Dubai and the UAE in general have become one of the most visited destinations in the World.
Dubai has been on the top 10 list of most visited cities in the world for more than 5 years in a row.
Apart from having top attraction sites, one of the other reasons many people visit Dubai is the ease of getting a visa.
However, over the years, they have made the process a bit stricter to curb the growing number of people who go to the UAE on a tourist visa and refuse to return.
With that said, it is still quite easier to get a visa compared to most countries.
Below, let us have a look at the different types of visas Dubai and the UAE have:
1. Tourist Visa
For travelers visiting the UAE for leisure/tourism purposes.
- Single Entry Tourist Visa
Allows one entry; valid for 30 or 60 days. This type of visa can be extended. - Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
Allows multiple entries; valid for 30 or 60 days from first entry. - 5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
It allows multiple entries over five years; each stay can last up to 90 days and is extendable up to 180 days in a year. Proof of sufficient funds and UAE travel history is required.
2. Transit Visa
This visa is for travelers transiting through UAE airports and who want to enter the country before their connecting flight.
With this visa, you can travel to any Emirate in the UAE.
- 48-Hour Transit Visa
The visa must be arranged in advance. Not extendable. - 96-Hour Transit Visa
Valid for 96 hours from entry. You need to get it through a UAE-based airline.
More Information on UAE Transit Visas
3. Visa on Arrival
This visa is available to passport holders of specific countries.
- 30-Day Visa on Arrival
Free and renewable for another 30 days. - 90-Day Visa on Arrival
For nationals of countries like EU member states and the United States. Non-renewable. - 180-Day Visa on Arrival
For Mexican citizens. - 14-Day Visa on Arrival (GCC Residents)
For certain professionals residing in GCC countries. Renewable once.
4. Work Visa (Employment Visa)
This is issued to foreigners employed by a UAE company.
- Entry Permit for Employment
Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Valid for 60 days to enter and complete residency procedures. - Residency Work Visa
Granted after the applicant enters on an employment entry permit and completes medical tests and the Emirates ID process. Valid for 1–3 years.
5. Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
The digital nomad visa allows professionals to live in the UAE while working remotely for a company outside the UAE. It is valid for 1 year.
Read more on the Digital Nomad Visa – Costs and Requirements
6. Residency Visa
Allows foreigners to live in the UAE long-term. Requires a sponsor or qualifying investment.
- Family Visa
Sponsored by a UAE resident (employee or investor) for their family members. - Investor/Partner Visa
For those investing in or owning a business in the UAE. - Property Owner Visa
For foreigners owning property in the UAE (subject to property value requirements). - Retirement Visa
For residents over 55 meeting financial criteria. Valid for 5 years. - Domestic Worker Visa
For hiring helpers, housemaids, and nannies. Sponsored by the head of household.
7. Golden Visa (10-Year Long-Term Residency)
For investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, researchers, and outstanding students. No sponsor required.
For individuals getting it through investment or business, you have to have invested a certain amount of money.
More Information on Golden Visa
8. Green Visa
A 5-year residency visa for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors without the need for an employer sponsor. The threshold of income is way more than that of a digital nomad visa, hence the allocation of 5 years for the green visa.
9. Blue Visa
A newly announced 10-year residency visa for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection.
More information on the 10-year Blue Visa
10. Student Visa
For international students enrolled in UAE educational institutions. The visa can be sponsored by a parent who should be a UAE resident or by an accredited university or college. The visa is given for 1 year at a time and is renewable for a similar period to the remaining study period.
11. Medical Treatment Visa
The visa is issued to individuals seeking medical care in the UAE. It must be sponsored by a licensed UAE hospital, clinic, or health facility.
- Single or Multiple Entry Options
The visa is valid for 90 or 180 days, and it is renewable..
12. Mission Visa (Temporary Work Visa)
For short-term projects or temporary jobs (up to 90 days, renewable up to 6 months). Sponsored by a UAE-licensed company.
13. Dependent Visa
The visa is issued to spouses, children, or parents of UAE residents. If you are a UAE resident, you can sponsor your family members to come and live in the UAE.
14. Special Visa for Cruise Tourists
This is a multi-entry visa issued to individuals who are arriving in the UAE by cruise ship through the official ports. It is valid for 60 days upon issuance, and after the first entry, the permit is valid for 30 days and can be used on multiple trips.
Available for cruise ship passengers entering multiple UAE ports during their trip.
