Can I pay the one-year visa fee in instalments?

No. ICP and GDRFA require full payment upfront; some banks offer personal loans, but the visa fee itself must be settled in one go.

Is health insurance included in the visa fee?

No. You must buy separate DHA-compliant insurance; prices start at AED 1,200 for a basic one-year policy.

How long does medical test approval take?

Results are usually ready within 24–48 hours if you use a DHA-approved clinic in Dubai.

Do children need their own one-year visa?

Yes. Each dependant receives a separate residence visa; budget AED 4,500–6,000 per child including tests and Emirates ID.

Can I renew my visa online from outside the UAE?

You can start the renewal online, but you must enter the UAE on a valid entry permit before the new visa is stamped.

How Much Is One Year Visa to Dubai in 2026

Quick answer

A one-year Dubai residence visa typically costs AED 4,000–7,000 all-in when you include medical test, Emirates ID, and typing fees. Tourist visa extensions and remote-work visas sit higher. Always confirm the latest fees with ICP or GDRFA before you pay.

Who needs a one-year Dubai visa?

Expats planning to live, work, or run a business in Dubai need a residence visa. Tourists on 30- or 90-day visas must leave or switch status once their stay expires. A one-year visa is the most common route for long-term stays.

Breakdown of 2026 fees

Entry permit & change of status

Most applicants start with an entry permit (AED 1,000–1,200). If you are already in the UAE you will also pay a change-of-status fee of AED 850. These amounts are set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).

Medical fitness test

You must complete a DHA-approved medical fitness test (AED 700–1,000). The test screens for HIV, hepatitis B & C, tuberculosis, and pregnancy. Clinics in Dubai Healthcare City or Al Barsha are the fastest, but any DHA-approved centre works.

Emirates ID

The new biometric Emirates ID costs AED 370 for one year. You can apply online via the ICP app or at Amer centres. Delivery by courier is AED 30 extra.

Typing, stamping & knowledge fees

Typing centres charge AED 200–350 to complete the application forms. GDRFA stamping and knowledge fees add another AED 420. These small charges often surprise first-timers.

Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory. A basic one-year plan for under-40s starts at AED 1,200. Premiums rise with age and pre-existing conditions; always compare DHA-accepted providers.

Step-by-step application process

Secure a sponsor: employer, free-zone company, or family member already on a residence visa.
Obtain entry permit from ICP portal or Amer centre.
Enter the UAE or change status inside the country.
Book and complete medical fitness test within 30 days.
Submit biometrics for Emirates ID at an ICA kiosk or typing centre.
Pay all remaining fees and collect the stamped visa.

Common mistakes that add cost

Missing the 30-day medical window, forcing a new entry permit (AED 1,000+).
Choosing a non-DHA-approved clinic and having to repeat the test.
Forgetting dependant visas: each spouse or child adds roughly AED 4,500–6,000.
Paying for premium typing centres when standard Amer centres are AED 100 cheaper.

Visa-type price comparison 2026

Visa type	Typical all-in cost	Best for
Standard employment visa	AED 4,000–5,500	Salaried jobs
Freelance visa (IFZA, DMCC, SPC)	AED 12,500–15,000	Self-employed
Remote work visa	AED 2,500 entry + AED 3,500 refundable deposit	Digital nomads
Golden visa (property)	AED 3,000–5,000	Long-term investors

Tips to keep costs down

Apply directly via the ICP smart app instead of a PRO to save AED 500–800.
Bundle medical test and Emirates ID appointment on the same day at Al Tawar Medical Centre.
Renew before expiry to avoid a new entry permit fee.
Use your company’s group insurance if available; individual plans are 30–50 % more expensive.

Where to renew or extend

Most renewals happen online through ICP or GDRFA portals. If your visa is employer-sponsored, HR usually handles the process. Freelancers must show active licence documents from their free zone before renewal is approved.

Key takeaway

Budget AED 5,000–7,000 for a straightforward one-year Dubai residence visa in 2026, including every mandatory test and ID. Factor in insurance and dependant costs if your family is moving too. Always double-check current fees on official ICP and GDRFA websites before you pay.