UAE Visa for U.S. Citizens: Is It Required and When?

The UAE has become an attractive destination among wealthy U.S. expatriates due to its economic stability, investment opportunities, and high standard of living. 

Those considering a relocation to the UAE from the States can visit the country without a visa. However, longer stays or visits for purposes other than tourism typically require an application for a relevant visa.

In this guide, we will explain when a UAE visa for U.S. citizens is necessary and discuss:

• Short-term visa options for U.S. nationals in the UAE
• The UAE residence visa types available to U.S. citizens
• The cost of securing a UAE visa as a U.S. national

Do You Need a Visa To Go to the UAE as a U.S. Citizen?

As a U.S. citizen, you aren’t required to obtain a visa before travelling to the UAE. Instead, you will be issued a UAE visa on arrival, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, either continuously or intermittently. The six-month validity period starts on the date of your first entry to the UAE.

To qualify for a visa on arrival, your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, and you must present a round-trip or onward travel ticket. 

Note that this visa is non-renewable. Exceeding the 90-day limit in the UAE results in a fine of AED 50 (approximately USD 14) for each day spent beyond the three-month limit. 

Using a UAE visa on arrival for purposes other than tourism or leisure is generally not allowed. U.S. citizens who wish to spend over three months in the UAE or plan to visit the country for a specific purpose, such as job seeking or exploring investment opportunities, must apply for one of the following: 

1. Short-term visit visa that grants entry of up to 60, 90, or 120 days
2. Long-term visa that enables foreigners to secure a residence permit 

Which Short-Term Visa in the UAE Can U.S. Citizens Obtain?

Short-term visas, commonly referred to as UAE visit visas, permit foreigners to enter the country for a specific purpose, allowing for single or multiple entries. Depending on your reason for visit, you may apply for:

• Jobseeker visit visa: It allows qualifying expats to enter the country once and search for employment without a sponsor
• Visit visa to explore investment opportunities: This is a single-entry visa, designed to encourage investors and entrepreneurs to bring their investment to the UAE
• Patient entry permit: It enables foreigners to enter the country for medical treatment, as long as they are sponsored by the medical establishment providing the treatment. A visa extension is permitted if a certified medical report states that the patient’s continued presence is required

The first two visit visas can be issued for a 60, 90, or 120-day stay, while the patient entry permit allows one or multiple entries, depending on the medical requirements.

UAE Visit Visa Requirements

The requirements for obtaining a visit visa in the UAE depend on the type of visit visa you apply for:

Visit Visa Type	Eligibility Requirements	Required Documentation
Jobseeker visit visa	You must be on the first, second, or third professional skill level according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a university approved by the Ministry of Education	You must provide a copy of your passport, a colored personal photo, and a qualification certificate
Visit visa to explore investment opportunities	You are required to be financially solvent or hold high qualifications. You must also have a prospective business in your home country	You must submit a colored passport-size photo, a copy of your passport, and an attested copy of your qualifications certificate
Patient entry permit	You must be sponsored by a licensed public or private medical facility in the UAE	You are required to provide a copy of your passport, health insurance coverage, and a letter from a registered hospital stating the reason for the visit

Additionally, those entering the UAE on a medical visa may bring a companion who must submit a passport copy, a colored photo, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Visit Visa Costs for the UAE

The fees for obtaining the UAE visit visa are based on the type and duration of your stay. For jobseeker and investment exploration visit visa, the base government fees generally vary by validity period, as follows:

1. AED 200 for a 60-day visit visa
2. AED 300 for a 90-day visit visa
3. AED 400 for a 120-day visit visa

The medical visa costs are AED 200–AED 300 for a 90-day stay, or AED 500–AED 900 for a 180-day stay.

Regardless of the type of visit visa or its validity, you must cover the 5% value-added tax (VAT) and pay a security deposit of AED 1,000.

Additional government fees may apply depending on the visa you pursue.

How To Secure a UAE Residence Visa for U.S. Citizens

The UAE visa on arrival, as well as short-stay visas, can’t be used to obtain a residency permit in the country. To become a UAE resident as a U.S. expat, you can apply for one of the following visas:

1. Work Visa
2. Blue Visa
3. Golden Visa
4. Investor Visa
5. Retirement Visa

Work Visa

All foreigners, including U.S. citizens, can obtain a normal employment visa in the UAE, which is typically valid for two years. To qualify, you must be employed in the government sector, private sector, or a free zone.

While your UAE employer sponsors the standard Work Visa, you can also apply for employment-based residence without a sponsor under the Green Visa program. This visa allows you to sponsor yourself for up to five years if you are a freelancer/self-employed individual or a skilled professional, and meet the following conditions:

Green Visa Applicant	Eligibility Requirements	Income Requirement
Freelancer/self-employed individual	You must hold a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma and submit a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation	Your income from self-employment must be at least AED 360,000 in the two years preceding the application, and you must provide proof of financial solvency during your stay in the UAE
Skilled professional	You are required to provide a valid employment contract and must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. You also have to be classified as a first-, second-, or third-level professional, which implies you are a scientist, technician, manager, or business executive	Your salary must be at least AED 15,000 per month.

