Complete UAE Visa Guide 2025: All Expats Need to Know

Expats prefer United Arab Emirates to move and settle. Every year, millions of expats from all over the world choose to live, work, study, or invest in the UAE for a better lifestyle, advanced facilities, and a strong economy. If you are also deciding to move to the UAE, then it is very important to secure the right visa with the help of an UAE visa guide.

A visa is more than just a travel permit, so before packing your bags and book a flight, understands the visa system of the UAE and different visa types. A visa is the formal authorization that you need to enter, stay, and build a life in a new country.

To help you securing the right visa, we create a complete UAE visa guide for expats 2025. This guide will help you avoid delays, misunderstanding, and rejections of your visa that usually happen because of no proper knowledge of visa types, process, requirements, costs, and timelines.

Table of Contents

What is the UAE Visa System?

In 2025, there are many types of visas available in the UAE; every visa serves a different purpose and has different requirements. The UAE visa system is more flexible than other countries, and it offers different visa categories to meet the needs of expats, whether they want to stay for months or years.

As an expat, you can easily change your visa status after fulfilling additional requirements. If you take entry in the UAE on a tourist visa, you do not need to take exit from the country just to switch your visit visa to an employment visa after finding a job.

In the UAE, two authorities, ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) and GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs), are responsible for handling all the visa procedures.

The UAE visa system is very quick; all you have to do is submit the visa application online with the required documents through the ICP or GDRFA online portals. GDRFA works for Dubai visas, while ICP handles the visas of other UAE states, such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Types of Visas in UAE

Knowing the different types of UAE visas is one of the most crucial factors to apply for the right UAE visa type, as each visa type has its own purposes, regulations, and advantages.

1. Tourist Visa

You can prefer this type of visa for a short stay. Under this visa, single-entry or multiple-entry options are offered for 30 or 90 days. This is best for you if you just want to visit the UAE to enjoy vacations or meet relatives.

2. Employment Visa

To get this visa, you have to secure a job in the UAE. This type of visa is sponsored by your employer. You can convert employment visa into residence after registering your Emirates ID and completing medical tests.

3. Residence visa

This type of visa offers you a longer stay, and its validity is usually up to two years. Work, family sponsorship, or property ownership are all associated with this visa. You can create bank accounts, sign rental agreements, and bring dependents with you if you have a resident visa.

4. UAE Business Visa /Investor/Partner Visa

You can apply for this type of visa if you are planning to invest in or join a UAE company as partners. This type of visa is best for business owners. A person can get this visa if he/she registers a business in UAE .

5. Golden Visa UAE

This is a 10-year visa permit that offers long term stability and you can stay in the UAE with this visa longer and stress-free. This visa can be the best option for you if you are an investor, business owner, highly qualified professional, or outstanding student.

6. Green Visa UAE

If you are an independent contractor or highly qualified professional, then apply for a green visa, which offers you a five-year residency permit. You can have more freedom with this visa because it doesn’t require employer sponsorship like the work visa does.

7. Freelance Visa

You can choose this type of visa if you are self-employed, independent freelancers like authors, designers, or consultants.

8. Student Visa:

If you are a student and want to study in a university in the United Arab Emirates, then apply for a student visa. This visa requires an institution-issued letter of admission.

9. Transit Visa

The validity of this type of visa is 48 or 96 hours, and it can be the best option for you if you use the UAE airports for traveling.

10. Retirement Visa

This type of visa is valid for retirees, so to get this visa, you have to meet the financial requirements, like having enough savings or owning a home.

To help you choose the right visa type, we have given a table in the UAE visa guide that gives a quick overview of UAE visa types with purpose duration, and who can for apply for them.

Visa Types	Purpose	Duration	Who Can Apply
Employment Visa	To work in the UAE	Linked to job contract	Sponsored by employer
Residence Visa	To live with family or dependents	2 years (renewable)	Sponsored by resident or investor
Golden Visa	Long-term residence	10 years	Investors, professionals, top talents
Green Visa	Medium-term residence	5 years	Skilled workers, freelancers
Student Visa	Education in UAE	Course duration	Sponsored by university
Retirement Visa	Living after retirement	5 years	Retirees meeting conditions

Step-by-Step Guide for UAE Visa Process

Initially, you may find the UAE visa application procedure difficult, but to make it simpler for you, the UAE visa guide have broken down the process in to six easy steps. You can easily fill out and submit your application online with the complete UAE visa guide for expats 2025. Online submission saves you time, and you do not need to visit government offices multiple times. Let’s discuss the easy steps of the UAE visa process:

1. Select the type of UAE Visa:

The most important step in the visa process is the selection of the appropriate UAE visa type. In the first step, you have to select the right visa for your purpose. The purpose of applying for a visa can be tourism, work, residency, education, or retirement. Before applying for the visa that serves your purpose, always make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.

