Dubai continues to be the top destination for Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers in 2025. With its tax-free income, world-class infrastructure, and proximity to India, the “City of Gold” offers unmatched opportunities.
But moving from India to Dubai requires navigating a specific set of visa rules. Whether you have secured a job, plan to freelance, or want to invest, understanding the Dubai residence visa process is crucial.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the Dubai work visa price, updated requirements for Indian citizens, and the step-by-step process to secure your residency in 2025.
Types of Dubai Residence Visas for Indians (2025)
Dubai offers several residency pathways depending on your purpose.
1. Employment Visa (Company Sponsored)
- Best For: Professionals with a job offer from a Dubai-based company.
- Validity: Typically 2 years (renewable).
- Sponsor: Your employer acts as the sponsor and handles the application.
- Key 2025 Update: The process has been streamlined from 15 stages to just 5 major steps, slashing processing times to as little as 5 working days for complete filings.
2. Green Visa (Self-Sponsored)
- Best For: Skilled employees, freelancers, and self-employed individuals.
- Validity: 5 years.
- Benefit: No need for a local employer sponsor. You can sponsor yourself and your family.
- Requirement:
- Freelancers: Proof of freelance income (AED 360,000/year) and a permit from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
- Skilled Employees: Valid employment contract, minimum bachelor’s degree, and monthly salary of at least AED 15,000.
3. Golden Visa (Long-Term Residency)
- Best For: Investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists, and high-earning professionals.
- Validity: 10 years (renewable).
- Requirement:
- Real Estate Investors: Property ownership valued at AED 2 million or more.
- Public Investors: Deposit of AED 2 million in investment funds or valid commercial license with AED 2 million capital.
- Talent: Scientists, doctors, coders, and artists recognized by UAE federal authorities.
- NEW for 2025: A nomination-based Golden Visa pilot for Indians allows professionals (principals, teachers, nurses, digital creators) to apply by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000 for lifetime residency without investment.
4. Freelance Visa
- Best For: Media professionals, tech experts, and education consultants wanting independence.
- Validity: 1-3 years depending on the package.
- Sponsor: A Free Zone authority (e.g., Dubai Media City, TECOM, GoFreelance).
Dubai Work Visa Price (2025 Breakdown)
The cost of a Dubai visa varies based on the type and whether you are inside or outside the country.
Standard Employment Visa Cost
- Who Pays? Legally, the employer is responsible for all visa costs under UAE Labour Law. You should not pay this.
- Estimated Cost to Employer:AED 3,000 – AED 7,000 (approx. ₹68,000 – ₹1.6 Lakhs).
- Work Permit: AED 250 – AED 3,450 (varies by company category).
- Medical & Emirates ID: AED 700 – AED 980.
- Residency & Stamping: AED 4,000 – AED 7,000.
- Senior Surcharge (65+): Extra AED 5,000.
Freelance Visa Cost (You Pay)
- Permit Fee: AED 7,500 – AED 15,000 per year (approx. ₹1.7 Lakhs – ₹3.4 Lakhs).
- Establishment Card: AED 2,000 per year.
- Visa Stamping:
- 3-Year Validity: ~AED 2,750.
- 5-Year Validity: ~AED 5,000.
- Non-Residents: Expect to pay AED 10,000 – AED 20,000 depending on the Free Zone package.
Green Visa Cost
- Residency Fees: Approx. AED 2,500 – AED 3,000 (excluding medical/ID fees).
Documents Required for Indian Citizens
To process your Dubai residence visa, you will need the following documents prepared and attested:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Degree Certificate: Must be attested through the following chain:
- Notary Public (India)
- HRD Ministry (State Level in India)
- MEA (Ministry of External Affairs, India)
- UAE Embassy in India
- MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE) – Final step in Dubai.
- Passport Photos: White background (4.3cm x 5.5cm).
- Medical Fitness Test: Result showing you are free from communicable diseases (TB, HIV, Hep B/C).
- Job Offer Letter / Contract: Issued by the employer (for work visa).
Step-by-Step Process: India to Dubai
Step 1: Secure a Job or Permit
- Sign the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) offer letter sent by your employer.
- If freelancing, apply for your permit from a Free Zone (e.g., GoFreelance, twofour54).
Step 2: Employment Entry Permit (Pink Visa)
- Your employer applies for this entry permit.
- Once issued (usually 2-5 days), it is valid for 60 days.
- Action: You use this permit to fly from India to Dubai.
Step 3: Medical Screening
- After arriving in Dubai, visit a government-approved medical center for a blood test and chest X-ray.
- Results typically take 24-48 hours. Cost: AED 300 – AED 800.
Step 4: Emirates ID Application
- Apply for your Emirates ID at a typing center.
- Visit a center for biometrics (fingerprints and eye scan). This card is your legal ID in UAE.
Step 5: Visa Stamping
- Submit your passport to have the residency visa stamped (or receive the digital e-visa via UAEICP app).
Step 6: Work Contract Submission
- Sign the final labor contract, which your employer submits to MoHRE to finalize your employment status.
Cost of Living: Dubai vs India (2025)
Moving to Dubai means adjusting to a higher cost of living.
- Single Person Estimated Cost: AED 4,000 – AED 5,000 per month (approx. ₹90,000 – ₹1.1 Lakhs) excluding rent.
- Rent: Averages 800% higher than Indian cities like Bangalore.
- Studio Apartment: AED 30,000 – AED 50,000 per year.
- Salary Benchmarks (Monthly):
- Engineer: ~AED 15,000 (₹3.6L)
- Teacher: ~AED 12,000 (₹2.9L)
- Customer Service: ~AED 5,000 (₹1.2L)
Sponsoring Your Family (2025 Rules)
Once you have your residence visa, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents.
- Minimum Salary Requirement:
- For Spouse/Children: AED 4,000/month OR AED 3,000 + Accommodation.
- For Parents: AED 10,000 – 15,000/month (varies by Emirate).
- Housing Rule: You must have a registered tenancy contract (Ejari) in your name suitable for housing the family size.
Important Tips for 2025
- Attestation is Key: Do not travel without attesting your degree. You cannot get a skilled visa designation without it. The process takes 7-15 days.
- Check the Contract: Ensure the final contract matches the initial offer letter (salary, designation, benefits).
- No Ban: Dubai no longer automatically bans employees for leaving a job, provided proper notice is given.
- Golden Visa for Teachers: In 2025, outstanding teachers and senior nurses are now eligible for Golden Visas, recognizing their critical contribution.
Need Help with Your Move?
Moving to a new country involves complex paperwork. From degree attestation to visa processing, a single error can cause delays.
Contact Ausizz Migration Consultants:
- Website: www.ausizzmigrationconsultants.com
