Cheapest Residence Visa in UAE

The cheapest way to hold UAE residency is usually a family-sponsored dependent visa (or an employer-sponsored work visa).
You only pay government processing items (medical test, Emirates ID, visa issuance/stamping). Public guides put a typical Dubai total around AED 2,500–5,500 depending on visa length and whether you do an inside-country status change. By contrast, self-sponsored routes (freelancer or free-zone investor/partner) usually start from ~AED 10k–15k+ in year one once you add licence/permit, establishment card, medical, ID and stamping.

Typical first-year costs (ballpark)

• Family/dependent visa: ~AED 2,500–5,500 (entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, visa stamping, plus any status-change fee if inside UAE).
• Freelancer (self-sponsored): commonly AED 7,500–20,000 depending on zone and whether the figure includes permit, establishment card, medical, ID and visa issuance (Dubai “GoFreelance”: permit AED 7,500 + other fees).
• Free-zone investor/partner visa: licence from ~AED 5,750 in some zones (e.g., SPC FZ) plus visa allocation/issuance and ID/medical; totals vary widely.

Note: Government fees are published across multiple portals and can change; always check the current schedule (ICP/GDRFA/AMER).

Who can choose the cheapest route

• Dependents: If your spouse/parent meets salary and other conditions, they can sponsor you; adult dependents must pass a medical fitness test.
• Workers: Employer sponsorship remains common, with similar government components (medical, ID, stamping).
• Self-sponsors: Freelancers and investors use free-zone or emirate programmes; costs depend on licence type, number of visas, and service tier.

How to minimise your spend (practical tips)

1. Use family sponsorship if eligible; it’s the lowest cash outlay.
2. Avoid “VIP” add-ons unless time-critical; standard processing is cheaper (medical/typing/ID).
3. Choose the right visa validity (1, 2 or 3 years) to match your horizon and Emirates ID fee per year.
4. Check status-change costs if you’re staying inside the UAE during issuance.
5. Compare free-zone packages: what’s included (licence class, establishment card, visa allocation, medical/ID handling).