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For travellers planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the most common questions are how to obtain a Dubai visa, which visa type is suitable, and how long the process takes. This guide summarises the entire journey—from visa categories and required documents to application steps and processing times—using up-to-date official information. The content is based on data from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the official UAE Government Portal (u.ae) as of July 2026.
This is one of the most misunderstood topics. According to the official rules, requirements differ by passport type. For Turkish nationals, for example:
Because most travellers hold an ordinary passport, a visa is required before arriving in Dubai in most cases. The good news is that the process is largely completed online (e-visa) through an airline, hotel or authorised sponsor.
The UAE offers a wide range of visas suited to different travel purposes. The table below summarises the main categories.
| Visa Type | Duration of Stay | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-visa (single entry) | 30 / 60 days | Short holidays and visits |
| Multiple-entry tourist visa | 30 / 60 days (multiple) | Frequent travellers |
| 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa | 90 days per entry (+90 extension) | All nationalities; regular visitors |
| Work visa | Tied to employment contract | Those employed in the UAE |
| Investor / business visa | Tied to company formation | Company owners and partners |
| Golden Visa | 5 / 10 years | Investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs |
A Dubai tourist visa is usually obtained online through a sponsor (airline, hotel, travel agent or a company established in the UAE). The process can be summarised as follows:
Select a 30-day, 60-day or multiple-entry visa based on your length of stay and purpose of travel.
UAE-based airlines such as Emirates, Etihad and flydubai, along with hotels and authorised agents, can arrange visas. For those seeking an investor visa via company formation, professional consultancy speeds up the process.
Upload your passport, biometric photo and travel details. Once approved, the e-visa is delivered by email.
For the long-term 5-year tourist visa, additional requirements include a bank balance of approximately USD 4,000 over the last 6 months and health insurance valid for 180 days.
Rather than a single fixed list, the official UAE portal publishes visa charges on the ICP and GDRFA service cards; fees therefore vary by visa type, duration and application channel. Tourist e-visas are usually finalised within a few working days, while work and residence visas can take longer.
If you overstay, a daily fine of AED 50 applies, so it is important to keep track of your visa validity.
If you will work in the UAE, a work permit and residence visa are arranged under your employer’s sponsorship. For mainland companies, the work permit application is submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, whereas in free zones the process is handled by the relevant free zone authority.
For investors and skilled professionals, the 5- or 10-year Golden Visa offers long-term residence. Obtaining an investor visa by setting up a company in Dubai is an advantageous route for those aiming for both residence and business.
There is no single mandatory centre for a Dubai visa; you can apply through several channels. Choosing the right one speeds up the process and reduces the risk of rejection.
UAE-based airlines such as Emirates, Etihad and flydubai can arrange visas for passengers travelling on their flights. This is practical for those who want to combine the flight and visa in one process.
Your hotel or travel agency can act as a sponsor and handle your tourist visa application. For package holidays this is often included in the booking.
If you set up a company or are employed in the UAE, the relevant entity becomes your sponsor, and your work and residence visa are arranged through that sponsorship.
Tourist e-visas are usually approved smoothly when documents are complete and consistent. To improve your chances of approval, keep these points in mind:
Tourist visas can be extended under certain conditions; for example, the 5-year multiple-entry visa allows stays of up to 90 days per entry with an additional 90-day extension. Residence visa holders can arrange a family sponsorship visa for a spouse, children and in some cases parents by meeting specific income and accommodation requirements. In family sponsorship, your job title and income can affect your right to sponsor dependants.
For passengers with short layovers, a transit visa is also available; this is usually suitable for short connections of 48–96 hours.
If you are applying for a business or investment visa in the UAE, whether your company is mainland or free zone determines the process. For mainland businesses, the work permit application is submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, after which the work visa is arranged through immigration. In free zones, rules can vary from zone to zone and the process is handled by the relevant free zone authority.
Sponsorship, the right to support dependants and title requirements may differ between these two models. It is therefore important to review the current conditions of your target emirate and free zone before making an investment decision.
A tourist e-visa usually does not require consultancy; however, for processes such as an investor visa, work visa, Golden Visa and family sponsorship, document management, title selection and sponsorship structure become critical. A wrong title, missing documents or inconsistent information can delay or lead to rejection of the application.
Working with an expert team saves time and cost by determining the right visa type, preparing documents completely and running the process in line with official regulations. World Company Setup offers end-to-end support at every step, from tourist visas to investor visas and company formation.
Get expert support for a correct application in every process, from tourist visas to investor visas.
Get a Free QuoteDubai visa applications are made through the relevant consulate or authorised application centres, along with the necessary documents.
Turkish citizens holding an ordinary passport are subject to a visa for the UAE and must obtain an e-visa before travelling. Special (green), service and diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
A Dubai visa is usually obtained online through a sponsor (airline, hotel, travel agent or sponsoring company). You apply with your passport, photo and required documents; once approved, the e-visa is sent by email.
Instead of a single fixed list, the official UAE portal publishes current amounts on the ICP and GDRFA service cards. The fee varies by visa type, duration and application channel, so check the official authority websites for the latest amount.
Tourist visas are usually offered for 30 or 60 days. The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows stays of up to 90 days per entry and can be extended for a further 90 days.
Tourist e-visas are usually finalised within a few working days. Work and residence visas can take longer due to documentation and approval processes.
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa of 5 or 10 years for investors and skilled professionals. Specific investment or qualification requirements must be met.