Key takeaways
- A UAE visa is an entry permit. It lets you come in and stay for a set time. Living here needs a residence permit, which is covered in the next chapter.
- There are five families of entry visa: visit, temporary or emergency, work, residence (non-work), and GCC residents (Regulation Art. 10).
- A visit visa must be used within 60 days of being issued (Art. 13), and a visit can never last more than one year in total (Art. 12).
- Work and residence entry permits give you 60 days from the day you enter to finish your residence: medical, Emirates ID and residence stamping (Arts. 33 and 34).
- Some visas need no sponsor inside the UAE: the 5-year multi-entry tourist visa, the visit for a relative or friend, the job-seeker visa and the business start-up visa (Arts. 15, 16, 20 and 22).
- Every entry visa needs a passport valid for 6 months, no entry ban, a return or onward ticket, health insurance, and the fees and deposit (Art. 8).
This chapter explains every article of the UAE’s rules on entry visas, in order. Each card has a short quote from the official English text, then what it means in simple words, an example, and what it means for you.
This page explains what the law says. For fees, documents and how to apply, go to: Complete list of UAE visa types · Entry permit service in Dubai.
Who issues visas, and the general conditions
Who issues, renews and cancels visas
Federal Decree-Law 29/2021
“The ICA shall be responsible for issuing, renewing and cancelling visas”Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021, Article 7(1)
In plain English
- ICP issues, renews and cancels all UAE visas.
- The Executive Regulation decides the types of visa, their conditions, how long they last, when they can be renewed or cancelled, and when a visa can be changed into a residence permit.
- UAE embassies and consulates abroad can also issue visas, following the Regulation’s rules.
Visas come only from ICP (or GDRFA in Dubai) and UAE embassies. A “visa” sold outside these channels is not a UAE visa.
The six conditions for any entry visa
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“He shall have a valid health insurance within the State”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 8(5)
In plain English
To be given any entry visa, the person must:
- Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months that lets them return home.
- Not be banned from entering the UAE.
- Not have been deported from the UAE before.
- Have a ticket to travel on or to leave.
- Have valid health insurance for the UAE.
- Be approved by the authorities, show that the purpose of the trip is genuine, and pay the fees and any deposit.
Example
Yusuf wants to bring his brother on a visit visa. His brother was deported from the UAE years ago. Under condition 3 the visa will be refused unless the ICP Chairman has first given permission to return (Decree-Law Art. 18).
Health insurance and a genuine reason are part of every visa, not extras. If a relative has any past ban or deportation, check it before you apply; our travel ban guide explains how.
Visas issued by UAE embassies and consulates
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“Visas shall be granted by the Embassy or Consulate after the ICA approves the Application”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 9(2)
In plain English
Someone outside the UAE can apply at a UAE embassy or consulate on the official form. The embassy grants the visa only after ICP approves it and records it, and the fees and guarantees are paid.
Even an embassy visa is approved by ICP in the UAE. Most visas today are applied for online from inside the UAE by a sponsor, host or typing centre.
The five types of entry visa
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“The Entry Visa granted to the Foreigner shall determine the reason of the Visa Holder entry into the State”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 10
In plain English
Every visa is tied to a reason for coming. There are five types:
| Type | What it is for | Explained in |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Visit | Tourism, family, business trips, job hunting, treatment, study and more | Articles 11 to 27 |
| 2. Temporary or emergency | Transit, cabin crew, seamen, emergencies | Articles 28 to 32 |
| 3. Work | Coming to start a job or a Green residence | Article 33 |
| 4. Residence (non-work) | Coming to live without working: family, students, retirees, property owners | Article 34 |
| 5. GCC residents | Foreigners living in another GCC country, and their companions | Article 35 |
You must use a visa for its stated purpose. Working on a visit visa breaks the law (Regulation Art. 6), and misusing a visa is a crime under Decree-Law Article 27.
Visit visas
Visit visas and their eight purposes
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“a Visa that allows the Foreigner to enter the State for a temporary visit, whether for one trip or for multiple trips”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 11
In plain English
A visit visa is for a temporary stay, for one trip or several. It is named after its purpose: tourism, visiting a relative or friend, a business mission, exploring business opportunities, starting a business, medical treatment, study or training, and courtesy visas. The ICP Chairman can create visit visas for other purposes too, if the reason is genuine.
