YOU’RE FRUSTRATED BECAUSE THE NUMBERS KEEP CHANGING
You’ve seen the same Dubai partner visa cost listed on five different websites—3,000 AED, 5,000 AED, even 10,000 AED pro services in uae. Every time you refresh the page, a new figure pops up. You’re not sure if the extra charges are hidden, if the rules changed last week, or if someone just rounded up to the nearest thousand. Worse, you’ve heard whispers about “typing fees,” “medical tests,” and “refundable deposits” that no one explains. You’re left wondering: Is this really the final price, or will another 2,000 AED appear when you’re already standing at the typing center?
This guide fixes that. Below, you’ll find the exact, up-to-date cost breakdown for a Dubai partner visa in 2024, the hidden fees no one mentions, and a step-by-step checklist so you can budget without surprises.
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STEP 1: KNOW THE TWO MAIN VISA TYPES—AND WHICH ONE APPLIES TO YOU
Dubai offers two partner visa routes: the Investor Visa and the Freelancer/Partner Visa. The cost difference is huge, so pick the right one first.
Investor Visa (Mainland Company)
– You must own at least 51% of a mainland LLC.
– Minimum share capital: 50,000 AED (sometimes 100,000 AED for certain activities).
– Visa cost starts at 3,000 AED but climbs quickly with government fees.
Freelancer/Partner Visa (Free Zone)
– You register as a freelancer or partner in a free zone like DMCC, DSO, or RAK.
– No share capital required for most free zones.
– Visa cost ranges from 2,500 AED to 6,000 AED depending on the zone.
If you’re not sure which route fits your situation, ask yourself: Do I need a physical office and mainland trade license? If yes, go Investor Visa. If you’re a consultant, designer, or remote worker, a free zone is cheaper and faster.
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STEP 2: BREAK DOWN THE COSTS—LINE BY LINE
Here’s the exact cost breakdown for a free zone partner visa (DMCC example, 2024):
1. Free Zone Company Registration
– DMCC new company setup: 15,000 AED (one-time).
– RAK free zone: 6,000 AED (cheaper but fewer benefits).
2. Visa Quota
– DMCC gives one visa per 10,000 AED share capital (minimum 50,000 AED = 5 visas).
– Cost: 50,000 AED share capital + 5,000 AED registration = 55,000 AED total.
3. Partner Visa Stamp
– Entry permit: 1,000 AED.
– Status change (inside country): 550 AED.
– Medical test: 320 AED (typical price at government-approved clinics).
– Emirates ID: 270 AED.
– Visa stamping: 500 AED.
– Typing center fees: 300 AED (covers form filling and courier).
Total for one partner visa: 2,940 AED.
4. Deposits & Refundables
– Immigration deposit: 3,000 AED (refunded when you cancel the visa).
– Free zone security deposit: 2,000 AED (refunded when you close the company).
If you’re doing an Investor Visa (mainland), add these:
– Trade license: 10,000 AED (varies by activity).
– Ejari (office lease): 20,000 AED/year.
– Immigration deposit: 5,000 AED (higher than free zone).
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STEP 3: SPOT THE HIDDEN FEES THAT BLOW YOUR BUDGET
These fees appear after you’ve already paid the “official” visa cost:
1. Typing Center Markup
– Some centers charge 500 AED for “express service” even though the government fee is fixed.
– Always ask for the official DET (Department of Economic Development) or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) price list.
2. Medical Test Retakes
– If your first test fails (common for syphilis or HIV), you pay 320 AED again.
– Get tested at a government-approved clinic like Al Baraha or Dubai Health Authority centers to avoid fake results.
3. Emirates ID Replacement
– If you enter the wrong address or name, you pay 270 AED again.
– Double-check your passport details before submitting.
4. Free Zone “Service Fees”
– Some free zones add 1,000 AED for “document attestation” or “legal translation.”
– Ask for a full breakdown before paying.
5. Visa Cancellation Fees
– If you leave Dubai, you pay 200 AED to cancel the visa.
– The 3,000 AED deposit is only refunded after cancellation.
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STEP 4: CREATE A REALISTIC BUDGET—NO SURPRISES
Use this template to calculate your total cost:
Free Zone Partner Visa (DMCC)
– Company setup: 15,000 AED
– Share capital: 50,000 AED
– Visa quota: 5,000 AED
– One partner visa: 2,940 AED
– Deposits: 5,000 AED (3,000 + 2,000)
Total: 77,940 AED
Investor Visa (Mainland)
– Trade license: 10,000 AED
– Ejari: 20,000 AED
– Immigration deposit: 5,000 AED
– One partner visa: 3,500 AED (higher government fees)
Total: 38,500 AED
Add 10% contingency for hidden fees.
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STEP 5: EXECUTE THE PROCESS—STEP BY STEP
Day 1: Choose Your Free Zone
– Compare DMCC, DSO, and RAK for cost and benefits.
– DMCC is pricier but offers better networking.
Day 2: Register Your Company
– Submit passport copies, photos, and a no-objection letter (if applicable).
– Pay the registration fee (15,000 AED for DMCC).
Day 3: Open a Corporate Bank Account
– Required for share capital deposit.
– Use Emirates NBD or ADCB for faster approval.
Day 4: Deposit Share Capital
– Transfer 50,000 AED to your corporate account.
– Get the bank letter to submit to the free zone.
Day 5: Apply for Visa Quota
– Free zone will issue a quota approval (takes 3-5 days).
Day 6: Apply for Entry Permit
– Submit the application online via the free zone portal.
– Pay 1,000 AED.
Day 7: Enter UAE (If Outside)
– Use the entry permit to enter Dubai.
Day 8: Status Change (If Inside UAE)
– Apply for status change at a typing center.
– Pay 5
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