Visas to the UAE (United Arab Emirates): how to get, cost, documents

Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates? For citizens of Germany and most EU countries, entry rules are maximally simplified: a short-term visa often does not require prior arrangement. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the available options, stay periods, and visa requirements in advance to avoid misunderstandings at the border.

Main information about visas in the UAE:

• Visa-free entry for up to 90 days is available for citizens of Germany and several other EU countries with a regular passport. 
• Electronic visas (e-Visa) can be processed online in advance — convenient for business trips, long vacations, or traveling with children.
• Visa extension is possible within the country, but not for all types.
• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• A temporary passport does not grant the right to a visa or entry into the UAE.

Tourist Visa

• Purpose: tourism, recreation, visiting attractions, meeting friends or relatives, short-term treatment
• Entry frequency: single or multiple
• Duration of stay in the country:
  • 30 days (short-term)
  • 60 days (long-term)
• Visa validity:
  • 60 days from the date of issue (for 30-day stay)
  • 180 days from the date of issue (for 60-day stay)

Business Visa

• Purpose: Business meetings, negotiations, participation in conferences or exhibitions, short-term business visits, market research, contract signing
• Entry frequency: Single or multiple
• Duration of stay in the country: up to 60 or up to 90 days (depending on the type of visa)
• Visa validity: 60 days from the date of issue

Transit Visa (Transit Visa)

• Validity period: 48 hours (free, issued by the airline during a connection); 96 hours (paid, arranged in advance)
• How to apply: Through the airline (if tickets are purchased from Emirates, Etihad, etc.)
• Processing time: 1–2 days

Visa for visiting friends/relatives (Visit Visa)

• Validity period: 30 or 60 days (single/multiple)
• How to apply: Through a UAE resident (sponsor), who submits a request through ICA UAE or GDRFA
• Processing time: 3–5 working days

Employment Visa (Employment Visa)

• Validity period: 2–3 years (depends on the contract)
• How to apply: Through an employer in the UAE (who acts as a sponsor)
• Processing time: 2–4 weeks

Investor/Businessman Visa (Investor Visa)

• Validity period: 3, 5 or 10 years (depending on investments)
• Requirements:
  • Property purchase from 750,000 AED (≈204,000 USD)
  • Business investments from 500,000 AED (≈136,000 USD)
• How to apply: Through DED (Department of Economic Development) or ICA
• Processing time: 1–2 months

Student Visa (Student Visa)

• Validity period: 1 year (with the possibility of extension)
• How to apply: Through an educational institution in the UAE (university acts as a sponsor)
• Processing time: 2–3 weeks

Medical Treatment Visa (Medical Visa)

• Validity period: 90 days (with the possibility of extension)
• How to apply: Through a hospital in the UAE (medical institution acts as a sponsor)
• Processing time: 5–7 days

Remote Work Visa (Remote Work Visa)

• Validity period: 1 year
• Requirements:
  • Salary from 5000 USD/month
  • Contract with a foreign company
• How to apply: Through programs: Dubai Virtual Working Program
• Processing time: 2–4 weeks

Golden Visa (Golden Visa – long-term residency)

• Validity period: 5 or 10 years
• Who can get it:
  • Investors (from 2 million AED)
  • Scientists, doctors, engineers
  • Students with high grades
  • Entrepreneurs
• How to apply: Through ICA UAE or GDRFA Dubai
• Processing time: 1–2 months

 Electronic Visas (e-Visa)

• Validity period: 30 or 60 days (single or multiple)
• Processing time: 1–3 days

Visa Extension

• Some types of visas can be extended while already in the UAE. Details depend on the specific visa type.

The cost of a visa to the United Arab Emirates starts from 159 euros. The final price depends on the type of visa (tourist, business, transit), duration of stay, and number of entries. The urgency of processing also affects the cost — an expedited submission may involve an additional fee. 

Electronic visas (e-Visa) usually cost less than visas with additional documents or special conditions. Separate rates may apply when applying for visas for children, minors, or accompanying persons. 

Find out the exact and current cost of a visa to the UAE in the section "Cost" or from our manager.

1. Determine the type of visa
   Choose a suitable option — tourist, business, or guest.
   
   
2. Fill out the online form
   Provide personal information, travel dates, and upload a photo.
   
   
3. Attach the necessary documents
   Add a scan of the passport, hotel booking, and return ticket.
   
   
4. Wait for processing
   We will check the data and send the application to the consulate.
   
   
5. Receive the visa by e-mail
   The ready visa will be sent to your email — print it out and take it with you on the trip.