Complete Guide to UAE Visas: Types, Requirements & How to Apply

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the world’s most visited destinations, attracting millions for tourism, business, work, study, and family life. Whether you plan a short holiday in Dubai, are relocating for employment, or pursuing long-term residence, understanding the UAE visa system is essential. This definitive guide explains every major UAE visa type, the documents you need, step-by-step application processes, and smart tips to avoid delays — plus how to apply Dubai visa online quickly with the licensed team at Visago.ae.

Types of UAE Visas

The UAE provides multiple visa categories tailored to purpose and duration. Below you’ll find detailed overviews covering eligibility, validity, documents, application steps, typical fees, and processing times for each visa type.

1. UAE Tourist Visa

The UAE tourist visa is ideal for holidays, short business trips, events, and family visits. It’s the most popular entry route for visitors to Dubai and other Emirates.

Eligibility

• Nationals from countries that require pre-approved entry to the UAE.
• Travelers planning short stays of 30 or 60 days.
• Available for individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Validity & Types

• 30-Day Tourist Visa: Single-entry or multiple-entry, extendable.
• 60-Day Tourist Visa: Single-entry or multiple-entry, extendable.
• Express Tourist Visa: Priority processing (as little as 12 business hours with Visago.ae).

Documents Required

• Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months).
• Recent passport-sized photo (white background).
• Flight booking (sometimes required).
• Hotel booking or UAE address (sometimes required).

Application Process

1. Visit the UAE tourist visa page at Visago.ae.
2. Select 30-day or 60-day, single or multiple entry.
3. Upload documents and complete the online form.
4. Pay securely online.
5. Receive your e-visa via email.

Fees & Processing Time

• Standard: Usually 2–4 business days.
• Express: 12–24 business hours (availability varies).
• Fees vary by duration and entry type.

2. UAE Golden Visa

The Golden Visa grants long-term residency (5 or 10 years) without a local sponsor to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional students/researchers.

Eligibility

• Investors meeting minimum investment criteria.
• Entrepreneurs owning or leading innovative companies.
• Specialized professionals (e.g., healthcare, engineering, tech) meeting salary/qualification thresholds.
• Outstanding students, top graduates, researchers, and scientific talent.

Validity

• Issued for 5 or 10 years; renewable if criteria remain met.

Documents Required

• Passport copy; proof of eligibility (investment, employment, or academic records).
• Medical fitness and Emirates ID (for applicants already in the UAE).

Application Process

1. Apply via the UAE government portal or authorized service provider.
2. Upload eligibility evidence and identification documents.
3. Pay applicable fees and await review.
4. Receive residency e-visa/permit.

Fees & Processing Time

• Processing typically 2–4 weeks.
• Fees vary by category and duration.

3. UAE Blue Visa (Climate-Focused)

Introduced in 2024, the Blue Visa is a 10-year residence permit dedicated to climate, sustainability, and environmental innovation professionals.

Eligibility

• Recognized contributions in sustainability or climate action projects.
• Scientists, researchers, and practitioners in environmental fields.

Validity

• 10 years, renewable (subject to criteria).

Documents Required

• Passport; portfolio of contributions/recognitions; supporting letters where applicable.

Application Process

1. Apply through official immigration channels.
2. Provide credentials and supporting documents for evaluation.
3. Pay fees and await approval.

Fees & Processing Time

• Typically 2–3 weeks; fees vary by case.

4. UAE Employment Visa

Company-sponsored work authorization tied to a valid labor contract. Common for expatriates moving to the UAE for jobs.

Eligibility

• Confirmed job offer from a UAE-based employer.
• Compliance with MOHRE rules and skill categories.

Validity

• Usually 2–3 years; renewable upon contract renewal.

Documents Required

• Passport; signed contract; education/qualification documents (if required).
• Medical fitness; MOHRE approvals; Emirates ID (post-entry).

Application Process

1. Employer obtains work permit/entry permit (MOHRE).
2. Employee enters the UAE (or status changes in-country), completes medical & biometrics.
3. Residency stamping/e-residence issuance and Emirates ID.

Fees & Processing Time

• ~5–10 working days after all documents and clearances.
• Fees depend on company category and role.

5. UAE Family Visa

Allows UAE residents to sponsor immediate family members (spouse and children; parents under conditions) to live in the UAE.

Eligibility

• Minimum salary threshold (varies; often AED 4,000–5,000+ for spouse/children).
• Valid tenancy contract and suitable accommodation.

Validity

• 1–3 years, renewable.

Documents Required

• Passports of sponsor and dependents; passport photos.
• Attested marriage certificate; attested birth certificates for children.
• Sponsor’s salary certificate and tenancy/Ejari.

Application Process

1. Submit sponsorship application via immigration portal/typing center.
2. Upload documents; pay fees.
3. Adults complete medical fitness; Emirates ID.
4. Receive residence e-visa/permit.

Fees & Processing Time

• ~5–10 working days depending on Emirate and caseload.

6. UAE Parents Visa

Permits sponsoring parents subject to higher income criteria and additional conditions.

Eligibility

• Higher salary threshold (commonly AED 20,000+; check Emirate-specific rules).
• Proof that the sponsor is the sole supporter of parents.

Validity

• Typically 1 year; renewable.

Documents Required

• Parents’ passports and photos; sponsor’s Emirates ID.
• Attested proof of relationship (birth certificate) and financial capacity.

