🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates visas: requirements, costs, and processing times
Last verified: September 2, 2026
We track 2 United Arab Emirates visa routes: Employment Residence Visa and Golden Visa. Each is verified against the official government source for Indians and Pakistanis.
Compare United Arab Emirates visa costs and processing times
| Visa | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Job offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Residence Visawork | $1,400 | 2–6 weeks | — | Required |
| Golden Visawork | $1,100–$1,300 | 4–12 weeks | $98,000/year | Depends |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents. A range means the figure differs by nationality.
United Arab Emirates visa types
Employment Residence Visa
workEmployer-sponsored 2-year renewable residence visa. The employer runs the whole process — MOHRE work permit, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, residence stamping — and by law bears all visa costs, including health insurance. No statutory minimum salary; typical end-to-end time is 2–4 weeks from signed offer.
Golden Visa
work10-year self-sponsored residence for investors and skilled professionals. Main routes: AED 2M in property (since Feb 2026 a mortgaged property's full value counts), an AED 2M bank deposit, or a basic salary of AED 30,000/month with a bachelor's degree and UAE employment contract. Government fees roughly AED 4,700–10,100.
United Arab Emirates visa guides by nationality
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How much does a United Arab Emirates work visa cost?
- Government fees are about $1,400 for the Employment Residence Visa and $1,100–$1,300 for the Golden Visa (USD equivalents; fees can differ by nationality). Translations, medicals, and courier costs come on top.
- How long does a United Arab Emirates visa take to process?
- Typical processing is 2–6 weeks for the Employment Residence Visa and 4–12 weeks for the Golden Visa, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Can I move to United Arab Emirates without a job offer?
- Every United Arab Emirates route we track requires a job offer from an employer in United Arab Emirates.
- What income do I need for a United Arab Emirates visa?
- Minimum income is about $98,000 a year for the Golden Visa (USD equivalents of thresholds set in local currency).
- Which United Arab Emirates visas lead to permanent residency?
- The Golden Visa offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
Always confirm requirements with the official government source linked on each visa page. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Browse visas for other countries.