insurance and deposits
Processing
2–4 weeks (entry permit ~14 working days normal track, 7–10 express)
Validity
1 year, renewable annually for the duration of study
Who can apply: You can apply if you have been accepted as a full-time student at an accredited UAE university, college, or school. Your university sponsors the visa (or a parent living in the UAE can sponsor you). The visa lasts 1 year and is renewed each year as long as you keep studying.
Key requirements (6)
- Admission/enrollment certificate from an accredited UAE institution specifying the duration of study
- Sponsorship by the university/college or by a parent who is a UAE resident
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Pass the UAE medical fitness test (18+)
- Health insurance valid in the UAE
- Annual renewal requires proof of continued enrollment / academic progress
How to apply — step by step
- Get your official admission letter from an accredited UAE university.
- Send your passport copy, photos, and visa fee payment to the university's visa office (the university applies for your entry permit on the ICP or GDRFA portal).
- Travel to the UAE using the entry permit the university sends you.
- Take the medical fitness test at an approved government health center.
- Give fingerprints and apply for your Emirates ID at an ICP center.
- Receive your 1-year student residence visa.
- Renew it through your university every year with proof you are still enrolled.
Path to PR: Outstanding graduates (GPA 3.5–3.8+ depending on university class) can apply directly for a 10-year Golden Visa; students may take part-time work with a MOHRE permit and convert to work visas after graduation
Official Site ↗
Work visas
Standard Work (Employment) Residence Visa
The main route for foreign employees: the UAE employer obtains a MOHRE work permit and entry permit, then converts it into a 2-year residence visa with Emirates ID. Employers must pay all costs by law.
Fees
Work permit AED 250–3,450 by company category; typical total government cost AED 3,000–8,000 per employee (entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID) — paid by the employer
Processing
Entry permit ~5 working days under MOHRE's Work Bundle; full process (arrival to Emirates ID) 2–4 weeks
Validity
2 years, renewable (some free zones issue 2–3 years)
Who can apply: You can apply if a company registered in the UAE has offered you a job. Your employer does almost all the paperwork and must pay all the visa costs by law. After arrival you take a medical test and get a 2-year residence visa with an Emirates ID card.
Key requirements (6)
- Job offer from a UAE-registered employer (mainland via MOHRE, or free-zone authority)
- Employer-obtained work permit — fee tier depends on company's MOHRE classification (A/B/C)
- Pass a UAE medical fitness test after arrival
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Attested education certificates for skilled roles
- Employment contract registered with MOHRE within 14 days of arrival/status change
How to apply — step by step
- Accept a job offer from a UAE company; the employer applies for your work permit on the MOHRE portal (or the free-zone authority's portal).
- The employer then gets your entry permit through the ICP Smart Services portal (or GDRFA for Dubai).
- Travel to the UAE using the entry permit (or change status inside the country).
- Take the medical fitness test at an approved government health center.
- Give your fingerprints and apply for your Emirates ID at an ICP customer happiness center.
- Sign your employment contract, which the employer registers with MOHRE within 14 days.
- Receive your 2-year residence visa linked digitally to your passport and your Emirates ID card.
Path to PR: Can upgrade to the self-sponsored 5-year Green Visa (AED 15,000+/month salary) or 10-year Golden Visa (AED 30,000+/month salary or talent nomination)
Official Site ↗
Green Visa (5-Year Self-Sponsored Residence)
Flagship 5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, and the self-employed — no employer or sponsor required, and losing a job does not cancel the visa.
Fees
Approx. AED 2,300–3,500 in government fees (5-year residence issuance ~AED 2,280; entry permit ~AED 1,250 if applying from abroad), plus medical and Emirates ID
Processing
1–2 weeks once documents are complete
Validity
5 years, renewable; 6-month grace period after expiry or cancellation
Who can apply: You can apply if you are a skilled worker with a bachelor's degree, a job in MOHRE skill level 1–3, and a salary of at least AED 15,000 per month. Freelancers and self-employed people can also apply with a MOHRE freelance permit and income of AED 360,000 over the last two years. You sponsor yourself — no employer needed, and losing your job does not cancel the visa.
