UAE Visa Types 2026: Complete Guide to All Visa Categories

Golden Visa, Green Visa, Blue Visa, Tourist, Work, and Family Visas Explained

Quick Answer: What UAE Visa Types Are Available in 2026? The UAE offers multiple visa categories: Golden Visa (10-year residence for investors, professionals, talents), Green Visa (5-year self-sponsored for skilled workers), Blue Visa (10-year environmental residence), tourist visas (30-90 days), employment visas (2-3 years), remote work visas (1 year), student visas (1 year), and family/dependent visas (1-3 years). Over 70 nationalities receive visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.

Introduction

The United Arab Emirates operates one of the most dynamic visa systems in the world, designed to attract global talent, investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists. In 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) implemented sweeping reforms that introduced new visa categories, streamlined application processes, and expanded eligibility criteria across multiple residency pathways.

This comprehensive guide covers every visa type available in the UAE, from short-term tourist visas to long-term residence permits. Whether you’re planning a brief visit, seeking employment, investing in property, or looking to relocate your family, this guide provides the authoritative information you need to navigate the UAE’s immigration system in 2026.

The UAE’s visa system is administered by two primary authorities: the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in the other emirates. Both offer digital application portals that have significantly streamlined the visa process.

UAE Visa Categories Overview

The UAE visa system comprises several distinct categories, each designed for specific purposes and durations. The following table provides a quick reference for all major visa types available in 2026.

Long-Term Residence Visas

The UAE has revolutionized long-term residency options with three flagship programs: the Golden Visa, Green Visa, and the newly launched Blue Visa. These visas eliminate the traditional requirement for employer sponsorship, offering unprecedented flexibility for qualified individuals.

Golden Visa (10-Year Residence)

The Golden Visa is the UAE’s flagship long-term residence program, offering a 10-year renewable residence permit without a sponsor. Introduced in 2019, the program has expanded significantly and now covers investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, skilled professionals, outstanding students, and frontline heroes.

Eligible Categories for Golden Visa

• Investors: Property investment of AED 2 million minimum, or deposit of AED 2 million in a UAE investment fund, or business ownership with capital of at least AED 2 million
• Entrepreneurs: Project ownership valued at AED 500,000 minimum, with approval from an accredited business incubator
• Skilled Professionals: Minimum salary of AED 30,000-50,000 per month (varies by emirate), bachelor’s degree or higher, valid employment contract
• Doctors: Approval letter from the Ministry of Health and Prevention to practice medicine
• Scientists: Recommendation letter from the Emirates Council of Scientists or the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Excellence
• Inventors: Patent approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy, with added value to the country’s economy
• Creative Professionals: Approval letter from the Ministry of Culture and Youth
• Outstanding Students: High school graduates with 95%+ GPA or university students with 3.75+ GPA from accredited institutions
• Humanitarian Pioneers: Funders of humanitarian work with a support value of at least AED 2 million

Golden Visa Benefits

• 10-year renewable residence without an employer sponsor
• Stay outside the UAE beyond the usual 6-month period without losing residency
• Sponsor spouse, children of any age, and domestic workers
• 100% business ownership on the UAE mainland
• Access to consular services abroad, including emergency assistance and humanitarian evacuation
• 24-hour global emergency hotline

Golden Visa Costs

Application fee: AED 2,800-4,800 (varies by category and emirate). Additional costs include medical examination (AED 320), Emirates ID issuance (AED 575), and mandatory health insurance.

Read Complete Golden Visa Guide →

Green Visa (5-Year Self-Sponsored Residence)

The Green Visa, introduced in October 2022, provides a 5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors who don’t require an employer sponsor. This visa eliminates the traditional requirement for employer-sponsored residency and offers greater job mobility.

Eligible Categories for Green Visa

• Skilled Employees: Minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month, bachelor’s degree or equivalent, occupation in levels 1-3 per MOHRE classification
• Freelancers/Self-Employed: Valid freelance permit from MOHRE, bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma, annual income of AED 360,000 minimum for the past two years
• Investors/Partners: Investment approval from ICP, valid commercial or industrial license, proof of business investment

Green Visa Benefits

• No employer sponsor required
• 6-month grace period after visa cancellation
• Sponsor male children up to age 25 and unmarried daughters without an age limit
• Children of determination are sponsored regardless of age
• 90-180 day grace period for document renewal

Green Visa Costs

Application fees range from AED 2,000 to AED 2,500. Additional costs include Emirates ID (AED 575), medical services (AED 320), and an entry permit (AED 1,250 if applying from abroad).

Read Complete Green Visa Guide →

Blue Visa (10-Year Environmental Residence)

First announced in May 2024 and officially launched at the World Government Summit 2025, the Blue Visa is a 10-year residence permit for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. This visa supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions and COP28 commitments.

