UAE visa and medical, full first-year cost
Most “visa for AED X” quotes show only the stamping fee. Add the medical test, Emirates ID, basic health insurance, typing centre charges, and the change-of-status step. The real first-year number almost doubles.
Planning figures reviewed · Q2 2026
What each fee means
Medical fitness test
Mandatory medical screening at a DHA or MOH-approved centre. DHA publishes AED 310 to AED 360 for its listed occupational categories; the standard employment category is not published, and VIP fast-track centres run higher. We plan at AED 500 to stay on the safe side.
Estimate · DHA publishes prices per occupational category, not a single standard-visa price. Planning midpoint. · checked 2026-07-31
Emirates ID (2-year)
ICP charges AED 100 per year of residence plus a AED 100 smart service fee, so a 2-year card is AED 300 in government fees. Typing centre charges are billed separately — see the line below. Urgent processing at an ICP centre adds AED 150.
Official fee · ICP · checked 2026-07-31
Mandatory medical insurance (annual)
DHA-compliant health insurance is legally required before the visa is stamped. The Dubai Health Authority sets a price band for the Essential Benefits Plan, its regulated minimum cover, at AED 550 to AED 750 including VAT — but the EBP is limited to the lower salary band (gross AED 4,000 per month or less). Above that band you buy a commercial plan, and AED 900 is a realistic entry-to-mid figure. Premium plans stack higher.
Official fee · Dubai Health Authority (ISAHD) · checked 2026-07-31
Typing centre & service fees
Amer / Tas'heel / typing centre charges for entry permit and visa application forms. Expect AED 150 to AED 350 per step depending on the provider.
Estimate · Private typing-centre pricing, varies by provider. No fixed government tariff. · checked 2026-07-31
Change of status (inside UAE)
If you are converting from a visit or tourist visa without exiting the country, a status amendment applies: AED 500 plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 Innovation Dirham. Skip this line if you plan to do an out-of-country stamp.
Official fee · GDRFA Dubai · checked 2026-07-31
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Common questions
- Why does my visa quote only show AED 3,000 ish?
- That number is usually just the entry permit and stamping. The medical screening, Emirates ID, basic health insurance, and typing centre charges are billed separately and land after the quote is accepted.
- Is medical insurance really mandatory?
- Yes. A DHA-compliant health insurance policy is required before the visa is stamped. Employers sometimes cover it, but if it is on you, AED 600 to AED 1,500 per year is the realistic range for basic plans.
- How long is an Emirates ID valid?
- Emirates ID validity usually matches your visa term. ICP charges AED 100 per year of residence plus a AED 100 smart service fee, so a 2-year card is AED 300 in government fees, with typing centre charges on top. Renewal repeats the same stack.
- What is a change of status?
- If you are already inside the UAE on a tourist or visit visa, you can switch to a normal visa without leaving. That convenience adds a status amendment fee of AED 500 plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 Innovation Dirham, so AED 520 in government charges.
- Does this cover golden or freelance visas?
- This calculator targets a standard employer-sponsored normal visa. Golden visa, freelance permit, and investor visa stacks have different base fees and extras. Treat this as a baseline, not a final invoice.
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