Key requirements (6)
- Skilled employees: valid employment contract in MOHRE occupational skill level 1–3
- Skilled employees: bachelor's degree or equivalent, and salary of at least AED 15,000/month
- Freelancers/self-employed: freelance/self-employment permit from MOHRE
- Freelancers: annual income from self-employment of at least AED 360,000 over the previous two years, or proof of financial solvency throughout the stay
- Passport valid for at least 6 months and UAE-valid health insurance
- Medical fitness test and Emirates ID enrollment
How to apply — step by step
- Gather your proof: work contract and salary certificate, or your MOHRE freelance permit and income documents.
- Create an account on the ICP Smart Services portal (or GDRFA Dubai for Dubai).
- Select the Green Residence service and fill in the online form.
- Upload your passport, photo, degree certificate, and financial documents, then pay the fees online.
- Take the medical fitness test at an approved health center in the UAE.
- Apply for your Emirates ID and give fingerprints at an ICP center.
- Receive your 5-year self-sponsored residence visa.
Path to PR: Functions as long-term settlement itself; many holders later qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa. Sponsors spouse, children (sons to 25, unmarried daughters any age) and parents
Official Site ↗
Remote Work Visa (Virtual Working Programme)
One-year self-sponsored residence for remote employees and business owners who work for employers or companies based outside the UAE — the UAE's digital-nomad route, with a federal ICP version and Dubai's Virtual Working Programme via GDRFA.
Fees
USD 287 (~AED 1,055) application fee for Dubai's Virtual Working Programme; federal ICP route priced similarly — total government-side cost ~AED 1,500–2,500 including medical test and Emirates ID
Processing
5–10 working days for initial approval; 2–3 weeks end-to-end
Validity
1 year, renewable upon re-application
Who can apply: You can apply if you work remotely for a company outside the UAE (or own one) and earn at least USD 3,500 per month. It lets you live in the UAE for 1 year while keeping your foreign job. You sponsor yourself — no UAE employer is needed.
Key requirements (5)
- Proof of employment with a 1-year contract from an employer outside the UAE, or ownership of a company outside the UAE
- Salary certificate showing minimum income of USD 3,500/month (or equivalent), or company proof for owners
- Bank statements for the preceding 3 months
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Health insurance with UAE coverage and medical fitness test
How to apply — step by step
- Apply online through the GDRFA Dubai website for Dubai's Virtual Working Programme (or the ICP Smart Services portal for the federal version).
- Upload your passport, photo, and proof of remote work: a 1-year employment contract or company ownership papers.
- Upload your salary certificate showing USD 3,500+/month and your last 6 months of bank statements.
- Buy health insurance that covers you in the UAE and upload it.
- Pay the application fee (about USD 287 for Dubai) online.
- After approval, travel to the UAE, take the medical test, and get your Emirates ID.
- Renew by re-applying each year if you still meet the rules.
Path to PR: None directly — renewable annually; holders who take UAE employment or meet investment/salary thresholds can switch to Green or Golden visas
Official Site ↗
Permanent residency & settlement
Golden Visa (10-Year Long-Term Residence)
The UAE's famous 10-year renewable, self-sponsored residence for investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists, doctors, executives, athletes, outstanding students, and humanitarian pioneers/frontline heroes. The closest thing the UAE offers to permanent residence.