2. Start the Visa Application process through GDRFA:

The next step of the visa process is the application submission. You can submit the UAE visa process application through the GDRFA portal, the ICP website, or your sponsor (employer, relative, or organization). To avoid the rejection of a visa, make sure the information you have given in the application is correct.

3. Upload Required Documents:

With application submissions, you have to upload and send files of required documents. In this step, scan and upload the necessary documents, including contracts, financial stability proof, passports, and pictures. This is a very crucial step, so avoid mistakes to get the visa on time.

4. Biometric and Medical Test:

After document submission, the next step in the UAE visa process is biometric verification and a medical test. You must pass a medical fitness exam at a UAE-approved health facility to get a residence visa. To get your Emirates ID, you have to provide biometric information, such as your fingerprints and a photo.

5. Approvals and Visa Stamping:

After biometric verification, the next step of your UAE visa process is getting approval and stamping a visa. Your visa is electronically or physically stamped after it has been approved. In this step, you can formally get your residence visa or entry permit.

6. Get your Emirates ID:

In the last step, you have to collect your Emirates ID. In the UAE, it serves as your identity card and is necessary for SIM card purchases, property rentals, and banking.

This guide for the visa process will help you avoid common mistakes that usually happen due to a lack of knowledge of the complete UAE visa process.

UAE Visa Requirements in 2025

One of the most important things you need to know is the requirements of securing a visa in the UAE. This UAE visa guide is not only highlight the visa types and visa process but also mention the requirements of visa approval.

The fulfillment of the UAE visa requirement guarantees that your application will be processed without any problems or delays. Whether you want to apply for a work visa, family visa, visitation visa, or residency permit, you need to meet the requirements we have discussed in this part. This UAE visa guide helps you gather necessary documents and prepare for applying UAE visa in 2025.

General Requirements for UAE Visas in 2025

All expats have to meet the few basic visa requirements irrespective of the UAE visa type they have chosen. You can avoid stress and rejection by fulfilling all the general requirements of the visa in 2025. Let’s discuss the standard UAE visa requirements that serve as the foundation of your UAE visa process:

1. Valid Passport:

A valid passport is a passport that is valid for six months from the date of travel. A few UAE visa types require longer passport validity.

2. Application Form:

Another basic requirement of the visa process is the visa application. You have to fill out the official visa application form with accurate information to get your visa approved.

3. Passport Photos:

To apply visa, you need current, white-background, passport-sized photographs that fulfil the UAE picture regulations.

4. Visa Fees:

Depending on the type of visa, you have to pay visa fees. It is important to keep the payment receipt as proof that the application fee is paid.

5. Confirmation of Travelling:

For a short-term visit, you have to share flight reservations or other travel information documents to get your visa on time.

Specific Requirements for Each Type of Visa

In the UAE, there are additional requirements for each type of visa. The complete UAE visa guide for expats 2025 will help you understand these specific requirements according to visa type, so you can complete the UAE visa process smoothly on time.

1. Requirements for Work Visas

Your employer becomes your sponsor if you intend to work in the United Arab Emirates. The majority of the paperwork is handled by the company, but you need to supply the following documents for the visa approval:

Your employment agreement or an offer letter from the company.
Certificates of education that are verified by your own country.
Copies and pictures of your passport.
Reports of your medical fitness exam from a UAE-approved medical facility.
Apply for an Emirates ID when you arrive in the United Arab Emirates.

2. Requirements for Family Visas

If you wish to bring your spouse, kids, or parents, then as a sponsor, you have to provide documentation of your income and housing. The following are the specific requirements that you have to fulfil for applying family visa:

Your minimum wage has to be between AED 4,000 and AED 8,000. The salary requirement varies and depends on sponsor status.
You need to show valid proof of housing or a tenancy agreement.
For spouse sponsorship, you need an attested marriage certificate.
If you have children, then you need an attested children’s birth certificate as well.

