Employment Visa & Residence Visa UAE

Mainland & Free Zone

Employment & Residence Visas UAE

(Mainland & Free Zone)

Applying for a UAE residence visa, or renewing one that’s about to expire, comes down to the same handful of steps every time: entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, visa stamping. What actually causes delays is a missing document or a mismatch between what your company’s licence allows and what you’re applying for. SkyPro handles this for mainland and free zone companies alike, and for individual applicants who just need it done right the first time.

From a new hire’s first visa to a routine renewal, we manage document collection, quota verification, entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID processing, and stamping, dealing directly with MOHRE and GDRFA, or your free zone authority, so you’re not the one on hold with a government call centre.

Let SkyPro handle the paperwork, while you focus on growing your team or career.

What We Offer

End-to-End Visa Processing

Entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping, managed start to finish.

Mainland & Free Zone Support

Whether your company sits under a free zone authority or the Department of Economic Development, we know which process applies and handle it accordingly.

Document & Application Management

We prepare, review, and submit every required document, checked against your specific visa type before submission, not after a rejection.

UAE Residence Visa Costs By Type

UAE residence visa costs range from around AED 1,600 to 2,100 for a standard two year employment visa, up to AED 4,700 to 6,900 for a ten year Golden Visa, with family and dependent visas running roughly AED 1,600 to 2,400 per dependent. Investor visas typically sit around AED 5,000, and retirement visas around AED 3,000, though both vary by case.

Visa type	Typical total cost (2026)
Employment visa (2 year)	AED 1,650 to 2,100
Family or dependent visa (per person)	AED 1,600 to 2,400
Investor visa (10 year)	Approximately AED 5,000
Retirement visa (5 year)	Approximately AED 3,000
Golden Visa (10 year)	AED 4,700 to 6,900

Full Renewal Fee Breakdown

A UAE residence visa renewal is made up of a base renewal fee of AED 300 to 700, typing centre charges of AED 200 to 300, a medical fitness test at AED 300 to 800, health insurance from around AED 800 upward, and a visa stamping fee of AED 500 to 600. Put together, that’s a total of roughly AED 3,000 to 7,000 depending on visa type and duration.

Step By Step Process

Document check. We confirm your passport validity, current visa status, and any missing paperwork before submitting anything.
Entry permit or renewal application. Submitted to MOHRE, GDRFA, or your free zone authority depending on your jurisdiction.
Medical fitness test. Booked at an approved centre, required for all adult applicants.
Emirates ID application. Processed alongside the visa, not as a separate errand.
Visa stamping. The final step once all approvals are in place.
Delivery. You receive the stamped passport and Emirates ID, with everything explained.

Renewal can be initiated up to 180 days before the current visa expires, and once submitted with complete documents, approval typically takes five to ten working days, sometimes faster in Dubai specifically.

Renewal normally requires the sponsor and applicant to maintain the category conditions. It does not normally require a new entry permit. Plan early, but do not promise every residence can be renewed six months in advance

What Happens If You Miss The Deadline

The lawful period after expiry or cancellation depends on category. Current ICP guidance identifies 30, 60, 90 or 180 days for specified categories. AED 50 per day applies after the applicable grace period. Verify the official record for the individual case.

Conclusion

Why Choose Skypro?

Expert knowledge of employment and residency visa processes across mainland and free zone jurisdictions.
Stress free processing with step by step support at every stage.
Clear communication and transparency, including what's a government fee and what's ours.
We catch document and quota issues before submission, not after a rejection costs you a second round of fees.
We track renewal dates ahead of time, so you're never applying with days to spare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a UAE residence visa renewal cost?

Typically AED 3,000 to 7,000 in total, covering the government fee, Emirates ID, medical test, and typing centre charges. The exact figure depends on visa type and duration.

How much does a new employment visa cost?

Around AED 1,650 to 2,100 for a standard two year visa, higher for investor, retirement, or Golden Visa categories.

How early should I start my renewal?

Up to 180 days before expiry. Starting early removes any risk of an overstay fine.

Is a medical test required for every renewal?

Yes, for all adult residents.

What happens if my visa expires before I renew?

Overstay fines of AED 50 per day apply once the grace period ends.

Can dependents be renewed at the same time as the main visa?

Yes, though each dependent is priced and processed as its own case.