The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates in the Arabian Peninsula, is an exciting destination for US citizens. The country has everything you could possibly want, from sprawling beaches to ancient monuments. The best part is that there is no need to get a UAE visa for US citizens for stays shorter than 90 days. However, if you want to stay longer or work in the UAE, you’ll need a visa to do so.
Whether you’re a freelancer exploring the UAE’s Green Visa, a retiree seeking a relaxed lifestyle, or an entrepreneur eyeing the Golden Visa, this guide will walk you through the requirements, benefits, and costs of obtaining a UAE visa for US citizens.
In this guide, you will learn about:
UAE Visa Requirements for US Citizens
US citizens with a regular passport can visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa-free for up to 90 days, with a visa issued upon arrival.
Entry Requirements
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival
- A confirmed round trip airline ticket or onward travel ticket
UAE visa extension for US citizens
If you wish to stay beyond 90 days, you can apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office. Approval is at the discretion of immigration officials. Alternatively, there are other UAE visas for US citizens to consider.
Visa Categories in the UAE for US Citizens
US citizens with a normal passport can visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, there are different visa categories depending on your purpose of travel and the length of your stay. The UAE offers US citizens flexible entry options, from short-stay tourist visas to long-term residency routes such as the Golden Visa for investors and high achievers and the Green Visa for freelancers and skilled workers. Additional pathways include work, business, retirement, and student visas.
UAE Tourist Visa for US citizens
US citizens holding a passport valid for at least six months are granted a free, multiple-entry visa on arrival to the UAE, allowing stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, with no prior visa application required.
UAE Work Visas for US citizens
There are three kinds of visas for working in the UAE. The Green Visa is a self-sponsored visa that lets you work in the UAE for up to five years. This visa is for freelancers, self-employed, and skilled employees. The Standard work visa is valid for up to two years and is for people employed in the private or government sector. While those visas are the most popular, there is also a domestic worker visa.
UAE Retirement Visa for US citizens
US citizens aged 55 and over may apply for the UAE’s renewable five-year retirement visa by demonstrating financial stability, either through a monthly income (AED 20,000+), substantial savings (AED 1,000,000+), or property ownership in the UAE (AED 1,000,000+). The visa grants long-term residency, access to health insurance, and the ability to sponsor family members.
UAE Golden Visa for US citizens
US citizens may obtain the UAE Golden Visa, a 10-year renewable long-term residency for investors and talented individuals. Eligible categories include entrepreneurs, specialized professionals, exceptional students, and real estate investment in the UAE (property investment of AED 2,000,000+ for 10 years). The visa allows living, working, and studying in the UAE without a sponsor, offers full family sponsorship, and provides benefits such as 100% business ownership, making it a secure long-term residency option.
UAE Diplomatic or Official Visas for US citizens
US citizens holding diplomatic or official passports must obtain a visa before traveling to the UAE, unlike regular passport holders who receive a visa on arrival for short visits. This visa is generally a multi-entry, five-year permit, requiring prior application through a UAE Embassy or Consulate and submission of documents such as a Note Verbale from the US State Department specifying the purpose and duration of the trip.
Transit Visas
US citizens usually don’t need a separate transit visa for short UAE stopovers, as the free Visa on Arrival (up to 90 days) applies. For very short layovers under 4 hours without leaving the airport, no visa is needed. For longer stops or leaving the airport, the VOA covers you, though 48- or 96-hour transit visas can also be arranged through airlines with confirmed onward tickets.
A Closer Look at UAE Visas for US Citizens
UAE Green Visa for US citizens
US citizens may apply for the UAE Green Visa, a long-term residency permit of up to five years for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors. Eligibility is based on professional level or salary, providing a flexible option for extended stays in the UAE.
Requirements for the UAE Green Visa
Freelancers or self-employed people
- You’ll need a freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma
- Evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years, amounting to not less than AED 360,000, or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
Skilled employees
- You must have a valid employment contract
- Be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization
- Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Have a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month
Investors
- Be actively participating in or establishing a commercial activity in the UAE
- Obtain approval from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) based on the investor rating system
- Provide proof of investment (total capital considered if holding multiple licenses)
- Get approval from the relevant local authorities
- Reside in the UAE without the need for an employer or guarantor
Obtaining UAE residency through company formation is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after pathways for UAE residency as the country offers one of the most business-friendly environments globally.
UAE Standard work visa for US citizens
A US citizen can also apply for the Standard work visa, which is valid for two years, as long as they meet the following criteria:
- You must be employed in the private or government sector.
- Your UAE employer must apply on your behalf.
UAE Retirement Visa for US citizens
The UAE retirement visa lets you live in the UAE for up to five years and can be extended if you satisfy the criteria.
Retirement Visa Requirements
- You must be older than 55 years or have worked for not less than 15 years inside or outside the UAE
- Own a property of no less than AED 1 million or,
- Have financial savings of no less than AED 1 million or have a monthly income of AED 20,000
- Provide bank statements for the last six months.
UAE Golden Visa for US citizens
The UAE Golden Visa, also known as the Dubai Golden Visa, is a long-term residency program that offers eligible applicants, such as talented individuals, entrepreneurs, real estate investors, outstanding students, and business owners, the opportunity to live, work, or study in the United Arab Emirates.
The program provides several benefits for US citizens, including a renewable five or ten-year residence permit, no requirement to obtain a sponsor, a reduced minimum stay requirement compared to other visa options, the ability to sponsor family members and domestic helpers, and zero personal income taxes. Working with a UAE Golden Visa lawyer is highly recommended to ensure your application has a higher chance of success.
Important to note: The Golden Visa does not automatically lead to UAE citizenship. There are regulations in place, with most applicants needing to spend a minimum of 30 years in the country to qualify for a UAE passport.
UAE Visa Fees US Citizens
The price of each UAE visa for US citizens can vary based on the chosen visa, duration, and other detailed requirements. Here are the basic costs for UAE visas for US citizens:
| Item | Cost AED | Cost USD |
|---|---|---|
| Green Visa | AED 2280 | $620 |
| Standard Work Visa | AED 3,000 – AED 7,000 | $820-$1,900 |
| Retirement Visa | AED 3,714 | $1,011 |
| Golden Visa | AED 5,300 – AED 8,300 | $1,440-$2,265 |
| Transit Visa (96 hours) | AED 50 | $14 |
How long does it take to process a UAE visa for US citizens?
The processing time for a UAE visa for US citizens varies based on the visa type. For the latest information, it’s best to consult the UAE embassy in your country before traveling. Here are a few examples:
- Visa on arrival: Immediate
- Tourist visa: 3-5 days
- Employment visa: 1-3 weeks
- Retirement visa: 2-4 weeks
- Golden Visa: 1-2 months
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
