Are you dreaming of visiting the UAE again and again without the stress of reapplying for a visa? If yes the UAE is a five year multiple entry tourist visa might be your best bet. In 2025 a lot of people and frequent travelers are turning to this flexible visa to enjoy long term stays in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah and even beyond. In this guide you can learn everything about why the five year tourist visa is gaining so much prominence and how to apply.
What is UAE five year tourist visa?
The five year tourist visa is a multiple entry visa launched by the UAE government to boost tourism and long-term visits. It is different from traditional visas that expire in 30 or 90 days as this visa lets you enter and exit the country multiple times for up to five years. You can stay up to 90 days at a time with an option to extend for another 90 days per visit. The best of all is that you don’t even need a sponsor and all nationalities are eligible to apply.
Why is it so prominent with expats in 2025?
Expats with families or even businesses in multiple countries love the flexibility. If you are one then you can just fly out of the UAE without applying for a new visa every time. Additionally you can stay up to 180 days per visit without needing to switch to a work or UAE residency visa. If you are a remote worker or an entrepreneur then you might just travel often. The visa allows you to use the UAE as a base without long term commitments. Do you have elderly parents or children staying abroad? Or a five year visa makes it very easy for you to visit loved ones often without the paperwork stress. If you visit the UAE multiple times a year this visa is completely cheaper as compared to paying for separate tourist visas each Trip.
Growth of long term tourism in USA
The UAE has been positioning itself as a global hub for tourism work and business. Over the past few years Dubai launched retire and Dubai and virtual work residency visas. Abu Dhabi began offering remote work visas and freelancer permits. UAE airports saw more than 90 million passengers in 2024 alone. The five year visa is a part of this push to attract talented families and tourists who want more time to explore and invest in the future of the UAE.
Who can apply for five year tourist visa?
Almost anyone can apply but you need to meet some certain conditions. You need to have a passport valid for at least six months and a recent passport size photo. Medical insurance valid in the UAE besides proof of accommodation. It is important for you to have a bank statement showing $4000 violence over the last six months.
Common nationalities that can apply include Indians Pakistanis Filipinos Europeans Canadians Australians and S Africans. The visa is open to all nationalities at the discretion of UAE authorities.
How to apply for UAE five year tourist visa?
You can apply online from anywhere in the world.
Apply via ICP smart services
You just need to visit the smart services website Create account or login and select a Dubai tourist visa or UAE multiple entry visa. Just upload your documents and pay the fees.
Apply visa GDRFA
If you are planning to stay mainly in the GDPR portal. Visit the government website, choose to apply for tourist visa and complete the application form. You can just upload supporting files and make payment and track your visa status online.
How much does five year tourist visa cost?
Costs are likely to vary slightly depending on your country and platform of application. For visa fees you have to pay anywhere between 175 to $100. For insurance you have to pay $55210. If you are using an agent then it is compulsory for you to pay service fees that are around $25 to $80. You can pay via credit card, debit card or secure online banking portals.
So above all you need to know that the UAE five year tourist visa is a game changer for global travelers especially freelancers and business professionals. In 2025 a lot of people are using the flexible option to connect with family and explore the country to build new opportunities all without the stress of constant applications.
