United Arab Emirates: Student Visa 2026

Student visa for studying at UAE institutions. AED 30,000 minimum bank balance.

Best For

International students enrolled in recognised educational programmes

Not Ideal For

Those seeking full-time employment or without university admission

At a Glance

Visa Type
Student Visa
Region
Asia
Visa Duration
1 year
Processing Time
1 months
Min Income (annual)
Min Investment
Application Fee
€185
Path to PR / Citizenship
PR · 30y to citizenship
Difficulty
5.5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education Required
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsor RequiredYes
Remote Income AllowedNo
Family Accompaniment AllowedNo
Language RequirementEnglish (B2)

Application Process

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you meet the age, education, and financial requirements above. Use our free eligibility quiz to score your fit against United Arab Emirates's Student Visa.
  2. 2
    Gather documents
    Passport, recent photos, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and any sponsor or employer letter.
  3. 3
    Submit application
    File the application with the relevant United Arab Emirates immigration authority — usually online or at the consulate in your home country.
  4. 4
    Pay fees & attend appointment
    Pay the application fee (€185). Some applicants are required to attend a biometrics or interview appointment.
  5. 5
    Wait for decision
    Typical processing: 1 months. Decision is communicated by email or via the official portal.

Cost & Financial Requirements

Financial Requirements
ItemAmount
Minimum Annual Salary
Minimum Monthly Income
Minimum Investment
Application Fee€185

Family & Long-term Rights

Family & Rights
RightDetails
Family AllowedNo
RenewableYes
Path to PRYes
Path to CitizenshipYes
Years to Citizenship30
Dual Citizenship AllowedNo
Spouse Work RightsRestricted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Student Visa?

Student visa for studying at UAE institutions. AED 30,000 minimum bank balance.

Who is the Student Visa best for?

International students enrolled in recognised educational programmes

How long does the Student Visa take to process?

Processing typically takes 1 months. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

What does the Student Visa cost?

The application fee is €185. Total relocation cost depends on living costs, insurance, and document attestation.

Does the Student Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway has a path to PR.

Find your best visa pathway

Take our free 3-minute quiz and get matched with programmes that fit your profile.

Get Your Free Verdict Reports — €10

Official source: https://www.moi.gov.ae

Last verified: 2026-04-09

Related visa pathways

United Arab Emirates country guide →