UAE Residence Visa 2025 - Requirements, Cost, Process

One of the hottest destinations in the Middle East, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) has opened up new vistas of growth in Professional Education to contenders all over the world. UAE is a land of opportunities for study-abroad students and a delight for curious travellers. This article covers details on the UAE Residence Visa for international students (student visa). 

Those choosing Dubai as a study destination will benefit from its high-quality living standards and numerous work opportunities, besides the serenity of living in a city nominated to be one of the safest in the world. Ideally located in the midst of East and the West, the city marvellously blends the elements of both. 

The first and foremost requirement before stepping into the UAE for higher education is the student visa. In the UAE, either the residents (parents/guardians) or the accredited host universities/institutions can sponsor the student visa. Through this article, we wish to help our readers by listing the requirements of a UAE Residence Visa for international students, its fees and other requisites.

Also Read: A Complete Guide for International Students to Study in UAE 2025

What is a UAE Student Visa?

The UAE student visa allows students to live and study in the UAE for a period of 1 year. However, if required, the validity period of a residence permit in the UAE can be extended by a similar amount, given that your higher education body provides proof of your continuing education to the visa office. 

Also, Reads:

Documents, Requirements, and Restrictions for UAE Residence Permit for Students

The following UAE student visa requirements must be met for a higher visa success rate:

• A passport (along with its 3 copies) with a minimum validity of 6 months, and it must contain two blank visa pages, one for endorsing the visa and the other for entry stamps
• Around 12 photographs
• An offer letter that evinces the acceptance of candidates to a UAE tertiary institute
• Bank statements that act as substantiation of funds in the UAE
• Visa sponsor (the university itself or a parent or relative)
• Consent from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• In case a candidate has opted for university accommodation, he/she may be required to produce a letter from the university or a tenancy agreement
• Copy of tuition fee receipt for the current study year of the program
• Those opting for a post-graduate program in the UAE will be required to get their undergraduate degree attested
• Copy of visa fees receipt for the present study year of the program
• Candidates from certain countries might be required to undertake a security check in order to ensure that they won't pose a threat to UAE security
• Candidates are also usually required to go through a medical test at a certified UAE medical centre (allow ₹5000-₹6000). The test generally includes a medical test and chest X-ray for:
  • HIV (AIDS)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Leprosy
  • Syphilis

In case the results of any of these tests turn positive, the candidate is deported, with the exception of syphilis, which is treated. But the students are advised to check with the UAE immigration department or the UAE Ministry of Health for the latest updates in this regard. 

Duration of UAE Residence Visa for Students 

The first and foremost requirement before stepping into the UAE for the purpose of studying is getting a residence permit (student visa). Through this article, we wish to help our readers by listing the requirements of a Student Visa for the UAE, along with the fees and other requisites. The following table provides the types of UAE student visas:

Student Residence Visa Fees

The general cost of a UAE student visa in UAE Dirhams is AED 2800.

• There is a wide contrast in the Student Visa Fees in different universities, colleges, and institutions. It may fluctuate between 1,000 to 3,000 AED for a year student residence visa.
• A few of the universities, colleges, and institutions may also demand a refundable visa deposit varying between 2,000 to 3,000 AED
• Renewal charges vary between 1,000 and 3,000 AED yearly
• Students may also experience variations depending on whether the university is located in a UAE education-free zone, such as Dubai Academic City or Knowledge Village, or not.
• Diverse emirates may have different fees

Certain universities or institutions may ask for an administrative fee for the administration of a student visa. Many institutions include this sum in the administrative expenses in their tuition fees. For others, this amount is to be paid at the time of registration.

However, it is suggested that the students check with the university, college or institute for the latest updates.

The table given below provides a breakdown of the cost of UAE visa fees and other associated costs for Abu Dhabi University:

(Source: Abu Dhabi University)

In the case of Middlesex University Dubai, the UAE student visa fee is AED 5,345 (outside of the UAE). This fee includes visa processing fees, Emirates ID, and medical insurance. In addition, a visa deposit of AED 2,500 is required.

Visa Validity

• A student residence visa becomes invalid in case a student stays out of the UAE for six months. Students are not permitted to enter the UAE unless they get their visas cancelled. In such a case, generally, the sponsor will report the visa holder to the immigration authorities.
• Visas normally take 2-5 weeks to process once all the correct documentation has been supplied.
• Express visas take 1-3 weeks to process.
• Cancellation of a visa normally takes 1-3 weeks, express cancellation takes 1-2 weeks.

Visa Application Process in Dubai

We list below the detailed steps that one should follow when applying for a visa:

• Before applying for a visa, ensure that you are clear on your purpose of visit.
• Complete your visa application form and affix your photograph.
• Photos must be in accordance with mandatory specifications.
• Attach all supporting documents required as per the checklist. Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications are not accepted.
• Submit your application at the Dubai Visa Application Centre along with the applicable fees in cash.
• Once the visa is approved, the PNR will be updated, and the visa copy can be collected from the application centre.

Student Visa Charges in Dubai

• Short Entry (visit) Visa: Dhs 500 (1 month)
• Long Entry (visit) Visa: Dhs 1,000 (3 months)
• Entry Visa for Study: Dhs 1,000
• Renewal of Study Visa: Dhs 500

Benefits of a Residence Visa

• Access to government health facilities and health insurance.
• Opening a bank account
• Obtaining a personal or a car loan
• Obtaining a driver's license 
• Visa-Free access to many nations

Working with a Student Visa

Earlier, international students did not have permission to work on a student visa. The only type of work allowed was the internship. But now, those with a student visa holding a UAE work permit can work for 4 consecutive hours. Full-time work is still not allowed.

Read more articles related to studying in UAE

This was all about the UAE Residence visa for students. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.