UAE Visa Comparison Calculator

Main differences: (1) Sponsor: Tourist visa doesn't need sponsor (apply through airlines/agents), visit visa requires UAE resident sponsor (family/friend). (2) Cost: Tourist visa PKR 13-39K, visit visa PKR 7-15K (cheaper). (3) Application: Tourist visa you apply yourself, visit visa your sponsor applies for you. (4) Accommodation: Tourist needs hotel booking, visit visa you stay with sponsor. (5) Best for: Tourist for independent travel, visit for staying with family. Both offer 30-90 days validity and similar processing times. Choose visit visa if you have UAE resident sponsor (saves money), choose tourist if traveling independently.

Yes, if staying 30+ days: 60-day tourist visa (PKR 27-39K) offers better value than getting 30-day (PKR 13-20K) and extending it inside UAE (extension costs PKR 20-25K, total ~PKR 33-45K). You save PKR 6-10K and avoid hassle of UAE extension process. Worth it if: planning to stay 5-8 weeks, want flexibility without extension stress, or traveling during peak season when extensions get expensive. Not worth it if: staying less than 30 days (waste of money), or unsure of exact dates (30-day safer). Pro tip: Many tourists get 30-day initially, then extend if they decide to stay longer.

Get 90-day multi-entry visa (PKR 52-87K) if: (1) Making 2+ trips to UAE within 6 months - saves money vs buying separate visas each time, (2) Business + leisure combo - visit for business then return for vacation, (3) Frequent traveler to region - base in UAE, travel to nearby countries, (4) Flexible travel plans - want freedom to come and go, (5) Cost analysis: If taking 2 trips, single 30-day costs PKR 13-20K × 2 = PKR 26-40K, but multi-entry gives unlimited entries for PKR 52-87K - worth it for 3+ trips. Not worth if: Only one trip planned, staying continuously 90+ days (get 60-day tourist instead), or on tight budget.

Business visa for tourism: Yes, you can do tourism activities on business visa - visit attractions, dine, shop. But you need company sponsorship and invitation letter to get it. Don't apply for business visa just for tourism (costs more and requires business documentation). Tourist visa for business: Limited - you can attend meetings, conferences as attendee, but cannot officially "work" or represent company. Cannot sign contracts, conduct formal business, or get paid. For serious business (meetings with partners, negotiations, exhibitions), get proper business visa. For casual: tourist visa fine for attending conference as guest, preliminary business exploration, or informal meetings. Immigration may question if you're on tourist visa but doing obvious business activities.

Key differences: 5-Year Tourist Visa: Age: Any age. Cost: PKR 130-174K. Stay: 90 days per entry, must leave UAE every 90 days. Work: Not allowed. Requirements: Just money for visa fee. Best for: Snow birds, frequent long vacations, not living permanently. Retirement Visa (55+): Age: 55+ only. Cost: PKR 240-570K first year. Stay: Permanent residence, no need to leave. Work: Allowed. Requirements: AED 1M property/savings or AED 15-20K monthly income. Best for: Actually retiring and living in UAE. Choose tourist if: Under 55, want flexibility, traveling not living, don't meet financial requirements. Choose retirement if: 55+, want permanent base, planning to live in UAE, meet financial criteria.

Cheapest options ranked: (1) Visit visa (if you have sponsor): 90-day visit visa PKR 7-15K - cheapest but need UAE resident sponsor. (2) 60-day tourist + 30-day extension: Total PKR 47-64K (60-day PKR 27-39K + extension PKR 20-25K). (3) 90-day tourist visa: Single entry 90-day around PKR 60-75K if available through some agents. (4) 30-day × 3 consecutive: PKR 39-60K total but must exit and re-enter UAE twice (extra flight costs). (5) 90-day multi-entry: PKR 52-87K gives 6 months validity with 90 days per entry. Best value: Visit visa with sponsor, or 60-day + extension if no sponsor.

Our calculator provides accurate estimates based on current UAE visa fees and agent charges as of February 2026. Costs include: government fees, service charges, typical agent fees. Accuracy: ±10-15% depending on: (1) Agent you choose - rates vary by agent/airline, (2) Processing speed - express costs more, (3) Season - summer deals offer discounts, (4) Additional services - insurance, attestation extra. Calculator uses mid-range estimates. Actual costs may be PKR 2-5K higher or lower. Always confirm exact pricing with your chosen agent before paying. Calculator helps compare options, not provide exact final quote. For retirement visa, medical insurance costs vary significantly by age and provider.

Limited options: (1) Tourist to tourist (extension): Yes, easily extend 30-day to 60-day or 90-day inside UAE at typing centers. Cost: PKR 20-35K. (2) Visit to visit: Yes, sponsor can extend your visit visa. (3) Tourist/Visit to employment: Yes, if you get job offer, employer can change your status without leaving UAE. (4) Tourist/Visit to business: Usually need to exit and re-enter on business visa. (5) Any visa to retirement: Must exit UAE, apply for retirement visa, re-enter. Cannot directly change: Tourist to retirement, Business to tourist, Transit to anything (too short). Best practice: Choose correct visa initially to avoid change hassles and extra costs.