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How to Use the UAE Visa Type Finder

Find exactly which UAE visa you need in under 60 seconds:

Select your purposeTourism, employment, business, freelancing, remote work, studying, family, or retirement.
Answer 1-2 follow-up questionsAbout your salary, investment level, income, or client location to narrow the best visa type.
Get your personalised recommendationFull requirements checklist, step-by-step application guide, cost breakdown, official portal links, insider tips, and alternatives.

All UAE Visa Types Explained

The UAE now offers more pathways to residency than ever — from the Golden Visa to the Digital Nomad Visa and the expanded Green Visa. All visa regulations are managed by ICP (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) and GDRFA (gdrfad.gov.ae).

Quick Reference: 12 UAE Visa Types

Visa TypeDurationEst. CostBest For
Tourist Visa30-90 daysAED 300–1,100Short visits
5-Year Multi-Entry5 yearsAED 2,500–3,500Frequent visitors
Employment Visa2-3 yearsAED 3,000–7,000Employees
Golden Visa5-10 yearsAED 2,800–4,800Investors, pros 30K+
Green Visa5 yearsAED 2,500–5,000Skilled workers 15K+
Freelance Visa1-5 yearsAED 7,500–20,000Independents
Digital Nomad1 yearAED 2,500–4,000Remote (USD 3,500+)
Student VisaStudy durationAED 2,000–5,000Students
Family VisaMatches sponsorAED 3,000–6,000/ppDependents
Retirement Visa5 yearsAED 3,000–5,000Retirees 55+

Golden Visa vs Green Visa — Which Should You Target?

Golden Visa requires investors with AED 2M+, professionals earning AED 30K+ basic salary, or exceptional talent. Grants 5-10 years with unlimited time abroad. Green Visa has lower thresholds — skilled workers at AED 15K+ with bachelor's degree, freelancers with valid UAE permit. Grants 5 years but 180-day absence limit applies. Both are self-sponsored and allow family sponsorship.

Decision framework: Earn AED 30K+ → apply Golden Visa directly. Earn AED 15-30K → start with Green Visa, upgrade later. Under AED 15K → standard employment visa. Use our Golden Visa Checker for a detailed eligibility assessment.

For Freelancers and Remote Workers

Digital Nomad Visa (USD 3,500+/month, overseas clients only, AED 2,500-4,000): simplest path, no UAE license needed. Freelance Visa via free zone (SHAMS from AED 5,750, IFZA AED 10,900+): serve UAE and overseas clients. Green Visa for freelancers: 5-year self-sponsored with UAE freelance permit. Use our Free Zone Comparison to find the cheapest freelance zone.

Overstay penalties: Fines begin immediately at visa expiry — AED 50 per day. No grace period. Always track your expiry date and extend before it lapses.

Official Government Portals

🏛️
ICP Smart Services
All visa types, Golden Visa, Green Visa, tourist visas
→ 🏢
GDRFA Dubai
Dubai residence, family, employment visas
→ 👷
MOHRE
Work permits and labour cards
→ 🌴
Dubai Virtual Working Programme
Digital Nomad Visa applications
→

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different UAE visa types?▼
12 types: Tourist (30-90 days), 5-Year Multi-Entry, Employment (2-3 years), Golden (5-10 years), Green (5 years), Freelance (1-5 years), Digital Nomad (1 year), Student, Family, Retirement (5 years), Investor (2-10 years), Blue (10 years).
Golden Visa vs Green Visa?▼
Golden: 5-10 years, AED 2M+ investors or AED 30K+ salary, unlimited time abroad. Green: 5 years, AED 15K+ skilled workers or freelancers, 180-day absence limit. Both self-sponsored with family sponsorship.
How much does a work visa cost?▼
AED 3,000-7,000 total. Employer typically pays. Includes work permit, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping. Valid 2-3 years.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?▼
1-year renewable visa for remote workers. USD 3,500+/month income, overseas clients only. AED 2,500-4,000. Apply at dvwp.dubai.ae. Cannot work for UAE companies.
Can freelancers get a UAE visa?▼
Yes — free zone permit (SHAMS AED 5,750+), Green Visa for self-employed, or Digital Nomad if overseas clients only. Cheapest: SHAMS freelance permit.
Who qualifies for Golden Visa?▼
Investors AED 2M+, professionals AED 30K+ salary, entrepreneurs AED 500K+ project, property owners AED 2M+, scientists, doctors, outstanding students 3.8+ GPA, artists, content creators.
How do I sponsor family?▼
Valid residence + AED 4,000 salary + accommodation. Attested certificates, medical tests, insurance. AED 3,000-6,000 per dependent. Golden Visa: no child age limit.
Do I need a visa to visit Dubai?▼
70+ nationalities get free visa-on-arrival (US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan). Indians with US/UK/EU visas also qualify. Others apply at AED 300-1,100.
What is the Retirement Visa?▼
5-year for age 55+. Need AED 1M property, AED 1M savings, or AED 15K/month income. Can sponsor spouse. Property AED 2M+ = consider Golden Visa instead.
Where do I apply?▼
ICP (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) for most visas. GDRFA (gdrfad.gov.ae) for Dubai. MOHRE (mohre.gov.ae) for work permits. DVWP (dvwp.dubai.ae) for Digital Nomad. Never use unofficial agents.

More Free Expat Tools & Resources

🏆Golden Visa CheckerCheck eligibility across 15 categories 💵UAE Salary CalculatorTake-home pay and Golden Visa check 🏙️Cost of Living CalculatorMonthly expenses across 12 categories 📋UAE Document TrackerFree download — track visas and deadlines ✅First Week in Dubai ChecklistFree download — 50+ tasks for day 1-7 🏆Golden Visa Quick-Check CardFree download — instant eligibility ref

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🎁 Free UAE Document Tracker Spreadsheet

Track every visa document, attestation, and deadline in one place. Delivered instantly.