UAE Visas 2025: Your Complete Guide

Dreaming of Dubai’s skyscrapers or Abu Dhabi’s beaches? Whether you’re a tourist, remote worker, or investor, here’s everything you need to navigate UAE visas in 2025 – scannable, detailed, and mobile-ready!

✈️ Visa-Free Entry & Visa on Arrival

Who Qualifies?

• GCC Nationals: Enter with an ID card (no visa).

• Visa-on-Arrival: 50+ countries, including:

  • USA, UK, Canada, EU: 30-90 days (extendable).

  • India: 14-day visa only if holding a US visa/green card.

  • China, Japan, South Korea: 90 days.

⚠️ Key Note: Visa-on-arrival is not available for citizens of Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or Nigeria.

📋 All UAE Visa Types (2025)

1. Tourist Visa

• Duration: 30/60/90 days (single or multiple entry).

• Cost:

  • 30-day single entry: AED 250 (~$68).

  • 60-day multiple entry: AED 650 (~$177).

• Extension: Apply online via GDRFA for AED 600 (30-day extension).

2. Visit Visa (Family/Friend)

• Sponsorship: UAE resident must apply via GDRFA.

• Documents Needed: Sponsor’s Emirates ID, passport copy, and accommodation proof.

• Cost: AED 500–1,000 (~136–136–272).

3. Golden Visa 🌟

• Eligibility:

  • Investors: AED 2M+ in property/business.

  • Professionals: Monthly salary AED 30K+ or specialized degrees (doctors, engineers).

  • Exceptional Talent: Scientists, artists, athletes.

• Benefits: 10-year residency, sponsor family, no employer needed.

• Cost: AED 2,800 (~$760) + medical test fees.

4. Green Visa 🌱

• For: Freelancers, skilled professionals, self-employed.

• Duration: 5 years (no employer sponsor!).

• Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree or AED 15K+ monthly income.

  • Valid health insurance.

5. Remote Work Visa 💻

• Purpose: Work remotely from UAE for a foreign company.

• Duration: 1 year (renewable).

• Cost: AED 1,500 (~$410) + medical insurance.

6. Student Visa 🎓

• Sponsor: UAE university or parent.

• Duration: Matches study program length.

• Work Permit: Students can work part-time.

7. Transit Visa

• Free 48-hour visa: For layovers (book via Emirates/Etihad).

• 96-hour visa: AED 50 (~$14) with confirmed onward ticket.

📲 How to Apply: Step-by-Step (2025)

Tourist/Visit Visa:

1. Online: Use the ICA Smart Services Portal.

2. Upload: Passport copy, photo, travel insurance.

3. Pay: Credit/debit card (AED 250–650).

4. Receive e-visa: Email in 2–5 working days.

Golden/Green Visa:

1. Submit Application: Via ICA or GDRFA Dubai.

2. Attach Documents: Proof of income, degree, medical test.

3. Pay Fees: AED 2,800+ online.

4. Collect Visa: Stamped at immigration on arrival.

Employment Visa:

1. Employer Applies: Through MOHRE.

2. Medical Test: In UAE (cost: AED 300–500).

3. Emirates ID: Apply within 30 days of arrival (AED 370).

💰 Cost Breakdown (2025)

Visa Type	Cost (AED)	Processing Time
Tourist (30-day)	250–350	2–5 days
Employment Visa	3,000–5,000	2–4 weeks
Golden Visa	2,800+	15–30 days
Transit (96-hour)	50	Instant at airport

All fees exclude medical tests, insurance, or Emirates ID costs.

✅ Key Requirements For UAE Visas 2025

• Passport: 6+ months validity.

• Photos: 45x55mm, white background.

• Health Insurance: Mandatory for residency visas.

• Medical Tests: Required for work/residency (HIV, TB, Hepatitis).

🚨 Avoid These Mistakes!

• Overstaying: Fines are AED 100/day + potential travel ban.

• Scams: Only use official portals or verified agents.

• Expired Visa: Renew 1 month before expiry.

❓ FAQs: Quick Answers

Q: Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa?A: Yes! Exit UAE, apply for employment visa, and return.

Q: Is health insurance mandatory?A: Yes for residency visas. Costs start at AED 500/year.

Q: How to check visa status?A: Use the ICA Smart Services portal with your passport number.

🌟 Pro Tips for 2025

• Remote Workers: Apply for a 1-year virtual work visa to skip residency hassles.

• Investors: Golden Visa holders can buy property with 0% income tax.

• Students: Part-time work permits now allow up to 20 hours/week.

📅 2025 Updates to Know

• Extended Tourist Stays: 60-day visas now available for all nationalities.

• Job Seeker Visa: New 3-month visa for skilled professionals (AED 500).

• Retirement Visa: Now open to expats over 55 with AED 1M savings.

🏁 Final Checklist

1. Confirm visa type and eligibility.

2. Book flights after visa approval.

3. Print multiple visa copies for immigration.

Need Help? Contact UAE embassies or use the Amer24/7 chatbot.

For more in-depth coverage and ongoing visa policy developments, click here to visit All updates from around the world.