United Arab Emirates visa directory

Find your United Arab Emirates visa.

Every major route - work, study, family, visitor, business, talent and settlement. Who it's for, what it costs, how long it takes, and the pathway to permanent residence. In plain English.

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Figures shown are indicative for 2025 and government fees and rules change. Always confirm current details at UAE Government (u.ae) before applying. General information, not immigration advice.
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20 visas
Tourist 30

Tourist Visa (30 days, single entry)

Visitor & Short Stay

Visitors coming for tourism, leisure or short family visits for up to 30 days.

Short stay
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Tourist 60

Tourist Visa (60 days, single entry)

Visitor & Short Stay

Visitors wanting a longer tourism or family-visit stay of up to 60 days.

Short stay
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5-yr Multi

Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

Visitor & Short Stay

Frequent visitors wanting a self-sponsored 5-year multi-entry visa without a UAE host.

Long-validity visitor
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Visit

Visit Visa (sponsored by relative or host/company)

Visitor & Short Stay

People visiting family, friends or a host company in the UAE on a sponsored short stay.

Short stay
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Transit

Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours)

Visitor & Short Stay

Travellers connecting through a UAE airport who wish to leave the airport for a short stopover.

Transit
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Work Visa

Employment / Work Residence Visa

Work & Skilled

Foreign nationals with a UAE job offer sponsored by an employer or free-zone company.

Temporary
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Green Visa

Green Residence Visa (5-year, self-sponsored)

Work & Skilled

Skilled employees, freelancers and self-employed professionals who self-sponsor without an employer.

Self-sponsored residence
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Golden Visa

Golden Residence Visa (10-year)

Settlement & Citizenship

Investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, top professionals and outstanding students/graduates.

Long-term residence
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Blue Visa

Blue Residence Visa (10-year, environmental)

Settlement & Citizenship

Individuals with outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.

Long-term residence
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Freelance

Freelance / Self-Employment Permit & Visa

Work & Skilled

Independent professionals wanting to work for themselves under a free-zone or MOHRE permit.

Self-employed
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Virtual Work

Remote Work (Virtual Working) Visa

Work & Skilled

Remote workers and digital nomads employed by or running a business registered outside the UAE.

Temporary
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Student

Student Residence Visa

Study & Graduate

International students enrolled at an accredited UAE university or college.

Temporary
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Family Spouse

Family Residence Visa - Spouse

Family & Partner

Spouses of UAE residents or citizens sponsored to live in the country.

Dependent
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Family Child

Family Residence Visa - Children

Family & Partner

Children of UAE residents or citizens sponsored as dependants.

Dependent
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Family Parent

Family Residence Visa - Parents

Family & Partner

Parents sponsored by a UAE-resident son or daughter to live with them.

Dependent
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Investor

Investor / Partner Residence Visa

Business, Talent & Investor

Owners or partners in a UAE company who self-sponsor based on their business stake.

Investor
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Retiree

Retirement Residence Visa (5-year)

Settlement & Citizenship

Retirees aged 55+ with sufficient property, savings or income to support themselves.

Long-term residence
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Jobseeker

Job Exploration / Jobseeker Visit Visa

Visitor & Short Stay

Skilled professionals entering the UAE to look for work without a sponsor.

Short stay
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Domestic

Domestic Worker Residence Visa

Work & Skilled

Household workers (maids, drivers, nannies, cooks) sponsored by a UAE-resident family.

Temporary
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Humanitarian

Humanitarian Residence / Treatment Entry Permit

Humanitarian & Refugee

People granted residence on humanitarian or medical-treatment grounds, including some stranded family cases.

Humanitarian
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