How Much Is Visa Change in UAE 2026: Fees & Steps

Quick answer

Changing your UAE visa inside the country costs between AED 1,000 and AED 4,500 in 2026, depending on the type of change (tourist to residence, employment to family, or visa run). The exact amount is the sum of the ICP change-of-status fee, medical test, Emirates ID, and any exit-re-entry or cancellation fees. Always verify the latest figure on ICP.gov.ae before you pay.

What counts as a visa change?

A visa change (also called change of status) is when you switch from one visa category to another without leaving the UAE. The most common switches are tourist visa to employment residence visa, employment visa to family sponsorship, or cancelling a current visa and applying for a new one. Each switch triggers a fresh medical test, Emirates ID, and new stamping fee.

2026 ICP fees for a visa change

ICP publishes an official price list. Here is the breakdown you will meet at every typing centre:

• Change-of-status application: AED 1,000–1,200
• Medical fitness test (DHA or HAAD centres): AED 300–500
• Emirates ID issuance or renewal: AED 370 (5-year) or AED 270 (1-year)
• Visa stamping inside the country: AED 750–1,000
• Exit-re-entry permit (if required): AED 300

Adding these up, a typical employment-visa change lands between AED 2,500 and AED 4,200. Family-sponsorship changes can reach AED 4,500 if both partners need new medical tests.

Step-by-step: how to change your visa inside the UAE

Step 1 – Cancel or amend the old visa

Your current sponsor (employer, university, or previous host) must file a cancellation or amendment request through ICP’s online portal or at an Amer centre. You will receive a 30-day grace period after cancellation. Never overstay this window.

Step 2 – Get the new entry permit

The new sponsor applies for an entry permit (sometimes called an initial residence visa). This is the document you need before you can do the medical test. The fee is AED 1,170 for a 60-day entry permit and is paid by the sponsor in most cases.

Step 3 – Medical fitness test

Book an appointment at any DHA-approved or HAAD-approved centre. Bring your passport, the entry permit, and two passport photos. The test screens for HIV, hepatitis B & C, tuberculosis, and pregnancy (for female applicants). Results are uploaded to the ICP system within 48 hours.

Step 4 – Emirates ID biometrics

After the medical test is cleared, visit an ICP centre or an Amer kiosk for biometrics. The Emirates ID is mandatory for opening bank accounts, getting a SIM card, and signing tenancy contracts.

Step 5 – Visa stamping and activation

The final step is stamping the residence visa on your passport. This can be done at the same Amer centre or at Dubai International Airport’s ICP counter if you are flying out and back within the entry-permit validity. Activation happens automatically once the stamp is recorded in the system.

Common mistakes that increase the cost

• Waiting until the visa has expired: late fines are AED 50 per day for the first 6 months, then AED 100 per day. A simple change can double in price.
• Using an unapproved medical centre: ICP will reject the test and you pay again.
• Forgetting the sponsor’s undertaking: some free-zone companies require a company stamp and manager signature before ICP accepts the application.
• Choosing the wrong visa type: switching from a 90-day tourist visa to a 2-year residence visa is cheaper than cancelling and applying for a brand-new visa from scratch.

Visa change vs visa run: which is cheaper in 2026?

Many expats compare an in-country change with a quick visa run to Oman or Armenia. A change costs AED 2,500–4,500 and takes 7–10 days. A visa run (flight + hotel + new tourist visa) averages AED 1,800–3,000 but gives only 30–60 days of stay. If you plan to remain in the UAE longer than three months, the change is almost always cheaper and safer.

Tips to keep the cost down

• Book the medical test online the same day the entry permit is issued; slots fill up quickly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Use the ICP app to track application status and receive SMS reminders for payment deadlines.
• If your company offers visa sponsorship, ask HR to bundle the Emirates ID and medical fees into one invoice to avoid double service charges at typing centres.
• Carry the exact amount in cash or a local debit card; some centres still do not accept foreign credit cards.

Where to pay and verify fees

All official payments are made through the ICP portal, ICP mobile app, or authorised Amer, Enjaz, and Al Tayer centres. Always print or screenshot the payment receipt; it doubles as proof of legal status during the grace period. For the most current fees, open the “Residence Visa Services” section on ICP.gov.ae and select “Change of Status”.

Key takeaway

Changing your visa inside the UAE in 2026 is straightforward once you know the fee stack: ICP application, medical test, Emirates ID, and stamping. Budget AED 3,000–4,000 for a standard switch, start the process at least two weeks before your current visa expires, and double-check every fee on the official ICP website. A little planning saves both time and money.