There are various visas in Dubai but the one that is most beneficial is the golden visa. It’s not only used by business persons but also investors who purchase a property or make deposits in banks.
The golden visa, also known as the “Investor Retirement Visa”, is for investors who want to live in Dubai with their families and enjoy the benefits of a multi-visa with the ability to travel freely.
In this piece, we are going to be providing a comprehensive guide for guidance on the requirements for each visa type. We will go over general qualifications, specific requirements, and provide links to appropriate applications.
Rules To Get Golden Visa In Dubai
Dubai always counts as one of the top ten destinations where Indians love to go. Since the gold rush is going on, lots of people want to grab their opportunity.
30‑day visit eligibility
If you are a passport holder of the below country or territory, no advance visa arrangements are required to visit the UAE. Simply disembark your flight at Dubai International and proceed to immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30‑day visit visa free of charge.
| Andorra | Australia | Brunei |
| Canada | China | Hong Kong, China |
| Japan | Kazakhstan | Macau, China |
| Malaysia | Mauritius | Monaco |
| New Zealand | Republic of Ireland | San Marino |
| Singapore | Ukraine | United Kingdom and Northern Ireland |
| United States of America | Vatican City |
90‑day visit eligibility
If you are a passport holder of one of the below countries or territories, your passport will be stamped with a multiple entry 90‑day visit visa that’s valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 90 days in total. Citizens of the below European countries are also entitled to apply for a pre‑arranged visit visa if their 90‑day visa on arrival has been fully utilized.
| Argentina | Austria | Bahamas Islands |
| Barbados | Belgium | Brazil |
| Bulgaria | Chile | Colombia |
| Costa Rica | Croatia | Cyprus |
| Czech Republic | Denmark | El Salvador |
| Estonia | Finland | France |
| Germany | Greece | Honduras |
| Hungary | Iceland | Italy |
| Kiribati | Latvia | Liechtenstein |
| Lithuania | Luxembourg | Maldives |
| Malta | Montenegro | Nauru |
| Netherlands | Norway | Paraguay |
| Peru | Poland | Portugal |
| Romania | Russian Federation | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| San Marino | Serbia | Seychelles |
| Slovakia | Slovenia | Solomon Islands |
| South Korea | Spain | Sweden |
| Switzerland | Uruguay |
180‑day visit eligibility
If you hold a Mexican passport you’re eligible for a multiple entry 180‑day visit visa that’s valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 180 days in total.
Dubai immigration procedures
As an added security measure, Immigration Authorities at Dubai International are now conducting random eye screening for visitors to Dubai.
Visitors asked to proceed for eye screening are required to present a hard copy of their visa or a printed version of the visa number confirmation page at the screening counter. If you do not have a copy with you, a charge of AED 30 per copy applies ‑ payable only in AED.
Important information
Before you travel to the UAE, please check your visa requirements and make sure you have a valid visa if needed, or if your passport needs to be valid for a minimum period. Holders of non‑standard passports and travel documents may also have different entry requirements: find out if you need to apply for a visa and other passport requirements.
As of 29 April 2016, GCC residence permit holders will need to apply for a UAE visa before arriving in Dubai.
As of 1 May 2017, Indian nationals holding a normal passport valid for a minimum of six months from the arrival date, and a visit visa or green card issued by the USA which is valid for a minimum of six months, or holding a UK or EU residence, can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days for a charge of AED120 (subject to change). They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days for AED250 (subject to change).
Prearranged UAE visas
| Visa type | Duration | Approximate rate inclusive of VAT | Extensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48‑hour | 48 hours | US$10 | Non‑extendable |
| 96‑hour | 4 days from arrival date | US$30 | Non‑extendable |
| Tourist – short term (single entry) | 30 days from arrival date | US$90 | Extendable US$230 |
| Tourist – short term (multiple entry) | 30 days from first entry | US$175 | Extendable US$230 |
| Tourist – long term (single entry) | 90 days from arrival date | US$190 | Extendable US$230 |
| Tourist – long term (multiple entry) | 90 days from first entry | US$460 | Extendable US$230 |
Required documents
- Colour photograph of applicant
- Colour copy of applicant’s passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months.
- The original application form (available at all Emirates ticketing offices) can be accessed in Arabic or English, depending on the applicant’s nationality. Download the English or Arabic application form.
- Copy of the Emirates ticket
Additional documents are required for visitors of some countries
Additional documents may be required, depending on your country of residence. Please use our visa search tool above or visit our visa requirements page for more information.
| Afghanistan | National ID Card (Tazkira ID) |
| Iraq | National ID Card |
| Pakistan | National ID Card |
| Iran | National ID Card |
Rules and conditions
- Visa fees must be paid upon application.
- Additional visa processing fees apply.
- The passenger must travel to and from Dubai on Emirates or codeshare flights only.
- Visa fees are non‑refundable.
- The ticket is non‑refundable if the visa has been issued and utilized.
- Visa processing time is approximately 3 to 4 working days.
- Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval.
- All visas are valid to enter Dubai for 60 days from the date of issue, except the 96‑hour and 48‑hour visas, which are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
How and where to apply for your prearranged UAE visa
- Apply online through Manage your booking
- Mobile application DVPC
Apply online
Nationals of countries requiring a prearranged UAE visa can now apply and pay for their visas online through emirates.com.
If you are travelling to or stopping over in Dubai with Emirates, you can submit an application and receive your UAE visa entirely online – without having to submit your passport for stamping. You can apply for your UAE visa through our Manage your booking after you book your Emirates flight. VFS processing fees apply. For more information please visit VFS Global.
The online visa application service is available for residents and nationals of many countries around the world. Find out if you can apply for a UAE visa. Applicants’ passports must have at least six months’ validity as of their date of travel to Dubai, and must be machine readable passports – handwritten passports are not accepted.
This service is only available to passengers with a confirmed Emirates booking where an Emirates ticket has already been issued and the flight itinerary already includes the desired time in Dubai. The itinerary into and out of Dubai should be on one ticket (PNR), and these flights must be Emirates flights. Note that any itineraries including any flights to or from Dubai on other carriers are not eligible for the online visa service.
A minimum of four international working days prior to arrival in Dubai is required, however Emirates does recommend that online applications are made as early as possible.
Apply in the UAE
If you have a family member or near relative who is a UAE resident, they can apply for a visa on your behalf at any of our ticketing offices in the UAE. Please note that this service is only available to residents of the UAE.