Dubai Visa for Indians: Types, Eligibility & Fees

Dubai, one of the wealthiest cities of the seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates, is a cosmopolitan metropolis and global city. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the UAE and one of the top ten popular destinations in the world known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene. Because of its booming economy, extravagant lifestyle and quality of life, Dubai has become a major commercial hub of the Middle East attracting a large number of people from around the world. Individuals planning to visit Dubai either for leisure or work need to obtain a visa. Here we will discuss the various aspects of a Dubai Visa. 

Also Read: Visa Status: Check Visa Status with Passport Number

UAE visa for Indians 

The UAE Government issues several types of visas and permits as per your requirements to visit UAE. Based on the purpose of your visit, you can choose a Dubai visa from India as under.

Business Visa

A business visa is a part of the Golden Visa system under which professionals from any country with entrepreneurial experience can obtain long-term visas for themselves and their dependents. You need to meet the following criteria to obtain the business visa:

• Must have experience as an entrepreneur.
• Must have been a majority shareholder of a start-up.
• Should be willing to relocate and establish a business in Dubai or one of the seven emirates.
• Should have a business idea or plan that you want to operate in Dubai. 

You must also pass the requirements of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship that includes a background check and health assessment. 

Tourist Visa

Depending on your plan, tourist visas can be obtained for 30 days or 90 days for single or multiple entries. Visa holders can apply for a UAE tourist visa extension for 30 days twice without leaving the country. Here are some of the popular tourist visa for Dubai from India:

• 48-hour visa

If you are traveling to Dubai for less than 2 days, you can apply for this visa. The validity period of this visa is 30 days from the date of issue. 

• 96-hour visa

If you have to visit Dubai for a period of 4 days or less, this visa is ideal for you. It is valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issue.

• Single-entry short-term visa

This is a single entry short-term visa issued for 14 days and is a non-extendable one. This is a suitable visa for individuals who want to visit Dubai for a short trip for business or holidays with family or friends. 

• 30-day single-entry short-term visa

This visa allows an individual to stay in the UAE for 30 days. It is a single entry non-extendable visa and is valid for a period of 58 days from the date of issue. 

• 90-day visit visa

As compared to other visas, this visa allows foreign nationals to stay in UAE for a longer period of time. Valid for a period of 90 days, it is an ideal visa for individuals going to the UAE for long holidays, business training and meeting family. 

• 90-day multi-entry long-term visa

This visa allows foreign citizens to stay in the UAE for a longer duration of up to 90 days. It allows the holders to enter the country multiple times and stay there for a period of 90 days from the first entry. 

• 30-day multi-entry short-term visa 

This multi-entry short-term visa allows users to visit the UAE multiple times within the validity period of the visa. The visa is non-extendable and comes with a validity period of 58 days from the date of issue. Visa holders can stay in the UAE for 30 days from the first entry. 

Student Visa

A student visa is issued to expatriate students aged above 18 years and residing in the UAE. Outstanding students can get a long-term visa of 5 years. A student must have an admission letter from the university he/she will be studying at. 

Entry Permits for Patient and his/her Companion

General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai, issues an entry permit for treatment under the sponsorship of medical establishments (Government and private hospitals) to foreign patients who want to visit Dubai for treatment. There are two types of permits:

• Medical treatment entry permit – single entry: Issued to applicants to enter the UAE for a period of 90 days from the date of entry. It is extendable and for a single entry only. 
• Medical treatment entry permit – multiple entry: It allows holders to enter the UAE within 60 days from the date of issue and stay for a period of 90 days. It is extendable and allows multiple entries. 

Transit Visa

UAE issues two types of transit visas – one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. 

• Transit visa for 48 hours: This sort of transit visa is issued for free to passengers transiting via the UAE’s airports. The validity of the visa is 48 hours from entry into the UAE and is neither extendable, nor renewable. 
• Transit visa for 96 hours: This visa allows foreign nationals to transit through the UAE’s airports. The validity of this visa is 96 hours from the entry into UAE. Visa holders will have to pay a fee of AED 50. Visa is not renewable nor extendable. 

Dubai Visa on Arrival

Citizens of certain countries can apply for a visa on arrival to enter the UAE. For example, Indian citizens who hold a normal passport can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum of 14 days for a charge of AED 120. The visa can be extended for an additional 14 days for AED 250. 

Here is the checklist of documents required for a Dubai visa on arrival for Indians. A normal passport and either:

• A visitor visa issued by the USA or
• A green card issued by the USA or
• A residence visa issued by the UK or
• A residence visa issued by the EU

Also Read: Indian Passport for NRI: Renewal vs Reissue

Eligibility for Dubai visa

An applicant will need to meet any one of the below-mentioned criteria to be eligible for a UAE visa:

• Travel History: Individuals who have once traveled to countries like US, UK, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, Japan, etc. in the last 5 years or have a valid visa for these countries can apply for a UAE visa. Also, applicants who have a  travel record of visiting the UAE in the last 5 years. 
• Financial Records: If you don’t have a required travel record, you can submit your financial details either Form 16 or the income tax return (ITR) for the same period with the minimum gross income from employment or profession, from the business. You can also show investment proof to Rs. 5 lakh or above in the form of fixed deposits at a bank or post office. 
• Invitation from family members resident in the UAE: Foreign nationals living in the UAE can invite their spouse and children aged below 21 years and parents above 60 years. 

Documents Required for Dubai Visa

Documentation may vary slightly based on the purpose of travel. Here are common documents you will need to submit to apply for a visa:

• Original passport valid for at least next 6 months.
• Colored photocopy of the observation page and valid travel records (if any).
• Duly filled visa application form and attested photograph.
• In case of employment or business visit, an invitation letter from the host company in the country. 
• Confirmed ticket of any airline operating in Dubai. 
• Applicable visa fees in demand draft/ credit card/ cash.
• Students above the age of 18 years and those traveling alone need to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from parents/ husband along with their photo ID. They also need to submit a colored copy of the host passport or residence visa. 
• Original and photocopy of Income Tax Return. 
• Salary slips of the last 6 months. 
• Photocopy of PAN.
• Original and photocopy of fixed deposit receipts. 

How to Apply for Dubai Visa

Applicants can visit the nearest visa application center to apply for their visa to UAE. Ensure you carry all documents required as per the checklist and your application is complete.

Dubai Visa Fees

Also Read: How to check Passport Status in India

You can contact UAE Embassy in India for more clarity on visa fees. If you’re looking for any assitance for NRI services such as NRI account opening, NRI Demat account, NRI investment or taxation, experts at SBNRI can help you out with everything. Download SBNRI App from the Google Play Store or App Store to ask any questions related to NRI services. Also visit our blog and Youtube Channel for more details.

Ask SBNRI Expert Now

FAQs