3. Requirements for Business or Investor Visas

Financial stability is important for investor visas. If you are planning to apply investor visa, then you need the following things:

You need copies of trade licenses if you are a business owner.
You need to show your financial stability through bank statements.
You need to show the evidence of stock in the company or commercial investment.
You need copies of your passport and Emirates ID.

4. Requirements for a Golden Visa

You can stay for an extended period of time in the UAE, whether you are an investor, highly qualified professional, or passionate student with a UAE golden visa. You need to fulfil the following requirements to apply for a golden visa:

You have to share the evidence of property ownership or investment (worth at least AED 2 million).
You need to show the proof of professional qualification or documentation of specialized skills.
You need approvals from the relevant UAE authorities.

5. Requirements for Tourist Visas

To apply for a tourist visa, you need the following things:

You need to show the verified hotel reservation or evidence of stay.
You may need to have a ticket for the return flight.
You have to share the details of finances to meet travel-related costs.

Other Types of Requirements for the UAE Visa

Medical Test & Health Insurance Certificate Requirements

Medical examinations are also an important part of UAE visa requirements, especially if you are applying for work and residency permits. A health certificate is needed to show that you are healthy enough to live and work in the United Arab Emirates. The following things are included in the health requirements:

Test for infectious diseases (TB, hepatitis, and HIV) in the blood.
Chest X-ray.
Proof of medical fitness from a UAE-approved healthcare facility.

Financial Requirements for UAE Visa

In the UAE, authorities verify your ability to support yourself and your family through financial documentation. These are the things you need to submit for the financial requirements of a visa application:

Salary slip or certificate given by the employer.
Bank statement (three to six months) to show financial stability.
Evidence of an accommodation contract or housing allowance.

These specific documents serve as proof for immigration officials that you have the resources to live peacefully in the UAE without any financial difficulties.

Cost and Fees of UAE Visa in 2025

The cost of applying for a visa is one of the crucial things you need to consider while making plans to relocate to the United Arab Emirates. This UAE visa guide help you understand the cost of a UAE visa so you can plan your spending accordingly and avoid unexpected money expenditure. A complete UAE visa guide for expats 2025 explains the UAE visa cost in detail, with visa type and validity to help you through the UAE via process.

It is important for you to know the cost of different UAE visa types to choose the right one for you. The cost of a visa varies, and the costs go up if you are migrating with family because each dependent need a separate visa. In the same way, the cost of a golden visa or a long-term residency visa is higher than that of a short-term tourist visa.

General UAE Visa Cost Ranges

To give you a quick over view of visa cost with its type and validity, we have share a table with you that shows the range of UAE visa fess in 2025.

Visa Type	Validity	Approximate Cost (AED)
Tourist Visa (90 days)	3 months	700 – 900 AED
Transit Visa (48–96 hrs.)	2–4 days	50 – 150 AED
Employment/Work Visa	2–3 years	3,000 – 6,000 AED
Family Visa (Spouse/Child)	1–2 years	2,000 – 4,000 AED
Golden Visa (Investor/Skilled Professional)	5–10 years	4,800 – 5,500 AED
Retirement Visa	5 years	~3,700 AED
Student Visa	1 year	2,000 – 3,000 AED

Things Included in the UAE Visa Cost

The UAE visa fees usually include the following when you apply:

Fees for government applications.
Fees for entry permits.
The issuance of an Emirates ID.
Simple processing.

Things Not Included in the UAE Visa Cost

The general UAE visa fees do not cover the following expenses:

Medical tests and health certificates may cost you from 300 to 700 AED.
Health insurance is needed for residency visas.
Depending on the service provider, typing/processing center fees range from 50 to 200 AED.
A fine if you stay after your visa expires.

Express or Fast-Track Visa Process Fees

You may need to pay more for quicker approval if you’re in a hurry. An additional 200–400 AED may be charged for the fast processing of a tourist visa. In the same way, paying urgent service fees can speed up the processing of family and work visas.

Costs of Extension and Renewal

Another expense to think about is renewing your visa; if you want to extend your stay, then you need to apply for a visa extension.