Eligible Categories for Blue Visa

• Conservationists: Individuals protecting marine life, ecosystems, and endangered species
• Sustainability Advocates: Experts in renewable energy, waste reduction, and circular economy
• Environmental Researchers: Scientists developing solutions to ecological challenges
• Award Winners: Recipients of global, regional, or national environmental awards
• Financial Supporters: Contributors of at least AED 1 million to environmental initiatives
• Academic Experts: Holders of master’s or doctoral degrees in environmental science, energy, sustainability, or climate change
• Environmental Investors: Investment of at least AED 2 million in projects advancing UAE environmental goals

Blue Visa Application Process

Applications are submitted through the ICP portal (smartservices.icp.gov.ae). A nomination request (AED 350) must be submitted first, followed by the visa application upon approval. Applicants from abroad receive a 6-month multiple-entry permit to complete the residency process.

Read Complete Blue Visa Guide →

Visit and Tourist Visas

The UAE offers flexible visitor options ranging from visa-free entry for over 70 nationalities to pre-arranged tourist visas for others. Understanding which category applies to your nationality is essential for trip planning.

Visa-Free Entry and Visa on Arrival

The UAE offers visa-free entry or a visa on arrival to citizens of over 70 countries. GCC nationals enter freely with a government-issued ID card. Other eligible nationalities receive automatic visa stamps upon arrival at UAE airports.

90-Day Visa on Arrival Countries

Citizens of most European Union countries, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and many other nations receive a 90-day visa on arrival. Multiple entries are permitted within 180 days.

30-Day Visa on Arrival Countries

Citizens of China, Brunei, Hong Kong, and several other Asian countries receive a 30-day visa on arrival, with options to extend.

180-Day Visa on Arrival

Mexican passport holders receive a multiple-entry 180-day visa on arrival.

Indian Nationals Special Entry

From January 7, 2024, eligible Indian passport holders can obtain a 14-day visa on arrival (extendable to 60 days) if they hold a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or Singapore. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months. A fee of approximately USD 63 applies.

View Complete Visa-Free Countries List →

Tourist Visa (Pre-Arranged)

Nationals not eligible for a visa on arrival must obtain a tourist visa before travel. These visas require sponsorship by a UAE-based entity such as an airline, hotel, travel agency, or UAE resident.

Tourist Visa Options and Fees

Tourist Visa Extension Rules

30-day and 60-day visas can be extended twice, each for 30 days (AED 600 per extension). Maximum consecutive stay is 120 days per year. Extensions can be processed in the UAE without exiting via GDRFA digital channels or Amer centers.

Critical: No Grace Period

The previous 10-day grace period has been eliminated—overstaying results in immediate fines of AED 50 per day, potential deportation, and re-entry bans.

Read Complete Tourist Visa Guide →

New Visit Visa Categories (2025)

In September 2025, the ICP introduced four new purpose-specific visit visa categories to attract specialized visitors:

• AI Specialists Visa: Single or multiple entry for artificial intelligence professionals, sponsored by licensed AI-focused entities
• Entertainment Visa: For visitors participating in cultural, artistic, and tourism activities, sponsored by licensed entertainment entities
• Events Visa: Covers conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and sporting, religious, or educational gatherings
• Maritime Tourism Visa: Multiple-entry visa for cruise passengers and leisure vessel travelers

Transit Visa

For travelers connecting through UAE airports who wish to leave the airport. Transit visas are sponsored by UAE-based airlines and must be arranged in advance of travel.

Read Complete Transit Visa Guide →

Employment and Work Visas

The UAE offers multiple pathways for foreign nationals seeking employment, from traditional employer-sponsored visas to innovative remote work options for digital nomads.

Standard Employment Visa

The standard employment visa is the most common work authorization in the UAE. It requires employer sponsorship and is issued through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Valid for 2-3 years, depending on contract terms.

Employment Visa Requirements

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Valid job offer from a UAE-registered company
• Medical fitness certificate from an approved UAE health center
• Educational qualifications attested by the UAE Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Clean criminal record
• Passport valid for at least 6 months

MOHRE Skill Classification Categories

MOHRE classifies workers into three categories that affect application requirements and processing:

• Category 1: Bachelor’s degree holders
• Category 2: Post-secondary diploma holders
• Category 3: High school diploma holders

Work Permit Types

• Standard Work Permit: 2-year mainland employment
• Free Zone Work Permit: Issued by free zone authorities
• Mission Visa: Short-term project work up to 90 days
• Part-Time Work Permit: Work for multiple employers
• Freelance Work Permit: Independent contractors in specific sectors

Employment Visa Costs

Total costs range from AED 3,000 to AED 7,500, including visa fees, medical examination fees, and Emirates ID processing fees. Workers over 65 years pay an additional AED 5,000.

Read Complete Work Visa Guide →

Remote Work Visa (Virtual Working Programme)

Launched in 2021, this 1-year residence visa allows foreign nationals to live in the UAE while working remotely for employers located outside the country, with no local employer sponsor required.

