The UAE offers several distinct visa types depending on why you’re coming: a short visit, study, work, investment, or long-term residency. Each has its own rules, so this is a quick index rather than a full explanation of any one route. Every UAE visa runs through ICP federally or GDRFA Dubai for Dubai-issued cases.
Tourist visa
For a short visit. Options run from 30 days up to a 5-year multiple-entry visa, with a 120-day total stay cap on the standard visas. See our UAE tourist visa guide for the full breakdown, extension rules, and what happens if you overstay.
Golden Visa
A renewable 5 or 10-year residency for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and exceptional talent, with no sponsor required. The eligibility figures for this visa change and vary by category and by emirate, so see our Golden Visa eligibility guide for the current requirements by route, sourced directly from ICP and GDRFA Dubai, rather than relying on a fixed set of numbers here.
Student visa
For international students, sponsored by an accredited UAE educational institution or a parent already resident in the UAE. Renewal is generally tied to continued enrolment. Check requirements directly with your institution or through ICP or GDRFA Dubai.
Residence visa (employment, family, investment)
Standard residence visas cover employment sponsorship, family sponsorship, and property or business investment below Golden Visa thresholds. Requirements differ by category and sponsor type. If you’re leaving the UAE for good rather than applying for a new visa, see our UAE visa cancellation guide.
Checking your status
Whichever visa you hold, you can check its current status for free through ICP Smart Services. See our guide to checking UAE visa status online for the exact steps.
Official resources
- UAE Government Portal (u.ae)
- ICP, Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
- GDRFA Dubai
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