Visa Guide
Updated February 2026
UAE Visa Costs & Process for Free Zone Companies
Every fee itemised. No surprises. Here is exactly what you pay for a UAE residency visa through a free zone — from entry permit to stamped passport.
Your free zone license sponsors your residency visa. The license cost and the visa cost are separate things — many zones advertise the license fee prominently and bury the visa costs in the fine print. The reality: visa processing adds AED 3,000-6,000 per person on top of your license fee, roughly doubling the cost of a budget zone package. This guide shows you every line item.
Fair warning: Visa costs are the least predictable part of UAE company setup. Government fees change without notice, some zones add PRO service charges (AED 500-2,000) that are not in their fee schedules, and processing times can stretch to 4+ weeks during peak periods (September-November). Budget 20% above these figures as a buffer.
Full Visa Cost Breakdown Per Person
| Cost Item | Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Entry permit | 200 – 1,100 |
| Status change (if already in UAE) | 570 – 670 |
| Medical exam (standard) | 300 – 500 |
| Medical exam (VIP) | 850 |
| Emirates ID typing | 170 – 390 |
| Visa stamping | 300 – 1,000 |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | 700 – 5,000/yr |
| Establishment card (pro-rated) | 100 – 300 |
| Total per person | 3,000 – 6,000 |
Step-by-Step Visa Process
Entry permit issued
Your free zone applies for your entry permit. You receive it electronically. This allows you to enter or change status in the UAE.
Enter the UAE
Fly to the UAE on the entry permit, or if already on a tourist visa, apply for status change (AED 570-670). Status change takes 1-3 days.
Medical examination
Visit a government-approved health centre. Blood test and chest X-ray. Book in advance. VIP service costs AED 850 but returns same-day results.
Emirates ID biometrics
Visit an authorised typing centre. Fingerprints and photo taken. Card delivered to your registered address in 7-10 days. You can use the receipt as temporary ID.
Visa stamping
Submit your passport for visa stamping through your free zone or a typing centre. Passport returned with the residence visa stamp within 2-5 days.
Health insurance
Purchase mandatory health insurance. Many zones offer group plans through their insurance partners. Coverage must be active before your visa is stamped in some emirates.
Dependent Visas (Family)
You can sponsor your spouse, children (any age), and in some cases parents for UAE residency. Requirements vary by emirate, but the general framework is consistent.
Visa Renewal
Standard visas renew every 2-3 years. Renewal costs AED 2,000-4,000 per person (medical re-exam, Emirates ID renewal, and new visa stamping). Some zones now offer 3-year visas for a modest premium over the 2-year rate — worth it for the convenience.
Important: You must renew your trade license before your visa. If your license lapses, your visa becomes invalid. Set calendar reminders 60 days before both expiry dates.
Compare visa costs across free zones
Every free zone profile includes detailed visa cost breakdowns and processing times.
Browse Free ZonesFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a UAE residency visa cost through a free zone?
Total visa cost per person ranges from AED 3,000-6,000 depending on the free zone. This includes the entry permit, medical examination (AED 300-500), Emirates ID (AED 170-390), visa stamping (AED 300-1,000), and health insurance (AED 700-5,000/year). Some zones include first-year visa costs in their package price, while others charge separately.
How long does UAE visa processing take?
Entry permit issuance takes 2-5 business days. After arrival in the UAE, the medical exam, Emirates ID, and visa stamping take 7-14 days to complete. Total timeline from application to stamped visa: 2-3 weeks. VIP medical processing (AED 850) saves 2-3 days.
Can I sponsor my family on a free zone visa?
Yes. Most free zones allow you to sponsor dependents (spouse, children, and in some cases parents). You need a minimum salary certificate — typically AED 4,000-10,000/month depending on the emirate. Each dependent visa costs AED 3,000-5,000 for processing. Some zones require an additional AED 3,000-5,000 deposit per dependent.
Do I need to be in the UAE to process my visa?
Yes. Three steps require physical presence: the medical exam (blood test + chest X-ray), Emirates ID biometrics (fingerprints + photo), and visa stamping in your passport. Plan a 5-7 day trip to complete all steps. The entry permit can be issued while you are outside the UAE.
How long is a UAE residency visa valid?
Standard residency visas are valid for 2-3 years depending on the free zone and visa type. Some zones now offer 3-year visas at a slight premium. Renewal costs AED 2,000-4,000 per person. Golden Visa holders get 5 or 10-year validity.
What happens if my visa is cancelled?
If you cancel your free zone license or leave the company, your visa is cancelled. You have a 30-day grace period to either get a new visa, change status, or leave the UAE. Overstaying incurs fines of AED 125-200 per day. Visa cancellation takes 2-5 business days.
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Last updated: February 2026.