Once the Green Visa expires, you can renew it for the same term, provided you continue to meet the qualification criteria.

Blue Visa

The UAE Blue Visa is designed for individuals who have made exceptional contributions toward protecting the environment, both in and outside the UAE. The program offers a 10-year residency to applicants who have a verifiable record in environmental action and are:

• Members of relevant global or non-governmental organizations and companies
• Distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work
• International award winners

Qualifying individuals can apply for the Blue Visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. To do so, you must submit evidence of work and accomplishments in the relevant field, along with personal documentation.

Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa allows eligible applicants to reside and work in the UAE for five or ten years without a sponsor. It’s designed for high-net-worth investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals of outstanding specialized talent. 

The features and requirements of the Golden Visa depend on the application route you choose, as follows:

Visa Application Route	Visa Duration	General Requirements
Public fund investor	10 years	Deposit at least AED 2 million to a UAE investment fund
Real estate investor	5 years	Purchase a property valued at AED 2 million or more
Entrepreneur	5 years	Own a technical project based on risk and innovation worth at least AED 500,000
Specialized talent	10 years	Demonstrate outstanding talent in fields like medicine, science, art, and sports
Pioneer of humanitarian work	10 years	Be an outstanding employee of relevant international and regional organizations for at least five years, a recipient of an appreciation award for humanitarian work, or an investor in humanitarian work
Frontline heroes	10 years	Display extraordinary effort in crises in the medical field

Investor Visa

While investor visas are issued at the emirate level, Dubai offers one of the most accessible investor residence options in the UAE.

Foreign investors who own or purchase a property worth at least AED 750,000 in Dubai can apply for a two-year Investor Visa, which can be renewed on expiry. The qualifying property must be located in the freehold area—a zone in which foreigners are permitted to purchase and own both buildings and land.

Additionally, the real estate must be fully in your ownership, as well as ready for occupancy and registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Unlike the Golden Visa, the Investor Visa does not allow you to work in the UAE. To obtain employment, you must apply for a relevant Dubai work visa for U.S. citizens, such as the Green Visa.

Retirement Visa

U.S. citizens approaching retirement may obtain a UAE residence permit by applying for the five-year Retirement Visa. Eligible individuals must be at least 55 years old at the time of retirement or provide proof of employment in or outside the UAE for at least 15 years. 

In addition to the primary requirement, the qualifying individual must satisfy one of the following conditions:

1. Hold at least AED 1 million in savings
2. Earn a monthly income of AED 20,000 or AED 15,000 in Dubai
3. Own property or a group of properties valued at AED 1 million or more

The visa can be renewed, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

How Much Does a UAE Visa for U.S. Citizens Cost When Seeking Long-Term Residency?

The cost of a UAE visa for U.S. citizens depends on the type of residency path chosen by the applicants. Some visas require high financial commitments, while others may incur additional fees, including administrative and medical examination charges.

Excluding the minimum investment requirement associated with some visas, such as the Golden Visa, the table below outlines the approximate total cost of obtaining a residence visa in the UAE:

UAE Residence Visa for U.S. Citizens	UAE Visa Cost in 2025
Green Visa	AED 4,000–AED 6,000
Blue Visa	AED 1,250–AED 1,600
Golden Visa	AED 8,000–AED 15,000, depending on the category
Investor Visa	AED 10,000+
Retirement Visa	AED 5,000–AED 7,000

Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the issuing authority, applicant category, and additional administrative or medical requirements.

UAE visa qualifications, costs, and documentation can be complex and vary depending on the residency path you choose. To fully understand the fees and requirements associated with UAE visas and select the option that aligns with your relocation goals, partner with Nomad Capitalist.

Nomad Capitalist: Professional Assistance in Obtaining a UAE Visa for U.S. Citizens

Nomad Capitalist assists high-net-worth U.S. expats in achieving their relocation goals and optimizing cross-border tax obligations. We assess each client’s personal and financial circumstances and provide expert guidance in:

• Setting up offshore banking 
• Navigating global tax structuring
• Securing a second residency or citizenship through descent, naturalization, or investment

All these strategies and other specialized overseas residency planning services are included in our Action Plan, designed to meet your unique relocation needs, as well as provide professional support every step of the way. 

You can get your Plan by completing a quick application form to determine if we are a good fit. Once approved, we will:

1. Schedule an onboarding call to better understand the specifics of your relocation goals
2. Prepare a comprehensive Action Plan that aligns with your needs and circumstances
3. Present the Plan and implement it over a 12-month period
4. Handle all the administrative work and provide ongoing support

Identify a UAE visa that best fits your needs, streamline the process of securing a visa or a residence permit, and understand the tax implications of relocation abroad—start working with Nomad Capitalist today!