Tourist Visa: Allows stays of up to 30 or 60 days, depending on the visa type, with the option to extend.
Temporary Residence Visa (Residence Permit): Typically valid for 1 to 3 years, renewable, issued for work, study, investment, or family reunification.
Golden Visa (Permanent Residency): Grants 10-year renewable residency for investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and outstanding students.
Visa cost
Tourist Visa: Costs range from $80 to $350, depending on duration and processing type.
Temporary Residence Visa: Fees range from $300 to $1,000, depending on visa type and employer sponsorship.
Golden Visa: Costs vary between $1,100 and $4,000, depending on the category and nationality.
Visa extension
Tourist Visa: Extendable for up to 30 days twice, without leaving the UAE.
Temporary Residence Visa: Renewable as long as employment, education, or sponsorship remains valid.
Golden Visa: Renewable every 10 years, provided eligibility conditions are maintained.
Visa processing time
Tourist Visa: Processing takes approximately 2 to 5 business days.
Temporary Residence Visa: Processing takes around 1 to 4 weeks.
Golden Visa: Processing may take 30 to 60 days, depending on eligibility and application volume.
Who can apply?
Tourist Visa: Available to travelers from non-visa-exempt countries visiting the UAE for leisure or business.
Temporary Residence Visa: Issued to foreign workers, students, investors, and family members of UAE residents.
Golden Visa: Available to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, and outstanding students.
Where to apply?
Applications must be submitted through UAE embassies, consulates, airlines, hotel sponsors, or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
How to apply:
Complete the online visa or residence permit application.
Submit required documents (passport, photos, financial proof, sponsorship details, medical test results, etc.).
Pay the applicable visa fee.
Schedule and attend an interview (if required).
Await processing and receive a decision.
Minimum income requirements
Tourist visas do not have specific financial requirements.
Temporary Residence Visa: Applicants must have a stable job or sponsorship covering living expenses.
Golden Visa: Investors must prove a minimum investment of $545,000 in UAE real estate or a significant contribution to the economy.
Popular cities
Dubai – The financial, business, and tourism hub of the UAE.
Abu Dhabi – The capital city, known for luxury and culture.
Sharjah – A cultural and educational center.
Ras Al Khaimah – An emerging tourism and business destination.
Ajman – A growing business hub with a laid-back environment.
Minimum income requirements
Official Language: Arabic.
English is widely spoken in business, tourism, and expatriate communities.
Other languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, and Persian, are spoken by expatriate communities.
Average internet speeds
Fixed broadband: Average download speed of approximately 180 Mbps.
Mobile internet: Average download speed of around 120 Mbps.