UAE Visa Rules 2026 continue to simplify the path for expats by digitizing all financial and administrative steps. In this second part, we explore the UAE Visa Fees 2026 and the essential steps to perform a UAE Visa Status Check Online to ensure your application is on track.
Eligibility Requirements for Expats
To ensure a smooth transition, applicants must meet these standardized 2026 requirements:
- Passport Validity: At least 6 months from the date of application.
- Medical Fitness: All residency applicants aged 18+ must undergo a health screening for communicable diseases at authorized centers.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for all visa categories. In 2026, your residency status is directly linked to an active insurance policy.
- Financial Stability: Proof of income or bank balance is increasingly required for unsponsored visas.
How to Apply for a UAE Visa in 2026
The UAE has achieved a seamless digital application process:
- Register: Create an account on the ICP Smart Services portal or the Dubai Now app.
- Select Service: Choose the specific visa type (e.g., Green Visa, 60-day Tourist Visa).
- Upload Documents: Submit color scans of your passport, photo (white background), and attested educational degrees if applicable.
- Pay Fees: Fees are paid online. For example, a 60-day tourist visa typically costs around AED 700–800.
- Biometrics & Medical: Once the entry permit is issued, you must complete the medical test and Emirates ID fingerprinting within the UAE.
Detailed UAE Visa Fees 2026
Understanding the UAE Visa Fees 2026 helps in planning your budget effectively. Fees can vary slightly based on the emirate and the urgency of the application.
- 30-Day Tourist Visa: Approx. AED 300 – 350.
- 60-Day Tourist Visa: Approx. AED 500 – 650.
- Green Visa (5 Years): The total cost is around AED 4,000 – 5,000, which includes government fees and medical insurance.
- Golden Visa: The fee for the 10-year residency starts from AED 3,000 but can go higher based on the investment category.
- Status Change: If you are within the UAE, a fee of approx. AED 650 applies to change your visa status without exiting.
Processing Time and Approval
The efficiency of the UAE Visa Rules 2026 is visible in its fast processing times:
- Tourist Visas: Usually approved within 2 to 5 working days.
- Express Visas: Can be granted within 24 hours.
- Employment Visas: Usually take 7 to 14 days, involving medical tests and Emirates ID biometrics.
- Notifications: Once approved, you will receive an official notification via SMS on your registered UAE mobile and an Email with the digital e-visa attached.
Step-by-Step: UAE Visa Status Check Online
One of the most useful features of the 2026 system is the ability to perform a UAE Visa Status Check Online.
- Visit Official Portals: Go to the ICP Smart Services website or the GDRFA Dubai portal.
- Select “File Validity”: Choose the “Passport Information” search method.
- Enter Details: Provide your passport number, expiry date, and nationality.
- Instant Result: The system will show if your visa is “Active,” “Expired,” or “Under Process.” A regular UAE Visa Status Check Online is recommended to avoid accidental overstays.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Attest Your Documents: For work visas, your degree must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in both your home country and the UAE.
- High-Quality Photos: AI-based systems now reject low-resolution photos. Ensure your photo meets the exact white-background specifications.
- Settle Fines: As reported by GDRFA Dubai, you must clear all traffic or municipal fines before your residency can be renewed.
- Detailed Job Contracts: Ensure your salary on the MoHRE contract meets the required band (starting from AED 4,000 for basic sponsorship).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Expiry Dates: The traditional 10-day grace period for many visit visas has been removed. Overstaying now attracts a flat fine of AED 50 per day starting from day one.
- Incomplete Health Coverage: Failure to renew health insurance can lead to your residency being flagged as “Non-Compliant,” affecting travel and renewals.
- Applying too late: While “Express” options exist, it is best to apply at least 15 days before your intended travel or expiry.
- Outside UAE Rule: For standard residence visas, staying outside the UAE for more than 180 days results in automatic cancellation (except for Golden Visa holders).
Transparency and Official Sources
To verify the latest updates, always consult:
- Federal Authority (ICP): The nationwide authority. Check Fees
- Official Social Media: Follow @UAEICP on X (Twitter) for breaking news.
- News Agencies: WAM (Emirates News Agency) is the official government source for all new decree-laws.
FAQs
What documents are required for a UAE work visa in 2026? Passport copy, attested educational certificates, a signed MoHRE contract, and a medical fitness report.
What is the fine for overstaying a visa in 2026? The fine is standardized at AED 50 per day for all visa types, with no grace period for many categories.
Can I sponsor my family on a Green Visa? Yes, Green Visa holders can sponsor their first-degree relatives (spouse and children) for 5 years.
NOTE: To further simplify the process, the GDRFA launched a ‘Video Call’ service for complex visa applications. As reported by the official GDRFA channels, this feature allows applicants to speak directly with an officer to resolve document discrepancies in real-time. Furthermore, the 2026 ‘Smart Gate’ expansion means that once your biometrics are updated in the system, physical passport stamping is no longer required for entry or exit. This technological leap ensures that the transition from a visit visa to a residency permit is now handled entirely via the ‘Status Change’ notification on your smartphone.