Application Process

1. Apply via immigration channels/typing center.
2. Upload documents; pay fees.
3. Medical tests for parents; Emirates ID.
4. Residence permit issuance.

Fees & Processing Time

• ~7–10 working days (varies by Emirate and volume).

7. UAE Temporary Work Permit

Short-term work authorization for projects, probation, or seasonal roles under company sponsorship.

Eligibility

• Foreign hires on temporary assignments under a UAE entity.

Validity

• Commonly 3–6 months.

Documents Required

• Passport; temporary contract/offer letter.
• Medical fitness (where applicable); entry permit.

Application Process

1. Employer applies via MOHRE for temporary permit.
2. Employee completes medical/biometrics if required.
3. Permit issued for limited duration.

Fees & Processing Time

• ~5–7 working days; fees vary by duration and role.

8. UAE Transit / Layover Visa

For passengers passing through UAE airports with extended layovers.

Eligibility

• Confirmed onward ticket; layover generally 8+ hours.

Validity

• 48-hour visa (often free).
• 96-hour visa (small fee applies).

Documents Required

• Passport (6-month validity), photo, confirmed onward ticket.

Application Process

1. Usually requested via your airline or authorized travel partner.
2. Submit passport/ticket details; approval issued electronically.

Fees & Processing Time

• 48-hour: free; 96-hour: ~AED 50–100.
• Processing: typically 1–2 working days.

9. UAE Student Visa

Residence for international students enrolled at recognized UAE institutions (or sponsored by parents if resident).

Eligibility

• Offer/admission from accredited UAE school, college, or university.

Validity

• 1 year; renewable while enrolled.

Documents Required

• Passport; admission letter; medical fitness certificate; proof of fees/scholarship.

Application Process

1. University (or sponsor) submits application through immigration systems.
2. Medical tests and biometrics; Emirates ID.
3. Residence permit issuance.

Fees & Processing Time

• ~5–10 working days; fees vary by institution and Emirate.

How to Apply for a UAE Visa

Applying is straightforward when you follow the right steps. Tourist visas are best handled via licensed providers like Visago.ae; employment and family visas are typically sponsor-driven.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose your visa type: Tourist, employment, family, transit, student, etc.
2. Prepare documents: Passport (6+ months validity), photos, proof of travel/accommodation, contracts or admission letters when relevant.
3. Submit application: For tourists, apply directly via Visago.ae. For work/family/student, your sponsor or university usually applies.
4. Pay fees securely: Complete payment online.
5. Await approval: Tourist visas: ~2–4 business days; express options may be faster. Other categories vary.
6. Receive your visa: E-visa by email; for residency, complete medical/biometrics and Emirates ID.

Documents Required (By Category)

Tourist Visa

• Passport (6+ months validity); recent photo (white background).
• Hotel and flight bookings (sometimes required); completed form.

Employment Visa

• Passport; signed work contract; education docs (if requested).
• MOHRE approvals; medical fitness; Emirates ID after entry.

Family Visa

• Passports and photos; attested marriage/birth certificates.
• Sponsor’s salary certificate; tenancy/Ejari.

Student Visa

• Passport; admission letter; medical fitness; proof of fee payment/scholarship.

Transit Visa

• Passport; confirmed onward ticket; photo; itinerary showing layover.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Insufficient passport validity: Always 6+ months from arrival date.
• Incorrect personal details: Names, dates, and numbers must match your passport exactly.
• Poor-quality photos: Follow photo specifications (white background, recent, clear).
• Late applications: Apply at least 1–2 weeks before travel (or use express service).
• Unlicensed intermediaries: Use trusted, licensed providers like Visago.ae.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About UAE Visas

What documents are needed for a 60-day UAE tourist visa?

You’ll typically need: a passport with at least 6 months’ validity, a recent passport-sized photo (white background), and sometimes flight and hotel bookings plus a completed application form.

Is a visa required for a layover in Dubai?

If your layover is under 8 hours and you remain airside, a visa is usually not required. For longer layovers or if you wish to exit the airport, a 48-hour or 96-hour UAE transit visa may be needed.

Can I extend my tourist visa in Dubai?

In many cases, yes. Tourist visas can often be extended twice for 30 days each without leaving the country. Apply before your current visa expires.

How long does it take to process a UAE visa?

Standard tourist visa processing is typically 2–4 business days. Express services via Visago.ae can be faster (subject to eligibility and cut-off times). Employment/family/student timelines vary.

What is the difference between a tourist visa and a visit visa?

Tourist visas are for short leisure/business visits. “Visit visa” can refer to longer-stay family visits or sponsor-based entries. Rules and durations differ by category and Emirate.

Who can apply for the UAE Golden Visa?

Eligible groups include investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals meeting salary/qualification thresholds, and exceptional students or researchers.

What is the UAE Blue Visa?

A 10-year residency dedicated to climate, sustainability, and environmental innovation experts, introduced in 2024.

Can parents get a long-term visa in the UAE?

Yes — if the resident sponsor meets income and housing requirements and provides required documentation, parents can obtain a renewable residence visa (commonly 1-year validity).

How much does a Dubai tourist visa cost?

Fees vary by type and entry (30-day vs 60-day, single vs multiple). Typical ranges are ~AED 350–600; express processing may incur additional charges.