The UAE Golden Visa application costs AED 10,400 in government fees, including exceptional-processing charges. Total out-of-pocket cost — including medical test, Emirates ID, health insurance, and professional advisory — ranges from AED 14,000 to AED 25,000 per person depending on the category and whether applicants use a PRO or formation agent. The visa itself is free to renew at the end of its 5- or 10-year term if eligibility conditions are still met. Last updated: May 2026.
For the eligibility categories, see UAE Golden Visa requirements in 2026: who qualifies?. For the broader UAE setup costs, see UAE business license costs: full breakdown by activity and jurisdiction.
What are the government fees for a Golden Visa?
| Fee component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Golden Visa application fee | AED 2,800 |
| Entry permit or status-change fee | AED 1,150 to AED 1,800 |
| Visa stamping | AED 1,500 |
| Exceptional-processing fee | AED 1,100 |
| Emirates ID issuance (10 years) | AED 1,170 |
| Medical fitness test | AED 350 to AED 500 |
| Typing and service charges | AED 200 to AED 500 |
| Total government fees | ~AED 8,500 to AED 10,400 |
According to Get Golden Visa’s 2026 guide, the total application cost including exceptional-processing fees is AED 10,400 (approximately USD 2,832). Processing without expedited service reduces the total by AED 1,000 to AED 1,500 but extends the timeline.
What additional costs should applicants budget for?
Beyond government fees, three categories of additional costs apply:
Health insurance — AED 2,000 to AED 8,000 annually. Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents, including Golden Visa holders and their dependents. Basic compliant plans start at AED 2,000; comprehensive plans for families range up to AED 8,000+.
PRO and advisory services — AED 2,000 to AED 7,000. Founders who use a professional formation agent or PRO to handle the application, document preparation, and government-portal submissions pay AED 2,000 to AED 7,000 per application. Self-service through the ICP or GDRFA portal is free but requires familiarity with the system.
Document attestation — AED 500 to AED 3,000. Degree certificates, marriage certificates, and criminal-record checks from outside the UAE require attestation by the country of origin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant UAE embassy. Attestation costs and timelines vary by country.
| Cost category | Range per person |
|---|---|
| Government fees | AED 8,500 to AED 10,400 |
| Health insurance (year 1) | AED 2,000 to AED 8,000 |
| PRO and advisory | AED 2,000 to AED 7,000 |
| Document attestation | AED 500 to AED 3,000 |
| Total first-year cost | AED 14,000 to AED 25,000+ |
How much does it cost to sponsor dependents?
Each dependent — spouse, child, or domestic worker — requires a separate visa application with its own government fees. The dependent Golden Visa costs approximately AED 7,000 to AED 9,000 per person in government fees, plus health insurance and Emirates ID.
A family of four (applicant + spouse + 2 children) can expect a total first-year cost of AED 45,000 to AED 70,000 including all government fees, health insurance, and advisory.
How does Golden Visa cost compare to a standard 2-year visa?
| Dimension | Golden Visa (10-year) | Standard employer visa (2-year) |
|---|---|---|
| Government fees | AED 8,500 to AED 10,400 | AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 |
| Renewal cycle | Every 10 years | Every 2 years |
| 10-year cost (renewals included) | AED 10,400 (one application) | AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 (5 renewals) |
| Self-sponsored | Yes | No — tied to employer |
| Family sponsorship | No salary minimum | AED 4,000+ with accommodation or AED 10,000+ without |
Over a 10-year horizon, the Golden Visa is cheaper than a standard visa — one application versus five renewals — and provides employer-independent residency.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Golden Visa application fee refundable if rejected?
No. Government fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Applicants should confirm eligibility before submitting.
Does the Golden Visa include free healthcare?
No. The Golden Visa provides residency rights only. Health insurance is a separate mandatory requirement, with costs borne by the visa holder.
Can I apply for a Golden Visa from outside the UAE?
Initial applications require an entry permit or an existing UAE residence visa. Applicants outside the UAE must first obtain an entry permit, arrive in the UAE, and complete the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometric registration in person.
Sources and further reading
- ICP — Golden Visa fee schedule (icp.gov.ae)
- GDRFA Dubai — Application portal and fee structure (gdrfad.gov.ae)
- Get Golden Visa — 2026 cost guide and application walkthrough
- Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2022 — Entry and Residence of Foreigners