Remote Work Visa Requirements

• Proof of remote employment with an entity outside the UAE
• Minimum monthly income of USD 3,500 (employees) or USD 5,000 (business owners)
• Bank statements for the past 6 months showing income
• Valid health insurance covering the UAE
• Employment contract valid for at least 1 year (employees)
• Business operating for at least 1 year (business owners)

Remote Work Visa Benefits

• Access to all resident services, including telecommunications, utilities, healthcare, and schooling
• Zero personal income tax
• Family sponsorship available

Dubai programme fee: USD 287 per person plus medical insurance and processing fees.

Read Complete Remote Work Visa Guide →

Student Visas

International students enrolled in UAE educational institutions must obtain a student visa. The visa is sponsored by the university or accredited college where the student is enrolled.

Standard Student Visa Requirements

• Admission letter from a UAE-accredited institution
• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Passport-sized photographs
• Medical fitness certificate
• Proof of tuition payment
• Health insurance

Student Visa Duration and Costs

Visa valid for 1 year, renewable annually with proof of continued enrollment. Costs range from AED 2,500 to AED 6,500 depending on the institution and processing speed. Students under 18 do not require a medical examination.

Golden Visa for Outstanding Students

High school graduates with 95%+ final grades or university students with 3.75+ GPA from accredited institutions may qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa. Graduates from top 100 global universities (per Ministry of Education classification) are also eligible.

Read Complete Student Visa Guide →

Family and Dependent Visas

UAE residents can sponsor family members to reside in the country. The 2022 reforms eliminated profession-based restrictions, allowing any worker meeting salary thresholds to sponsor dependents.

Sponsorship Salary Requirements

Eligible Dependents

• Spouse: Legally married partner with attested Arabic marriage certificate
• Sons: Up to age 25; children of determination have no age limit
• Daughters: Unmarried daughters with no age limit
• Parents: Both parents must be sponsored together (with exceptions); an annual visa is issued
• Newborns: Must apply for a residence visa within 120 days of birth

Family Visa Costs

Entry permit: AED 200 plus VAT. Additional fees for in-country processing: AED 520. The total family visa cost typically ranges from AED 2,500 to AED 4,000 per dependent, including the medical examination and Emirates ID.

Read Complete Family Visa Guide →

Overstay Fines and Penalties

The UAE has strict penalties for visa violations. Understanding the consequences of overstaying is essential for all visitors.

Current Overstay Fine Structure

According to ICP and the official UAE Government portal, overstay fines have been standardized at AED 50 per day for all visa categories, including tourist, visit, and residence visas. The previous 10-day grace period for tourist visas has been removed. Fines begin accumulating from the day after visa expiry.

How to Pay Overstay Fines

For Dubai-issued visas, fines can be paid through the GDRFA website, GDRFA app, or at Amer centers. For overstays of less than 30 days, payment is also possible at Dubai airports while exiting. For overstays exceeding 30 days, payment must be made at the GDRFA headquarters before departure.

For visas issued in other emirates, use the ICP Smart Services portal or visit ICP service centers.

Read Complete Overstay Guide →

Key 2025-2026 UAE Visa Updates

The UAE continuously updates its visa system. Key developments in 2025-2026 include:

• Four new visit visa categories: AI specialists, entertainment, events, and maritime tourism visas, launched in September 2025
• Blue Visa launch: 10-year environmental residence now accepting applications
• Unified schedule: Standardized visa durations and approving authorities across categories
• Humanitarian provisions: One-year visas for individuals from countries affected by war, disasters, or instability
• Widows and divorcees: Six-month residencies available for foreign widows and divorcees of UAE nationals
• Golden Visa services: New consular services, including emergency support and humanitarian evacuation abroad
• Nurses’ Golden Visa: Dubai Health nurses with 15+ years of service are now eligible
• Content creators: Long-term residency via Creators HQ programme
• Passport cover requirement: The external passport cover page is now mandatory for all entry permit applications
• Traffic fine linkage: Dubai is piloting a system linking traffic fine payments to visa issuance/renewal
• Salama platform: AI-powered digital platform for faster Dubai visa renewals
• GCC Unified Tourist Visa: Similar to the Schengen system, a pilot program announced for late 2025, with complete implementation expected in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Government Resources

UAE Official Portal (u.ae)

General visa information and requirements

GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae)

Dubai visa services and applications

ICP (icp.gov.ae)

Federal visa services for other emirates

ICP Smart Services (smartservices.icp.gov.ae)

Online visa applications and tracking

MOHRE (mohre.gov.ae)

Employment and work permit services

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofaic.gov.ae)

Embassy information and attestation services

Helplines: ICP toll-free 600522222 | Amer service (Dubai) 800 5111

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and reflects regulations in effect as of January 2026. It does not constitute legal, immigration, or professional advice. UAE visa policies are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements through official UAE government portals (u.ae, icp.gov.ae, gdrfad.gov.ae) before applying. Processing times, fees, and documentation requirements may vary by emirate and individual circumstances. The author assumes no liability for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this content.

Last Updated: January 2026 | Sources: ICP, GDRFA Dubai, UAE Government Portal (u.ae), MOHRE