Fees
Approx. AED 4,700 (salary/talent/deposit routes) to AED 10,140 (Dubai property route incl. DLD fees) all-in government fees (2026); key components: ICP application ~AED 300, residency confirmation ~AED 2,857, 10-year Emirates ID AED 1,153, medical ~AED 700
Processing
2–4 weeks from complete file (Dubai's one-stop DLD/GDRFA channel often 1–2 weeks)
Validity
10 years, renewable (5-year variants for some categories, e.g. high-school achievers); no visa cancellation for long absences abroad
Who can apply: You can apply if you invest AED 2 million or more (in a business, fund, deposit, or property), earn AED 30,000+ per month in an approved professional job, or are recognized as an exceptional talent — like a scientist, doctor, artist, athlete, or top graduate with a GPA of 3.5+ (Class A universities) or 3.8+ (Class B). It is a 10-year visa you sponsor yourself, and it is the closest thing the UAE has to permanent residence.
Key requirements (6)
- Investors: AED 2 million+ in public investment funds, a UAE company, or bank deposit; or ownership of a company paying AED 250,000+ in annual taxes
- Real estate investors: property worth AED 2 million+ (mortgaged/off-plan purchases allowed via approved local banks; Dubai route runs through DLD)
- Executives/professionals: salary of AED 30,000+/month in an approved specialization, with degree and experience requirements (varies by category)
- Exceptional talents: accreditation/recommendation from the relevant federal or emirate authority (e.g. Ministry of Culture, Department of Health)
- Outstanding students: GPA 3.5+ (class-A universities) or 3.8+ (class-B), with university recommendation; top high-school achievers get a 5-year visa
- Clean criminal record and UAE medical fitness test
How to apply — step by step
- Check which Golden Visa category fits you on the u.ae Golden Visa page.
- If you are a talent, first get a recommendation or accreditation letter from the relevant UAE authority (for example the Department of Health for doctors).
- Apply on the ICP Smart Services portal — or, for Dubai, use the One Touch Golden Visa service on the GDRFA Dubai website or app (property investors go through the Dubai Land Department).
- Upload your passport, photo, and proof documents (investment papers, salary certificate, degree, or award letters) and pay the fees.
- Wait for the nomination approval, usually 2 to 4 weeks.
- Take the medical fitness test and apply for your 10-year Emirates ID.
- Receive your 10-year renewable Golden Residence.
Path to PR: This is the UAE's de facto permanent settlement route — indefinitely renewable, sponsor-free, with family (spouse, children of any age, domestic workers) included; no standard naturalization pathway exists
Official Site ↗
Business & investor visas
Green Visa for Investors / Partner Visa
Five-year self-sponsored residence for investors who establish or partner in commercial activity in the UAE — a lighter-weight alternative to the AED 2M Golden investor route.
Fees
Approx. AED 2,280 for 5-year residence issuance + entry permit ~AED 1,250; investment/license approval fees vary by emirate — typically AED 3,500–6,000 total government-side
Processing
1–2 weeks once investment approvals are in hand
Validity
5 years, renewable; 6-month grace period after expiry
Who can apply: You can apply if you start a business in the UAE or become a partner in one, and the local authorities approve your investment. It gives you a 5-year residence visa that you sponsor yourself. It is a cheaper option than the AED 2 million Golden Visa for investors.
Key requirements (5)
- Investment approval from the competent local authorities (proof of company license/partnership)
- Approval covering the total investment where multiple licenses are held
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Health insurance valid in the UAE
- Medical fitness test and Emirates ID enrollment
How to apply — step by step
- Set up or buy into a UAE business and get your trade license from the emirate's economic department or a free zone.
- Get the investment approval letter from the competent local authority.
- Create an account on the ICP Smart Services portal (or GDRFA Dubai for Dubai).
- Select the Green Residence for Investors service and upload your passport, photo, license, and approval documents.
- Pay the fees online and wait about 1 to 2 weeks.
- Take the medical fitness test and apply for your Emirates ID.
- Receive your 5-year self-sponsored investor residence.
Path to PR: Renewable long-term residence; scaling the investment to AED 2 million+ unlocks the 10-year Golden Visa
Official Site ↗
Other pathways
Jobseeker Visit Visa (Job Exploration Entry Visa)
Single-trip visit visa letting skilled professionals and recent top-university graduates enter the UAE to look for work without a host or sponsor.
