Is the medical test fee included in the residence visa price?

No. ICP visa fees do not cover the DHA medical test; you pay AED 700–1,000 separately at an approved centre.

Can my employer deduct visa costs from my salary?

Only if your contract explicitly states it. MOHRE contracts usually require employers to cover ICP fees.

How long is the Emirates ID valid?

Five years if you pay AED 370, or ten years if you pay AED 570 at the time of application.

Do children pay the same medical fee?

Kids under 18 pay AED 350 or nothing at government centres; confirm the exact amount when you book the slot.

What happens if my visa application is rejected?

ICP refunds the visa fee in full. You only lose the medical and typing costs already paid.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Residence Visa in Dubai 2026

An open passport with numerous ink stamps on the pages on a table

Quick answer

A standard Dubai residence visa costs between AED 3,000 and AED 4,800 in government fees for most employees and investors. Add the medical test (AED 700–1,000), Emirates ID (AED 370), and typing fees (AED 200–300) and the real total lands around AED 4,500–6,500. Your employer or free-zone sponsor usually covers the biggest chunk, but you should still budget for the extras.

Who pays what in 2026

Most Dubai residence visas are sponsored by an employer, free-zone company, or property purchase. The sponsor pays the ICP visa fee, but you usually pay the medical test, Emirates ID, and any typing-office charges. Always read the offer letter: some companies reimburse everything, others only the ICP fee.

Step-by-step cost breakdown

1. Entry permit or change-status fee

If you arrive on a visit visa and convert, the ICP charges AED 1,200–1,300 for the new visa stamp. If your sponsor processes everything inside the UAE, this fee is normally included in the quoted AED 3,000–4,000 range.

2. Medical fitness test

Every adult needs a blood test, X-ray, and HIV screen at a DHA-approved centre. In 2026 the fee is AED 700 at government centres and AED 900–1,000 at private clinics. Children under 18 are usually free or AED 350.

3. Emirates ID

Everyone on a residence visa must hold a 10-year Emirates ID. The ICP fee is AED 370 for five years or AED 570 for ten years; most people choose the shorter option first time around.

4. Typing and data entry

Typing centres near Amer or ICP offices charge AED 200–300 to fill the online forms and print the medical and visa result sheets. You can skip this if your HR or free-zone PRO does it for you.

5. Emirates ID delivery

Optional courier is AED 30. You can collect the card for free at any ICP centre.

6. Knowledge and innovation fee

Every new visa attracts a federal AED 100 knowledge fee plus AED 10 innovation fee. Both appear on the ICP invoice.

7. Overstay fines before stamping

If your 60-day visa-on-arrival expires before the residence visa is stamped, you pay AED 50 per day. Budget an extra AED 500 if your medical or paperwork drags.

Typical totals by visa type

Employment visa (company-sponsored): AED 4,500–5,800
Freelance visa via IFZA or DMCC: AED 12,500–15,000 including free-zone licence
Property investor visa (AED 2 million purchase): AED 4,000–5,000, often paid by developer
Golden visa (AED 2 million property or exceptional talent): AED 2,900 government fee, valid 10 years

Common mistakes that increase the cost

Choosing a private clinic for the medical test without checking DHA prices first.
Letting your visit visa expire while waiting for results; one week of fines wipes out any “cheap” clinic saving.
Ignoring the free-zone medical package; some packages bundle the test for AED 850 total, cheaper than going outside.
Paying for ten-year Emirates ID when you only need three years of residency.

Tips to keep costs low

Use the Amer online portal to book medical slots; same-day government centres are AED 200 cheaper than private labs.
Bundle Emirates ID and visa typing at the same Amer centre; many offer AED 50 discount on the pair.
Ask HR for the “inside the country” visa change instead of exiting; saves AED 1,200–1,800 in new entry permit fees.
Carry printed ICP fee schedule; some typing centres still quote 2024 prices.

Hidden fees to watch

Some employers deduct the visa cost from your first salary. Confirm in writing that the company covers ICP fees. Free-zone visas may add annual medical insurance (AED 1,200–1,800) and a service fee (AED 1,000–2,500) not listed on the ICP invoice.

Refund policy if you cancel early

ICP refunds the visa fee only if the application is rejected or cancelled before the stamp is placed. After stamping you lose the full amount, but the Emirates ID is still valid if you leave the country.

Key takeaway

Budget AED 5,000–6,500 all-in for a standard Dubai residence visa in 2026. The sponsor pays the bulk of ICP fees; you mainly cover the medical, Emirates ID, and typing. Double-check your offer letter, book government medical slots, and never let your visit visa expire while paperwork is pending.