Visa Services in Dubai: Types, Costs & How to Apply (2026 Guide)
Dubai offers over 15 visa types for entrepreneurs, employees, investors, and families. The most popular are employment visas (AED 3,500-5,500), investor visas (AED 5,000-15,000), Golden Visas (10-year, for AED 2M+ investors), and family sponsorship visas (AED 3,000-5,000 per dependent). YABS processes all visa types with typical turnaround of 7-14 working days.
Complete Dubai Visa Types & Costs (2026)
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost (AED) | Processing Time | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | 2-3 years | 3,500-5,500 | 7-14 days | Sponsoring company with active license |
| Investor/Partner Visa | 2-3 years | 5,000-15,000 | 10-21 days | Company share ownership (min 1%) |
| Golden Visa | 10 years | 3,800-5,000 | 14-30 days | AED 2M+ investment or qualifying profession |
| Green Visa | 5 years | 3,000-4,500 | 14-21 days | Skilled professional or freelancer earning AED 360K+/yr |
| Family Visa | 1-2 years | 3,000-5,000 per person | 14-21 days | Sponsor earning AED 4,000+/month or AED 3,000 + accommodation |
| Freelance Visa | 1-3 years | 7,500-15,000 | 5-10 days | Freelance permit from approved free zone |
| Tourist Visa | 30-90 days | 350-1,500 | 2-5 days | Valid passport, hosting company or hotel |
| Visit Visa | 30-90 days | 500-2,000 | 3-7 days | UAE-based sponsor |
Step-by-Step: How to Get a UAE Residence Visa
- Set up your company (3-5 days): Obtain a trade license in a free zone or mainland. This creates the “establishment” that sponsors your visa.
- Apply for entry permit (3-5 days): Your company applies through GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
- Enter UAE on entry permit: If you’re outside the UAE, enter with the entry permit. If inside, apply for a status change (AED 570).
- Medical fitness test (1-2 days): Blood test and chest X-ray at approved medical center (AED 300-500).
- Emirates ID biometrics (1 day): Visit an ICP typing center for fingerprints and photo (AED 370).
- Visa stamping (3-7 days): Residence visa is stamped in your passport.
- Get health insurance (same day): Mandatory for all UAE residents. Basic plans from AED 650/year.
Golden Visa UAE: Who Qualifies in 2026
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence visa with no employer sponsorship required. Qualifying categories:
- Investors: AED 2M+ in real estate or AED 2M+ in a UAE business
- Entrepreneurs: Approved startup via Ministry of Economy or accredited business incubator
- Specialized talent: Scientists, doctors, engineers, artists with outstanding achievements
- Outstanding students: Top GPA from UAE or ranked global universities
- Skilled professionals: Earning AED 30,000+/month in qualifying sectors (tech, health, education)
YABS has processed 120+ Golden Visa applications with a 95% approval rate. The application costs AED 3,800-5,000 including government fees.
Common Visa Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting your visa expire: Overstaying incurs fines of AED 125/day for the first 6 months, then AED 200/day after. Always renew 30 days before expiry.
- Wrong visa type for your activity: An employment visa won’t work if you’re a business partner — you need an investor visa.
- Not budgeting for dependents: Each family member visa costs AED 3,000-5,000 extra plus annual health insurance.
- Ignoring the 6-month rule: If you stay outside the UAE for 6+ months, your residence visa can be auto-cancelled.
Why Choose YABS for Visa Services
- All visa types processed: Employment, investor, Golden Visa, family, freelance, tourist
- End-to-end service: From entry permit to visa stamping — YABS handles every step
- 500+ visas processed annually: Established relationships with GDRFA and immigration offices
- WhatsApp tracking: Real-time updates on your visa status
- Competitive pricing: Employment visa processing from AED 3,500 all-inclusive
- Free consultation: Call +971 58 829 3781 or visit yabs.ae
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a visa in Dubai?
Employment visas take 7-14 working days from application. Golden Visas take 14-30 days. Family visas take 14-21 days. The total process including company setup (if needed) takes 3-5 weeks from scratch.
What is the cheapest visa in Dubai?
The cheapest residence visa is an employment visa through a free zone company, costing approximately AED 3,500-5,500 including government fees, medical, and Emirates ID. Tourist visas start from AED 350 for 30 days.
Can I get a visa without a job in Dubai?
Yes. You can get a residence visa by: (1) setting up your own company and sponsoring yourself, (2) applying for a freelance visa through an approved free zone, (3) investing AED 2M+ for a Golden Visa, or (4) being sponsored by a family member who is a UAE resident.
How much does a Golden Visa cost in Dubai?
The Golden Visa application costs AED 3,800-5,000 in government and processing fees. However, you must meet the qualifying criteria (AED 2M+ investment, qualifying profession, etc.). YABS charges AED 5,000 for complete Golden Visa processing including all government fees.