Visa Fees
Visa agencies in the UAE charge different fees depending on the type of service, the complexity of the visa application, and the emirate where the visa is issued. Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
- Freelance Visa Setup:
- For setting up a freelance visa, agencies usually charge between AED 5,000 and AED 15,000 ($1,360 to $4,080 USD), which typically includes the cost of the freelance permit, visa fees, medical tests, and Emirates ID. Some agencies offer packages that bundle these services for convenience.
- Agencies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi might charge on the higher end due to the greater demand and slightly higher processing fees, while RAK and other emirates may offer more competitive rates
- Remote Work Visa Application:
- For the remote work visa, which allows freelancers to work remotely for foreign companies while residing in the UAE, agencies generally charge around AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 ($270 to $820 USD) in service fees, plus government visa fees that range from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 ($550 to $1,360 USD).
- Corporate Sponsorship for Short-Term Projects:
- If you’re being sponsored by a UAE company for a short-term project, agencies usually charge AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 ($410 to $820 USD) in service fees to assist with temporary work permits, in addition to the visa fees charged by the government.
- Business or Visit Visa (for business purposes):
- For business visit visas, agency service fees are often between AED 500 and AED 2,000 ($140 to $550 USD), depending on the type of business visa, its duration, and processing requirements.
Business Setup Costs
- End-to-End Freelance Packages:
- Some agencies offer full-service packages that include visa processing, workspace access, and even support with setting up a business bank account. These packages can cost between AED 10,000 and AED 20,000 ($2,720 to $5,440 USD), which includes a residence visa valid for up to 3 years, along with extra services.
The cost of setting up a business in the UAE varies widely depending on several factors, such as the business type, license type (mainland or free zone), and the specific services offered by the agency. Generally, setup fees can range from around AED 5,000 to over AED 40,000 or more. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs involved:
- Free Zone Setup Costs:
- Fees in free zones usually range from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 for a basic package, depending on the free zone.
- Packages can include essentials like a business license, office space (if required), and visas.
- Mainland Setup Costs:
- Mainland setups are usually more expensive, with costs starting around AED 15,000 and potentially reaching AED 40,000 or higher.
- Fees cover government registrations, trade name approval, license issuance, and sometimes office space requirements.
- Additional charges apply for local sponsorship, required for some business types, which could cost an additional AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 annually.
- Specialty Business Activities:
- Highly regulated sectors (such as financial services) may face higher licensing fees due to the need for additional approvals and compliance with regulatory bodies.
- Additional Services:
- Agencies may offer added services like PRO (Public Relations Officer) assistance, visa processing, document clearing, and legal support, which can add another AED 2,000–10,000 depending on the service scope.