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 (~AED 1,500/year) and immigration card (~AED 1,500/year) that every free-zone company needs to sponsor visas at all. Health insurance and Emirates ID are included in the visa-cost figure; an external application from outside the UAE adds a few thousand dirhams more.
This guide breaks down every cost component of a UAE free-zone visa in 2026, the realistic 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 – typically valid for 2 years (some zones offer 3-year visas under specific packages). The total cost has several components:
| Cost Component | Indicative AED | Notes |
| Entry permit | 1,100–1,500 | Allows entry / change of status |
| Change of status (if inside UAE) | 750–1,000 | If already in UAE on another visa |
| Medical fitness test | 300–500 | Mandatory for visa stamping |
| Emirates ID | 270 (2-year visa) | ICP fee |
| Visa stamping | 500–800 | Final residence visa stamp |
| Visa typing centre | 150–300 | Service centre fee |
| Basic health insurance | 1,000–2,000 | Mandatory; varies by age & 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. Confirm the inclusive list against your specific zone’s quote.
Prerequisites – Cards You Need Before Sponsoring Any Visa
- Establishment card (MOHRE) – ~AED 1,500/year. Allows the free-zone company to act as a sponsor.
- Immigration card (ICP) – ~AED 1,500/year. Allows the company to sponsor residence visas.
Both must be valid throughout the visa period. Combined cost: ~AED 3,000/year regardless of how many visas you sponsor.
Investor / Partner Visa vs Employee Visa
| Feature | Investor / Partner Visa | Employee Visa |
| Sponsored by | Free-zone company (own ownership) | Free-zone company (employment) |
| Validity | 2 years (some 3 years) | 2 years |
| Indicative cost | ~AED 4,000–5,500 | ~AED 4,000–5,500 |
| Employment contract required | No | Yes – MOHRE labour contract |
| Salary requirement | No | Depends on activity / zone |
Before applying for visas, many founders first evaluate the most suitable jurisdiction using our updated Dubai Free Zone List guide.
Visa Allocation by Office Type
Each free-zone office package supports a specific maximum number of visas:
- Smart / virtual office: 0–1 visa.
- Flexi-desk: 1–3 visas (zone-dependent).
- Executive office: 3–6 visas.
- Standard office (small): 4–8 visas.
- Larger office / warehouse: more, typically by sqft formula.
If you need more visas than your current package supports, you’ll need to upgrade the office package.
Businesses comparing office eligibility and visa allocation should also read our detailed guide on Free Zone vs Mainland company setup in the UAE.
Step-by-Step Visa Process
Step 1 – Establishment & Immigration Cards
Free-zone company applies for the establishment card (MOHRE) and immigration card (ICP). Typically 2–5 business days each.
Step 2 – Entry Permit
Applied through the free-zone portal or via a typing centre. Validity 60 days (extendable). 2–5 business days.
Step 3 – Enter the UAE (If Outside)
Applicant enters the UAE on the entry permit, or — if already in the UAE — applies for change of status.
Step 4 – Medical Fitness Test
Mandatory blood test and chest X-ray at an approved medical centre. Results in 1–3 days; same-day VIP option available at higher cost.
Step 5 – Emirates ID Application & Biometrics
Fingerprints and photograph at an ICP centre. Card delivered in 5–10 days.
Step 6 – Visa Stamping
Final residence visa is stamped onto the applicant’s record (visa is no longer physically stamped in the passport since 2022). Typically 3–5 business days after all prior steps.
Dependent Visas
Once your investor or employee visa is stamped, you can sponsor dependent visas for spouse and children – provided salary meets the threshold (typically AED 4,000/month plus accommodation, or AED 10,000/month all-in).
Dependent visa cost is similar to investor / employee: ~AED 4,000–5,500 per dependent including medical, Emirates ID, and insurance.
Visa Renewal
UAE residence visas typically renew every 2 years (3 years for some long-term packages). Renewal cost is similar to initial: ~AED 2,500–3,500 per visa for medical, Emirates ID, and stamping – plus health insurance renewal.
Visa Cancellation
On company closure, employee resignation, or relocation, visas must be formally cancelled through MOHRE (labour) and ICP (immigration). Cancellation fees: MOHRE labour card cancellation ~AED 120–180; ICP immigration visa cancellation ~AED 70–100; Emirates ID cancellation ~AED 40–70.
Employees get a 30-day grace period after visa cancellation to find new sponsorship or leave the UAE.
What We See Most Often (BCL Globiz Experience)?
The single biggest budget surprise is health insurance. Free-zone visa cost summaries often quote ~AED 1,000–2,000 for basic insurance, but for applicants over 45, with pre-existing conditions, or wanting hospital coverage that’s accepted at most private hospitals, real annual premiums are AED 3,000–6,000+. Build that into the budget at the start.
Most-overlooked compliance step: keeping the establishment card and immigration card current. If either lapses, sponsored visas cannot be renewed, and new visas cannot be issued, until the cards are renewed (incurring late-renewal penalties on top).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UAE free-zone visa cost in 2026?
Approximately AED 4,000–5,500 per visa for a 2-year residence visa, inclusive of entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, visa stamping, and basic health insurance. Plus the establishment card (~AED 1,500/year) and immigration card (~AED 1,500/year) at the company level.
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; medical, Emirates ID, and insurance must be redone at renewal.
Can I sponsor family members on a free-zone visa?
Yes, subject to a salary threshold (typically AED 4,000/month plus accommodation, or AED 10,000/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: typically 2–4 weeks. The medical examination and Emirates ID biometrics steps require the applicant to be physically 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.
Reach out to our experts at info@bcl.ae.