Fees
AED 200 (60-day), AED 300 (90-day), AED 400 (120-day) + 5% VAT and small e-service charges, plus a refundable AED 1,000 financial guarantee (~AED 60 in guarantee service/refund fees)
Processing
2–5 working days
Validity
60, 90 or 120 days, single trip, non-renewable
Who can apply: You can apply if you have a bachelor's degree and work in a skilled job (MOHRE skill level 1, 2 or 3), or if you finished a top-500 world university in the last 2 years. It lets you enter the UAE for 60, 90 or 120 days to look for a job without needing any sponsor. You must pay a refundable deposit of AED 1,000.
Key requirements (6)
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
- Classified in MOHRE occupational skill level 1, 2 or 3, OR a graduate (within the last 2 years) of a top-500 world university as classified by the Ministry of Education
- Refundable financial guarantee of AED 1,000 deposited with the application
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Attested degree certificate and colored photograph
- Health insurance and return ticket recommended
How to apply — step by step
- Create an account on the ICP Smart Services portal (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) — or log in with UAE PASS on the GDRFA Dubai website if entering through Dubai.
- Choose the Job Exploration Entry Visa service and pick 60, 90 or 120 days.
- Upload your passport, photo, and attested degree certificate.
- Pay the visa fee (AED 200–400 plus VAT) and the refundable AED 1,000 financial guarantee online.
- Receive the e-visa by email, usually within 2 to 5 working days.
- Travel to the UAE and start applying for jobs before the visa runs out.
- When you get a job, your employer converts your status to a work residence visa.
Path to PR: Indirect — designed to convert to an employer-sponsored work residence visa once a job is secured
Official Site ↗
Retirement Visa (Residence Visa for the Retired)
Five-year renewable residence for retirees aged 55+ (federal scheme, plus Dubai's 'Retire in Dubai' programme) who meet property, savings, or income thresholds.
Fees
Approx. AED 2,000–3,800 in government fees depending on emirate and route, plus medical test and Emirates ID
Processing
2–4 weeks for initial approval, then 5–10 working days for medical and Emirates ID
Validity
5 years, renewable as long as financial criteria are still met
Who can apply: You can apply if you are 55 or older, have worked for at least 15 years, and can show money: either a property worth AED 1 million plus savings of AED 1 million, or a yearly income of AED 180,000 (AED 240,000 for Dubai). The visa lasts 5 years and can be renewed as long as you still meet the money rules.
Key requirements (5)
- Aged 55 or over at the time of retirement
- At least 15 years of work history (inside or outside the UAE)
- Financial route (one of): property worth AED 1 million+ AND financial savings of AED 1 million+, OR annual income of AED 180,000+ (Dubai requires AED 240,000+/year, i.e. AED 20,000/month)
- Health insurance valid in the UAE, purchased before applying
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
How to apply — step by step
- Choose your financial route: property plus savings, or proof of yearly income.
- Buy health insurance that is valid in the UAE.
- Apply on the ICP Smart Services portal — or through the 'Retire in Dubai' programme on the GDRFA Dubai website for Dubai.
- Upload your passport, photo, proof of age and 15 years of work, and your financial documents.
- Pay the fees online and wait about 2 to 4 weeks for approval.
- Travel to the UAE, take the medical fitness test, and apply for your Emirates ID.
- Receive your 5-year retirement residence visa.
Path to PR: Indefinitely renewable 5-year cycles; retirees with AED 2M+ property can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa instead
Official Site ↗
Blue Visa (10-Year Residence for Environmental Contributors)
The UAE's newest long-term residence, launched in 2025: a 10-year visa for people with exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability, inside or outside the UAE — researchers, activists, global award winners, and members of international environmental organizations and companies.
