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UAE visa fees and costs in 2025: what you’ll pay

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains one of the world’s most popular destinations, attracting millions of tourists, business professionals, and expats every year. Whether you are planning a short holiday in Dubai, moving to Abu Dhabi for work, or visiting family in Sharjah, understanding the UAE visa fees in 2025 is essential for smooth travel planning.

With the UAE government updating visa policies frequently to make the country more traveler-friendly, many visitors often ask, “What is the exact cost of a UAE visa?”

Why Understanding UAE Visa Fees is Important

Applying for a UAE visa isn’t just about submitting documents. You need to consider:

  • Visa category (tourist, visit, transit, business, or residence)
  • Duration of stay (14 days, 30 days, 60 days, or long-term residence)
  • Processing charges by airlines, visa agents, or travel agencies in Dubai
  • Extra costs such as insurance, extensions, or express approvals

Having a clear idea of these expenses helps you avoid delays, unnecessary rejections, and last-minute surprises.

UAE Visa Categories and Their Fees (2025)

Here’s a simplified breakdown of visa fees in the UAE for 2025 (average cost, may vary depending on travel agencies and nationality):

1. Tourist Visa

  • 30-day single entry: AED 350 – AED 400
  • 60-day single entry: AED 500 – AED 600
  • Multiple entry tourist visa (30 days): AED 600 – AED 700
  • Multiple entry tourist visa (60 days): AED 1000 – AED 1200

Best for: Tourists planning leisure trips, family holidays, or short-term visits.

2. Transit Visa

  • 48-hour transit visa: Free (if applied through airlines)
  • 96-hour transit visa: Around AED 50 – AED 100

Best for: Passengers connecting flights via Dubai or Abu Dhabi

3. Visit Visa (Friends/Family)

  • 30 days: AED 350 – AED 450
  • 90 days: AED 900 – AED 1200

 Note: Requires sponsorship by a UAE resident.

4. Employment & Work Visa

  • Entry permit for employment: AED 500 – AED 1000
  • Residency stamping + Emirates ID: AED 3500 – AED 6000 (depending on company and medical insurance)

 Employers generally cover this cost.

5. Golden Visa (Long-Term Residence)

  • 5-year / 10-year golden visa: AED 2800 – AED 4800 (excluding medical and Emirates ID fees)

 Targeted at investors, skilled professionals, scientists, and outstanding students.

Additional Charges to Consider

When calculating the real cost of a UAE visa in 2025, you must factor in:

  • Travel agency service charges (AED 50 – AED 200)
  • Travel insurance fee (AED 50 – AED 150 depending on coverage)
  • Express processing (AED 100 – AED 300 extra)

Visa extension (AED 600 – AED 800 for 30 days without exiting UAE)

Can You Get UAE Visa for Free?

Yes, in certain cases:

  • Citizens of visa-exempt countries (like GCC nationals) can enter without a visa.
  • Travelers from countries eligible for visa on arrival (e.g., US, UK, Schengen, Australia, Japan) can stay up to 30 or 90 days free of charge.

48-hour transit visa is free if booked through Emirates, Etihad, or other UAE-based airlines.

How to Reduce UAE Visa Costs

  1. Apply directly through airlines like Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, or Air Arabia – often cheaper than agents.
  2. Book via official UAE government portals to avoid extra commission.
  3. Opt for multiple-entry visas if you plan several trips within a few months.
  4. Check promotions by travel agencies in Dubai, as many offer seasonal discounts.

Pros and Cons of UAE Visa Fees in 2025

Pros

  • Transparent fee structure on government portals
  • Multiple categories for flexibility (tourist, visit, golden visa)
  • Affordable transit and short-term visas for stopovers

Cons

  • High cost for long-term residence and employment visas
  • Extra service charges by agents and agencies
  • Extensions can be costly compared to initial visa

Why Many Travelers Still Prefer Visa Agencies in Dubai

Even though you can apply online, many travelers choose Dubai visa agents or travel agencies because:

  • They handle paperwork and documentation.
  • They provide faster approvals with minimal error.
  • They assist with visa extensions, cancellations, and reapplications.

For first-time visitors, especially from countries with strict document checks, using a trusted visa agency in Dubai can actually save time and money.

Conclusion

The UAE visa fees in 2025 remain competitive compared to many global destinations. Short-term tourist visas are quite affordable, while residence and employment visas naturally involve higher costs due to medical and ID registrations.

If you are a frequent traveler or an expat moving to the UAE, it is wise to budget not only for the basic visa fee but also for extensions, insurance, and service charges. And if the process feels overwhelming, hiring a reliable Dubai visa agent or travel agency can ensure a stress-free experience.