The typical cost of extending a tourist visa is between 600 and 800 AED.
The costs of renewing a residence visa include the same medical, identification, and typing fees as the first application.
You have to pay for each dependent for the renewal of family visas.

UAE Visa Processing Time (Timeline)

Another important thing that matters is the timeline of visa processing. To get your visa on time, you need to know how long it will take to get your visa approved and stamped. Your visa processing timeline is usually depends on the authority processing your application, the type of visa you are applied for, and the accuracy of the documents you have submitted with applications.

Timeline for General Processing of UAE Visa

Compared to other countries, all types of visa processing are fast in the UAE. In the UAE visa guide, we have mentioned the average time of visa processing:

If you apply for a tourist visa online or through a travel agency, then it takes two to five business days.
If you apply for a family and friend visitation visa, then it takes 3 to 5 working days.
If you apply for an employment visa, then because of employer clearances, medical exams, and residency stamping, the employment/work visa process takes two to three weeks.
If you apply for a golden visa, then wait for 2–4 weeks because it requires eligibility verification and background checks.
You can get a residence visa with in one to two weeks after issuance of the entry permit.
To get a student visa, you may have to wait two to three weeks because a student visa approval required additional paperwork from the educational institute.
You can get a transit visa quickly, as its processing time is 24 to 72 hours on average.

To give you an overview of visa types with their timeline, we have included this table in the UAE visa guide:

Visa Type	Estimated Processing Time
Tourist Visa	2 – 5 working days
Visit Visa	3 – 5 working days
Transit Visa	24 – 72 hours
Employment Visa	2 – 3 weeks
Residence Visa	1 – 2 weeks
Student Visa	2 – 3 weeks
Golden Visa	2 – 4 weeks

Things that can affect the UAE Visa Processing Timeline

1. Type of Visa

Work and residence visas require more time for health tests and permissions than short-term visas like tourist and transit visas.

2. Fulfillment of Documentation Requirements

The UAE visa process can be delayed because of confusing or missing documentation. Before applying, always confirm the requirements for a UAE visa.

3. Weekends and Public Holidays

Government offices in the United Arab Emirates are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on public holidays, which may increase the timeline of your visa processing.

4. Background Checks

Authorities require extra time for verifications if you apply for work permits or long-term visas like Golden Visas.

5. Application Channel

Direct applications submitted through official websites (such as GDRFA or ICP) are processed more quickly than those submitted through outside organizations.

How to Speed Up the UAE Visa Process in 2025

To help you more, we have shared some tips that you can use to avoid delays and speed up your visa process:

Apply at least three to four weeks before the date of your intended trip.
Send scanned and clear copies of all the required documents.
Verify that your passport is valid for at least six months.
Make use of official channels, such as the GDRFA website for Dubai visa or the ICP portal for visas of other states of the UAE.
To stay informed, monitor your application online.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a UAE Visa

Do not submit documents that are inaccurate or invalid.
Do not apply for the wrong type of visa.
Do not miss the due dates for medical tests.
Do not ignore the expiration date of your visa.

Apply UAE Visa with the Help of this Guide in 2025

Getting a UAE visa is not very difficult if you know what to do and how to do it correctly. In this guide not just tell you about the process but also guide you at every stage of the process, from choosing the right visa to getting a visa on time. This guide also offers you details of the UAE visa cost.

This complete UAE visa guide for expats 2025 include visa kinds, requirements, procedures, expenses, processing timelines, and even tips of speeding timeline and avoiding common mistakes. Securing a UAE visa becomes easy and stress free if you prepare yourself in advance, whether you are moving for studies, a job, or residence.

FAQs

Q1. Can I switch my tourist visa to a work visa after entering the UAE?

You can switch a tourist visa to a work visa after arrival when you get the job. If the application for changing visa type is rejected, then you have to leave the country.

Q2. How much time does it take to get a UAE visa?

Depending on document approvals, the UAE visa application procedure typically takes 2–3 weeks for family or investor visas and 5–10 working days for employment visas.

Q3. What will happen if my United Arab Emirates visa expires?

You have to pay an overstaying fine for every day you have spent after visa expiration. To avoid fines, it is better to renew or leave the country during the grace period.