Pick the visa that matches the real reason for the trip. The purpose decides who can be the host, what papers are needed and how long the person can stay.
How long a visit lasts, and how soon you must use the visa
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“In all cases, the length of Stay shall not exceed one year”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 12(1)
In plain English
- Length of stay (Art. 12): ICP sets it according to the reason for the visit, but it can never be more than one year. When the fee is worked out, part of a month counts as a full month. The visa can be extended for similar periods if the reason is genuine and the fees are paid.
- Validity to enter (Art. 13): a visit visa must be used to enter the UAE within 60 days of being issued. It can be renewed for similar periods for a fee.
Example
A visit visa is issued on 1 May. The visitor must arrive by 30 June. If they arrive on 20 June, their permitted stay runs from that entry, not from 1 May.
Two clocks run: 60 days to use the visa, then the length of stay once you enter. Once the stay ends there is no grace period for visitors, and the fine is AED 50 a day. Our overstay fine calculator works it out.
Tourist visas, including the 5-year multi-entry tourist visa
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“proof of a bank balance of (USD 4000) or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six (6) months”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 15(1)
In plain English
- Tourist visa (Art. 14): the host in the UAE must be a tourism business, such as a hotel or tour operator, and the fee and deposit are paid.
- 5-year multi-entry tourist visa (Art. 15):
- Valid for 5 years, with no host needed in the UAE.
- The applicant shows a bank balance of USD 4,000 (or the equivalent) over the last 6 months.
- Each stay can last up to 90 days in a row. ICP can extend it by a similar period, but the total can be no more than 180 days in a year. The Chairman can allow more in exceptional cases.
Example
Elena lives in Italy and visits her grandchildren in Dubai three times a year. The 5-year multi-entry tourist visa suits her: no host needed, and three one-month trips stay well under 180 days a year.
For parents who visit often, the 5-year visa can be simpler than applying for a new visit visa each time. Keep a count of days: more than 180 in a year needs special approval.
Visiting a relative or friend
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“Entry Visa for visiting a relative or friend without a The Guarantor/The Host Party in the State”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 16
In plain English
ICP can give a visa to visit a relative or friend without a sponsor in the UAE. The conditions (Art. 17) are:
- The visitor is a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident, as ICP defines it.
- Proof of the relationship and of the reason for the visit is attached.
- The financial deposit for this purpose is paid.
- A foreign wife visiting her GCC-citizen husband: he must hold valid residence in the GCC country of his nationality.
Keep proof of the relationship ready (a birth or marriage certificate, for example). The deposit and the documents asked for can change, so check the current ICP or GDRFA card before applying.
Business mission visit visa
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“in cases of working on temporary projects or working on probation for a temporary period of time”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 18
In plain English
This visit visa is for a short work assignment: a temporary project, or a trial period of work. The host is the business in the UAE, whether government, private or in a free zone. It needs (Art. 19):
- A temporary work contract, or a letter from the company explaining the relationship and the reason.
- Proof of fitness to work.
- MOHRE approval if the company is under the Labour Law, or if the person is a domestic worker.
A normal visit visa does not allow work. For a short project, companies need this mission visa with MOHRE approval. For a real job, the employment visa is the right route.
The 2-year multiple-entry work mission visa
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022 (added by amendment)
“allowing multiple entries for a period of two years, in cases of working on temporary projects or working under probation for a temporary period”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 19 bis(1)
In plain English
A later amendment added a longer mission visa:
- Valid for two years, for many entries, with MOHRE’s approval.
- Each stay can be up to 60 days in a row, with a maximum of 180 days in a year.
- The ICP Chairman and MOHRE decide which companies and jobs qualify, and any extra conditions.
- The holder must do a medical test within 15 days of first entering on this visa.
Example
A European engineering firm sends a specialist to a Dubai project for a few weeks every quarter. Instead of a new mission visa each time, a 2-year multiple-entry mission visa could cover all the trips, as long as the company and job are on the approved list.
Companies with recurring short assignments should ask whether they qualify. Track the days: 60 at a time, 180 a year.
The job-seeker visit visa
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“The Applicant shall be a graduate of the best (500) five hundred universities in the world”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 21(1)(b)
In plain English
A visit visa to look for a job, with no sponsor needed (Art. 20). To get it (Art. 21), the applicant must:
- Be either a skilled worker at MOHRE level 1, 2 or 3, or a graduate of one of the world’s top 500 universities (as ranked by the Ministry of Education) within the last two years.
