Passport Atlas

Entering United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#88

Entry openness

Visa free

Visa required

United Arab Emirates digital nomad visaRemote Work Visa · US$3,500/mo

Get an email when entry rules for United Arab Emirates change

One confirmation email, then only when the data actually changes.

No account needed. Unsubscribe with one click.

Country profile

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Population

10.7 million

Area

82,880 km²

Currency

United Arab Emirates dirham AED

Languages

Arabic

Time zone

UTC+04:00

Foreign-born

8.2 million · 2024

Migrant share

74%

Ethnic groups · 2015

South Asian59.4%
other12.8%
Emirati11.6%
Egyptian10.2%
Filipino6.1%

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type G

Mains

230 V · 50 Hz

Driving

Right

Emergency

Police 999 · Ambulance 998

Dialing code

+971

Airports

DXB · AUH · SHJ · DWC

Highlights

Burj Khalifa
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Dubai Museum
Palm Jumeirah
Al Ain Oasis

United Arab Emirates Passport Guides · United Arab Emirates Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

Visit visa / visa-free
Visit / tourism · Often 30–90 days
- Visit visas via the airline or ICP/GDRFA; visa-free passports enter directly.
Golden Visa
Investment · 5 or 10 years, self-sponsored
- Apply via ICP under property, investment, education, skills or entrepreneurship.
Green Visa
Work · 5 years, self-sponsored
- Skilled employees or freelancers self-sponsor once salary/education bars are met.

Immigration routes

Employer-sponsored work visa
Employer sponsor
The company files a work permit and residency — the path for most employees.
Leads to PR：Golden/Green visas give long stay without an employer, not citizenship.