Dubai’s 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa: Requirements, fees, and how to apply
Stay up to 180 days per year without needing a UAE sponsor
Dubai’s five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is designed for frequent travellers to the UAE who want flexible, long-term access without the need for a local sponsor.
With this visa, visitors can enter the country multiple times annually and stay for up to 180 days in a calendar year, with each visit capped at 90 consecutive days (extendable once per year).
Whether you’re heading to Dubai for business, leisure, or to reconnect with family, this visa offers convenience and extended stay options. Issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the application process is fully digital and can be completed from anywhere in the world.
This five-year visa extends beyond Dubai, granting entry into all emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Ajman. It is especially useful for business visitors, frequent tourists, or those with family in the UAE who wish to avoid repeated short-term visa applications.
Visa duration options
Applicants must select their desired stay per visit when applying – 30, 60, or 90 days. The stay period can be extended once per year, provided the total stay does not exceed 180 days annually. The visa is valid for five years from the date of issuance, allowing multiple entries throughout that period.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the five-year multiple-entry visa, applicants must meet all the following conditions:
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months.
- Present a confirmed return or onward travel ticket.
- Provide valid health insurance coverage for the UAE.
- Submit proof of a bank balance of at least US$4,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) maintained consistently for the six months prior to applying.
- Not exceed 180 total days in the UAE in one calendar year, with no more than 90 consecutive days per visit unless extended.
Documents required
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents in either PDF or JPEG format:
- Recent personal photograph
- Copy of a valid passport (minimum six-month validity)
- Six-month bank statement showing sufficient funds
- Proof of valid health insurance
- Round-trip or onward ticket
Step-by-step application process
Online registration
- Visit the GDRFA website: gdrfad.gov.ae/en.
- Click on the login icon and select ‘Individuals’.
- Register with your email, set a username and password.
- Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, and email.
- A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your email. Enter it to verify and complete registration.
Visa application submission
1. Log into your GDRFA account and go to the Smart Services platform.
2. Select ‘New Application’ and choose ‘New 5 Years Tourism Entry Permit’.
3. Click ‘Apply’ and begin filling the form:
- Choose ‘Tourism’ as the purpose of visit.
- Input passport and nationality details.
- Provide your personal background including marital status, religion, education, profession, and first language.
- Enter your departure country and contact information.
4. Fill in your UAE address (emirate, city, street, building/villa, floor, flat number, Makani number or landmark).
5. Add address and contact details outside the UAE.
Upload documents and payment
- Upload all required documents; additional documents may be requested based on your application details.
- Fees must be paid online via credit or debit card.
- Submit the completed application and keep your reference number for tracking.
Visa fees and other charges
Visa fees vary based on the duration selected:
- 30-day visit: Dh300
- 60-day visit: Dh500
- 90-day visit: Dh700
- All are subject to 5 percent VAT
Additional mandatory fees include:
- Guarantee amount: Dh2,000 (refundable)
- Warranty service fee: Dh20
- Collection and return fee for guarantee: Dh40
If the applicant is inside the UAE at the time of applying, the following additional charges apply:
- Fee for processing inside UAE: Dh500
- Knowledge fee: Dh10
- Innovation fee: Dh10
Health insurance must also be arranged and the approximate cost varies by duration:
- 30-day cover: Dh40
- 60-day cover: Dh60
- 90-day cover: Dh90
Processing time
The GDRFA states the visa is typically issued within two working days, with a maximum of five working days. Applicants will receive SMS and email notifications once the application is processed. The approved visa will be sent via email in digital format.