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Pay the financial deposit.
You may look for work on this visa, but you may not start work on it. Once you are hired, the employer applies for your work permit and residence. See our complete list of UAE visa types.
Visit visa to explore starting a business
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“a Visit Entry Visa for researching and exploring business opportunities. The Visa shall be without the requirement of a The Guarantor/The Host Party”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 22
In plain English
Would-be investors can come to research business opportunities without a UAE sponsor, after paying the fee and deposit.
Use the visit to compare mainland and free zone options. Our business setup cost planner prices a Dubai company line by line.
Medical treatment visit visa
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“The Guarantor/The Host Party in this case shall be a licensed health facility in the State”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 23
In plain English
- A patient can get a visit visa for treatment. The host is a licensed hospital or clinic, and companions can get visas too (Art. 23).
- It needs a certified medical report, a letter from the hospital explaining the visit, and the deposit (Art. 24).
- A companion must enter with the patient, on the same kind of visa, and is extended only if the patient is. Everyone needs health insurance and the deposit.
Plan companions’ visas together with the patient’s. A companion cannot stay on after the patient’s visa ends.
Study, training or qualification visit visa
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“it shall be required to submit a letter from the Host Party, including the study or training program and its duration”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 26
In plain English
A visit visa for a short course, training or qualification. The host is a licensed university, institute, school or research body, or a government or private body running the training. It needs a letter from the host giving the programme and how long it lasts.
This is for short programmes. Full-time students enrolled at a UAE institution need a student residence permit (Regulation Arts. 47 and 48, explained in Chapter 4).
Courtesy visas
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“Visit Visa for holders of diplomatic, special and United Nations passports.”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 27(2)
In plain English
UAE embassies and consulates can grant courtesy visit visas, with ICP’s approval, to people they consider suitable and to holders of diplomatic, special and United Nations passports.
Most people will never need this. It exists for official and diplomatic visits.
Temporary and emergency visas
Temporary visas, and the transit visa
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“The Transit Visa shall entitle the Foreigner to stay in the State for a period of (48) forty-eight or (96) ninety-six hours”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 29(2)
In plain English
- Article 28 lists four temporary visas: transit, cabin crew, seamen, and emergency entry.
- Article 29, the transit visa: for passengers passing through, or joining a ship in a UAE port, when the journey forces them to enter the country. It allows 48 or 96 hours. The traveller needs a valid passport for the UAE and the next country, and an onward ticket (except seamen joining a ship). Both directions of a round trip can be requested together.
Example
A family flying from London to Sydney with a long layover in Dubai could use a 96-hour transit visa to stay in the city for two nights, as long as they hold their onward tickets.
A transit visa is not a visit visa. Overstaying the 48 or 96 hours is an overstay like any other.
Seamen and cabin crew
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“The duration of stay in the State for the flight crew is (7) seven days from the date of entry.”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 30, Second
In plain English
- Seamen get a visa at the seaport if they show a seaman’s book. Those on UAE ships or on foreign ships under UAE contracts also need a UAE seaman card and, for the latter, a work residence.
- Ship crews can get a 7-day permit to leave the port area, with the ship’s agent as host. They can also move from one ship to another in the same port after informing the authorities.
- Airline cabin crew can stay 7 days from entry.
These rules mainly concern shipping agents and airlines, who must keep crews within these limits.
Emergency entry at the airport
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“Cancellation of flights due to sudden aircraft malfunctions and requiring stays for more than (24) twenty-four hours.”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 31(3)
In plain English
A passenger in transit, or taken off a flight at a UAE port, can get an emergency entry visa for:
- A health problem.
- Flights cancelled by bad weather.
- Flights cancelled by a sudden aircraft fault, where the wait is more than 24 hours.
Under Article 32, the airline is the host. Weather or technical delays allow up to 96 hours. A health reason allows up to 7 days; if treatment needs longer, the visa is changed to a medical treatment visa. Companions follow the same rules, and there must be no security objection.
If your connection is cancelled, the airline arranges the emergency entry. Keep your boarding documents and leave within the time allowed.
Entry permits for work and for residence
The work entry permit: 60 days to finish your residence
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“a work Entry Visa that allows its holder to stay in the State for a period of (60) sixty days from the date of entry, then complete the necessary procedures for issuing Residence”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 33
In plain English
The work entry permit lets a person enter and stay 60 days from the day they arrive, to complete their work residence. It is for:
- Employees of the federal or local government, the private sector (under the Labour Law), domestic workers, and bodies exempted from the Labour Law or from MOHRE work permits.
