How Many Types of Dubai Visit Visa Are There? Complete Guide 2025

Dubai is a global hotspot for tourism, business, and luxury living, attracting over 16 million visitors in 2023 alone. If you’re planning a trip, the first question you might have is: How many types of Dubai visit visa are there? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think—Dubai offers multiple visa categories, each designed for different travel purposes.

This guide will show you how to experience Dubai on a budget—covering affordable stays, cheap eats, free attractions, and smart travel tips.”

1. Overview of the Dubai Visa System

Before diving into the different types of Dubai visit visas, it’s important to understand how the UAE visa system works.

🔹 Visit Visa vs. Tourist Visa

• A tourist visa is strictly for leisure travel.
• A visit visa covers broader purposes like family visits, business, or medical trips.

🔹 Who Issues Dubai Visas?

• The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and Dubai Immigration handle visa approvals.
• Most visas require a sponsor (hotel, company, or UAE resident relative).

🔹 Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Visas

• Single-entry: Allows one entry; expires after use.
• Multiple-entry: Permits multiple entries within the visa’s validity period.

Now, let’s explore all Dubai visa categories in detail.

2. Complete List of Dubai Visit Visa Types

✅ 1. 30-Day Tourist Visa

Best for: Short vacations, quick business trips, or stopovers.

🔹 Key Features:

• Duration: 30 days from entry.
• Cost: AED 350–600 (~$95–165).
• Extensions: Can be extended for another 30 days.
• Eligibility: Open to all nationalities (some require extra documents).

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting for less than a month, this is the most cost-effective option.

✅ 2. 60-Day Tourist Visa

Best for: Extended holidays, remote workers, or travelers exploring the UAE.

🔹 Key Features:

• Duration: 60 days from entry.
• Cost: AED 800–1,200 (~$220–330).
• Extensions: Possible for an extra 30 days.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about your travel plans, this visa gives you more flexibility.

✅ 3. 5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Best for: Frequent travelers, investors, or those with business ties in Dubai.

🔹 Key Features:

• Validity: 5 years.
• Stay Duration: Up to 90 days per visit (extendable to 180 days).
• Cost: AED 2,000+ (~$550).
• No sponsor required.

💡 Pro Tip: This visa is perfect if you plan to visit Dubai multiple times without reapplying each time.

✅ 4. Visit Visa for Friends & Family

Best for: Those visiting relatives or friends in Dubai.

🔹 Key Features:

• Duration: 30 or 60 days.
• Sponsor Required: A UAE resident must apply on your behalf.
• Cost: AED 500–1,000 (~$135–270).

💡 Pro Tip: The sponsor must meet minimum salary requirements (usually AED 4,000+ per month).

✅ 5. Job Seeker Visit Visa

Best for: Professionals looking for employment in Dubai.

🔹 Key Features:

• Duration: 60, 90, or 120 days.
• Eligibility: Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Cost: AED 1,000–1,500 (~$270–410).

💡 Pro Tip: This visa does not allow working—only job hunting.

✅ 6. Transit Visa (48-Hour & 96-Hour)

Best for: Travelers with long layovers in Dubai.

🔹 Key Features:

• 48-Hour Transit Visa: Free (issued by airlines like Emirates & Flydubai).
• 96-Hour Transit Visa: Costs AED 50–100 (~$14–27).
• Must have a confirmed onward ticket.

💡 Pro Tip: Great for quick city tours—visit the Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall during your stopover.

✅ 7. Medical Treatment Visa

Best for: Patients seeking healthcare in Dubai’s world-class hospitals.

🔹 Key Features:

• Duration: Up to 90 days (extendable).
• Requirements: Medical reports + approval from a UAE hospital.
• Escorts: Can get a separate visa.

💡 Pro Tip: Some hospitals assist with visa processing—check with your healthcare provider.

✅ 8. Business or Investor Visit Visa

Best for: Entrepreneurs, investors, or professionals attending meetings.

🔹 Key Features:

• Duration: 30–90 days.
• Requirements: Invitation letter from a UAE company.
• Cost: Varies based on duration and sponsor.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re exploring business opportunities, this visa is a must.

3. Comparison Table: Dubai Visit Visa Types

4. How to Choose the Right Dubai Visit Visa

Picking the right visa depends on:
✔ Purpose of visit (tourism, business, family, job search).
✔ Budget (some visas are more expensive than others).
✔ Duration of stay (short-term vs. long-term).

Quick Decision Guide:

• Short vacation? → 30-day tourist visa.
• Longer holiday? → 60-day tourist visa.
• Frequent traveler? → 5-year multiple-entry visa.
• Visiting family? → Sponsored visit visa.
• Job hunting? → Job seeker visa.
• Business trip? → Business visit visa.

💡 Bonus Tip: Check the best time to visit Dubai (November–March) for perfect weather.

5. Dubai Visa Requirements & Application Process

General Requirements:

✅ Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
✅ Passport-sized photo (white background).
✅ Confirmed flight tickets & hotel booking.
✅ Proof of financial stability (bank statements).
✅ Sponsorship documents (if required).

How to Apply:

1. Online (Fastest Method):
   • Apply via the ICA website or Dubai Visa Processing Centres.
   • Upload documents & pay fees.
   • Visa is emailed in 3–5 working days.
2. Through Airlines/Hotels:
   • Some airlines (Emirates, Flydubai) & hotels offer visa services.
3. Via Travel Agencies:
   • Authorized agencies can handle the process for a fee.

💡 Pro Tip: Always check Dubai tourist visa requirements before applying to avoid rejections.

7. Final Thoughts: Which Visa is Right for You?

Now that you know how many types of Dubai visit visa are there, you can choose the best one for your trip.

🔹 For Tourists: 30-day or 60-day visa (depending on stay length).
🔹 For Frequent Travelers: 5-year multiple-entry visa.
🔹 For Job Seekers: Job seeker visa (60–120 days).
🔹 For Business Travel: Business visit visa (30–90 days).

Ready to apply? Contact an official Dubai visa agency or visit the ICA website to start your journey!

🚀 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting soon, check Dubai Metro operating hours for easy commuting. And if you love adventure, don’t miss a Dubai desert safari private tour—it’s a must-do experience!