# Free Zone Visa Cost in UAE: Complete 2026 Guide UAE free-zone visa cost in 2026 is approximately **AED 4,000–5,000 per visa** for an inside-country application, plus the **establishment card** at around **AED 1,500 per year** and the **immigration card** at around **AED 1,500 per year**. Every free-zone company needs these cards before it can sponsor visas. Health insurance and Emirates ID are included in the visa-cost figure. An external application from outside the UAE can add a few thousand dirhams more. This guide breaks down the key cost components of a UAE free-zone visa in 2026, the expected timeline, and the rules around dependent visas, renewals, and visa cancellation. ## What Does a UAE Free Zone Visa Cost? A free-zone visa is a UAE residence visa sponsored by a free-zone company. It is typically valid for **2 years**, though some zones offer **3-year visas** under specific packages. | Cost Component | Indicative AED | Notes | | --- | ---: | --- | | Entry permit | 1,100–1,500 | Allows entry or change of status | | Change of status, if inside UAE | 750–1,000 | Applies if already in the UAE on another visa | | Medical fitness test | 300–500 | Mandatory for visa stamping | | Emirates ID | 270 | ICP fee for a 2-year visa | | Visa stamping | 500–800 | Final residence visa process | | Visa typing centre | 150–300 | Service centre fee | | Basic health insurance | 1,000–2,000 | Mandatory; varies by age and coverage | | Indicative total — inside UAE | AED 4,000–5,500 | Per visa, 2 years | | Indicative total — outside UAE | AED 4,500–6,500 | Per visa, 2 years | Some free zones bundle these costs into a single per-visa fee. Always confirm what is included in your specific free-zone quote. ## Prerequisites: Cards Required Before Sponsoring Any Visa Before a free-zone company can sponsor visas, it must have the required company-level cards in place: - **Establishment card (MOHRE):** approximately AED 1,500 per year. This allows the free-zone company to act as a sponsor. - **Immigration card (ICP):** approximately AED 1,500 per year. This allows the company to sponsor residence visas. Both cards must remain valid throughout the visa period. The combined cost is approximately **AED 3,000 per year**, regardless of how many visas the company sponsors. ## Investor or Partner Visa vs Employee Visa | Feature | Investor / Partner Visa | Employee Visa | | --- | --- | --- | | Sponsored by | Free-zone company, based on ownership | Free-zone company, based on employment | | Validity | 2 years, with some 3-year options | 2 years | | Indicative cost | Around AED 4,000–5,500 | Around AED 4,000–5,500 | | Employment contract required | No | Yes — MOHRE labour contract | | Salary requirement | No | Depends on activity and zone | Before applying for visas, founders often first evaluate the most suitable jurisdiction using a Dubai free-zone comparison or setup guide. ## Visa Allocation by Office Type Each free-zone office package supports a specific maximum number of visas: - **Smart or virtual office:** 0–1 visa - **Flexi-desk:** 1–3 visas, depending on the free zone - **Executive office:** 3–6 visas - **Standard small office:** 4–8 visas - **Larger office or warehouse:** more visas, typically based on a square-footage formula If you need more visas than your current package supports, you will usually need to upgrade the office package. ## Step-by-Step Free Zone Visa Process ### Step 1: Establishment and Immigration Cards The free-zone company applies for the establishment card through MOHRE and the immigration card through ICP. Each card typically takes **2–5 business days**. ### Step 2: Entry Permit The entry permit is applied for through the free-zone portal or a typing centre. It is usually valid for **60 days** and may be extendable. Processing typically takes **2–5 business days**. ### Step 3: Enter the UAE or Change Status If the applicant is outside the UAE, they enter the country using the entry permit. If already in the UAE, they apply for a change of status. ### Step 4: Medical Fitness Test The applicant completes a mandatory blood test and chest X-ray at an approved medical centre. Results usually take **1–3 days**, with same-day VIP options available at higher cost. ### Step 5: Emirates ID Application and Biometrics The applicant completes fingerprints and photograph at an ICP centre. The Emirates ID card is usually delivered within **5–10 days**. ### Step 6: Visa Stamping The final residence visa is added to the applicant’s immigration record. Since 2022, visas are no longer physically stamped in the passport. This step typically takes **3–5 business days** after the earlier steps are complete. ## Dependent Visas Once your investor or employee visa is stamped, you can sponsor dependent visas for your spouse and children, provided the salary threshold is met. Typical salary thresholds are: - **AED 4,000 per month plus accommodation**, or - **AED 10,000 per month all-in** Dependent visa costs are similar to investor or employee visa costs: approximately **AED 4,000–5,500 per dependent**, including medical, Emirates ID, and insurance. ## Visa Renewal UAE residence visas typically renew every **2 years**, although some long-term packages may offer **3-year validity**. Renewal cost is generally similar to the initial process: approximately **AED 2,500–3,500 per visa** for medical, Emirates ID, and stamping, plus health insurance renewal. ## Visa Cancellation When a company closes, an employee resigns, or an individual relocates, visas must be formally cancelled through MOHRE and ICP. Indicative cancellation fees include: - **MOHRE labour card cancellation:** approximately AED 120–180 - **ICP immigration visa cancellation:** approximately AED 70–100 - **Emirates ID cancellation:** approximately AED 40–70 Employees receive a **30-day grace period** after visa cancellation to find new sponsorship or leave the UAE. ## BCL Globiz Experience: Common Budget and Compliance Issues The biggest budget surprise is often **health insurance**. Free-zone visa summaries may quote around **AED 1,000–2,000** for basic insurance, but for applicants over 45, those with pre-existing conditions, or those seeking hospital coverage accepted at most private hospitals, annual premiums can realistically reach **AED 3,000–6,000+**. This should be built into the budget from the start. The most overlooked compliance step is keeping the **establishment card** and **immigration card** current. If either card lapses, sponsored visas cannot be renewed and new visas cannot be issued until the cards are renewed, often with late-renewal penalties added. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does a UAE free-zone visa cost in 2026? A UAE free-zone visa costs approximately **AED 4,000–5,500 per visa** for a 2-year residence visa. This typically includes the entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, visa stamping, and basic health insurance. At the company level, you also need the establishment card at around **AED 1,500 per year** and the immigration card at around **AED 1,500 per year**. ### How long is a UAE free-zone visa valid? Most free-zone residence visas are valid for **2 years**. Some long-term packages and Golden Visa offerings extend to **3, 5, or 10 years**. Visas must be renewed before expiry, and the medical test, Emirates ID, and insurance must be redone at renewal. ### Can I sponsor family members on a free-zone visa? Yes. You can sponsor family members on a free-zone visa if you meet the salary threshold, typically **AED 4,000 per month plus accommodation** or **AED 10,000 per month all-in**. Dependent visa cost is approximately **AED 4,000–5,500 per dependent**. ### How long does the visa process take? From entry permit to visa stamping, the process typically takes **2–4 weeks**. The medical examination and Emirates ID biometrics steps require the applicant to be physically present in the UAE. ### What happens to the visa when my free-zone company closes? Visas must be formally cancelled through MOHRE and ICP. Employees receive a **30-day grace period** after cancellation to find new sponsorship or leave the UAE. Cancellation fees are approximately **AED 230–350 per person**.