- Green residence applicants: investors and partners in a licensed business (the share is set by the ICP Chairman), highly skilled workers, and freelancers.
Example
Rahul lands in Dubai on 10 March on his work entry permit. He must complete his medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and residence by 9 May. After that, his permit has expired and he starts to overstay.
Start the medical and Emirates ID in the first week after arrival. Our visa deadline planner gives you the exact last day, and our employment visa service handles the whole process.
The non-work residence entry permit
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“Non-Work Entry Visa for Residence that allows its holder to stay in the State for a period of (60) sixty days from the date of entry”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 34
In plain English
This permit also gives 60 days from entry to finish a residence, for people coming to live but not to work for a UAE employer:
- Students at licensed UAE universities, colleges and institutes.
- Remote workers employed by a company outside the UAE.
- Retirees.
- Property owners.
- Family members of a resident: husband or wife and children, and parents if the resident holds a Green residence.
- Parents, children and spouses of UAE citizens who hold foreign passports.
- Wives and children of GCC citizens who hold foreign passports.
- A foreign woman whose Emirati husband has died or divorced her, and who has one or more children.
- Humanitarian cases decided by the ICP Chairman.
Bringing your family? They enter on this permit and have 60 days to finish their residence. Check the rules first with our family visa eligibility checker, or see our family residence visa service.
Residents of other GCC countries
Cabinet Resolution 65/2022
“The ICA may grant The Foreigner residing in one of the States of the GCC and his foreign companions a Visa to enter the State”Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Article 35
In plain English
Foreigners who live in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar or Bahrain, and the foreigners travelling with them, can get a UAE entry visa. The periods and rules are set by the ICP Chairman.
GCC residents should check ICP’s current conditions before travelling, because the periods and controls for this visa are set by decision of the ICP Chairman rather than in the Regulation itself.
Quick reference: the time limits in this chapter
| Visa | Time limit | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Visit visa: use it to enter | Within 60 days of issue | Art. 13 |
| Visit: maximum total stay | 1 year | Art. 12 |
| 5-year multi-entry tourist visa | 90 days per stay (extendable by a similar period); 180 days a year in total | Art. 15 |
| 2-year work mission visa | 60 days per stay; 180 days a year; medical within 15 days | Art. 19 bis |
| Transit visa | 48 or 96 hours | Art. 29 |
| Seamen shore permit; cabin crew | 7 days | Art. 30 |
| Emergency entry | 96 hours (weather or technical); 7 days (health) | Art. 32 |
| Work or residence entry permit | 60 days from entry to finish the residence | Arts. 33 and 34 |
UAE visa types: frequently asked questions
How long is a UAE visit visa valid for entry?
60 days from the date it is issued, under Article 13 of Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022. It can be renewed for similar periods after paying the fee.
What is the maximum stay on a UAE visit visa?
The length of stay depends on the purpose of the visit, but Article 12 of the Regulation says it can never exceed one year in total.
Who can get the UAE 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa?
Anyone who shows a bank balance of USD 4,000 (or equivalent) over the last six months and pays the fee and deposit. No UAE host is needed. Each stay can be up to 90 days, and ICP can extend it by a similar period, with no more than 180 days a year in total (Article 15).
Who qualifies for the UAE job-seeker visa?
A skilled worker at MOHRE level 1, 2 or 3, or a graduate of one of the world’s top 500 universities within the last two years, with at least a bachelor’s degree and the financial deposit paid (Article 21).
How many days do I have to complete my residence after entering on an entry permit?
60 days from the date of entry, for both work entry permits (Article 33) and non-work residence entry permits such as family visas (Article 34).
Can I work in the UAE on a visit visa?
No. A visit visa does not allow work. A short work assignment needs a business mission visa with MOHRE approval (Articles 18, 19 and 19 bis), and a job needs a work permit and residence.
Please note. Quotes are from the official English translation on the UAE Legislation portal, checked on 30 September 2026; the Arabic text in the Official Gazette prevails. Fees, deposits and some conditions are set by ICP decisions and service cards and can change. Examples use invented names and are illustrative. This page is general information, not legal advice; the decision of ICP or GDRFA on your own file is final.