Fees
Full fee schedule not yet published; expect standard 10-year long-term residence costs (10-year Emirates ID AED 1,153, medical test, residence issuance fees)
Processing
Not officially published — applications assessed case-by-case by ICP; first phase (2025) proceeded largely by nomination
Validity
10 years, renewable
Who can apply: You can apply if you have done outstanding work for the environment or sustainability, inside or outside the UAE. This includes environmental researchers, activists, winners of global environmental awards, and members of international environmental organizations or companies. It is a 10-year visa launched in 2025, and each case is judged on its own merits.
Key requirements (5)
- Recognized contribution to environmental protection or sustainability (e.g. distinguished environmental research or activism)
- Eligible profiles include members of international organizations or companies, members of associations and NGOs, and global environmental award winners
- Application submitted directly to ICP via its smart services portal, or nomination by a competent UAE authority
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Standard residence conditions: medical fitness test, health insurance, Emirates ID enrollment
How to apply — step by step
- Gather proof of your environmental work: research papers, award certificates, or membership letters from environmental organizations.
- Log in to the ICP Smart Services portal (smartservices.icp.gov.ae), using UAE PASS if you have it.
- Open Blue Residency Services and submit a Nomination Request — or be nominated by a UAE government authority.
- Upload your passport, photo, and your proof documents, then pay the nomination fee (about AED 350).
- Wait while ICP reviews your case (decisions are made case by case).
- After approval, take the medical fitness test and apply for your 10-year Emirates ID.
- Receive your 10-year renewable Blue Residence visa.
Path to PR: Like the Golden Visa, a sponsor-free long-term residence that functions as a de facto settlement route; no naturalization pathway attached
Official Site ↗
Popular universities & fees
New York University Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi · University · Elite liberal arts & research
~USD $68.6k/yr (2026-27); generous need-based aid
Khalifa University
Abu Dhabi · University · Engineering, science & AI
~AED 75k-82k/yr (AED 2,500/credit); many scholarships
American University of Sharjah
Sharjah · University · American-style engineering & business
~AED 111k/yr (2026-27)
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
Al Ain · University · Flagship federal research university
~AED 80k/yr (AED 2,661/credit, 2026 intake)
University of Sharjah
Sharjah · University · Wide program range, moderate fees
~AED 47k-70k/yr; medicine/dentistry ~AED 130k
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Dubai · University · UK degree, engineering & business
~AED 79k-82k/yr incl. VAT
Middlesex University Dubai
Dubai · University · Affordable UK degree, business & media
~AED 64.6k/yr (2026-27)
BITS Pilani Dubai Campus
Dubai · Institute · Affordable engineering, Indian curriculum
~AED 55.5k/yr; merit scholarships up to 75%
Ajman University
Ajman · University · Budget-friendly, dentistry & pharmacy
~AED 40k-53k/yr (dentistry higher)
Scholarships to know: Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships (Full/partial tuition; PhD adds monthly stipend) · MBZUAI funded assistantships (PhD Year 1 central; MSc via faculty) (Tuition + AED 15.5k-17.5k/month stipend + insurance + airfare) · NYU Abu Dhabi need-based financial aid (Up to full cost of attendance) · AUS merit & President's scholarships (10-20% typical; up to 100% tuition)
Official portals
ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security
Federal immigration authority covering all emirates except Dubai; publishes visa rules, Golden Residence criteria, and fee schedules.
Official
ICP Smart Services (eChannels) portal
Official federal application portal for entry permits, residence visas, Golden Visa nominations, and Emirates ID services.
Official
GDRFA Dubai — General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
Dubai's residency authority: apply for Dubai-issued tourist, residence, Golden, and retirement visas; publishes exact AED fee breakdowns per service.
Official
u.ae — The Official Platform of the UAE Government
The federal government's consolidated, plain-English guide to every UAE visa type, eligibility rule, and issuing authority.
Official
Community & guides