Dubai Visa for Nigerians

Nigerian citizens traveling to Dubai are eligible to apply online for a Dubai e-visa prior to travel. The Dubai e-visa is issued to Nigerian nationals as a single or multiple entry into Dubai for 30 or 60 days within the 60-day Dubai e-visa validity period. Please note that Nigerian nationals are not eligible to obtain a visa-on-arrival at UAE ports of entries.

Eligible Nigerian nationals traveling to Dubai for tourism can apply online for the 5-year self-sponsored Dubai tourist visa, which allows its holders to stay in Dubai for 90 days each visit, within the 5-year validity period, extendable for another 90 days.

Nigerian nationals wishing to work in Dubai are required to hold a Dubai work visa, which is applied for and sponsored by an MoHRE registered company. Depending on the type of work involved, the MoHRE registered company can recruit, hire, and sponsor a Nigerian foreign national to work in Dubai. Additionally, Nigerian nationals can apply for a Dubai business visa if they can demonstrate exceptional talent or skill, have a proven track record, are looking to start-up a business in Dubai, are willing to work remotely while living in Dubai, or are financially capable of investing in Dubai. Both sponsored Dubai work visas and self-sponsored Dubai business visas benefit foreign nationals with Dubai residency and all the living and working benefits that Dubai has to offer.

Table of contents

Dubai visa types for Nigerians

Nigerian nationals should apply for the appropriate Dubai visa based on the purpose for traveling to Dubai. The Dubai visa types are:

Visit visa

A Dubai visit visa is an entry permit for Nigerian nationals traveling to Dubai for a specific purpose. The Dubai visit visa types are:

  • TOURIST VISA: A Dubai visit visa for Nigerian nationals wishing to travel to the UAE for tourism purposes.
  • PATIENT & COMPANION VISA: A Dubai visit visa for Nigerian nationals wishing to travel to the UAE for medical purposes or to accompany a patient.
  • E-VISA FOR GCC RESIDENTS: A Dubai visit visa for Nigerian nationals who are GCC residents.
  • JOBSEEKER VISA: A Dubai visit visa for Nigerian nationals who are exploring job opportunities in the UAE.
  • INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY VISA: A Dubai visit visa for Nigerian nationals who are exploring investment opportunities in the UAE.
  • TRANSIT VISA: A Dubai visit visa for Nigerian nationals traveling via Dubai for 48 or 96 hours.

Student visa

For Nigerian nationals studying at an educational institution in the UAE.

Work visa

A Dubai work visa is sponsored by an MoHRE registered company that can recruit, hire, and sponsor Nigerian foreign nationals to work in Dubai.

Business visa

The Dubai self-sponsored business visa is available to Nigerian nationals who can demonstrate exceptional talent or skill, have a proven track record, are looking to start-up a business in Dubai, are willing to work remotely while living in Dubai, or are financially capable of investing in Dubai.

Retirement visa for UAE residents

The self-sponsored Dubai retirement visa is for Nigerian nationals, who are UAE residents and meet the following requirements: (1) are 55 years or older, or have worked for at least 15 years within or outside the UAE, and (2) own a minimum of AED 1 million value in property, have at least AED 1 million in savings, or can provide last 6 months in bank statements proving a minimum AED 20,000 monthly income.

Requirements

Nigerian citizens should prepare the following documents in order to apply for the various Dubai visa types.

Dubai tourist visa for Nigerians

Nigerian nationals applying online for a sponsored Dubai e-Visa or a self-sponsored 5-year visa should prepare the following documents required for Dubai visa application:

Personal photo

Nigerian applicant should take a recent color photograph, against a white background, which follows standard passport photo guidelines, such as size, high-quality imaging, frontal angle, natural facial expressions, etc.

Passport + copy

Nigerian applicant must hold a passport that is valid for 6 months from the date of visa application submission. Passports should be machine readable, as no hand written passports will be accepted at Dubai ports of entry. Nigerian applicant should also supply 1 color copy of their passport biometric page.

Application

Fill out an online Dubai visa application form through DubaiVisas.com.

Ticket

Nigerian applicant must have a confirmed return or onward airline booking or travel ticket that proves their departure from Dubai at the end of their stay.

Credit/debit card

Nigerian applicant must have a valid credit or debit card for online payment purposes.

Email address

Nigerian applicant must have a valid email to receive the Dubai visa upon approval.

5-year Dubai tourist visa for Nigerians

Nigerian nationals applying online for a self-sponsored 5-year visa should prepare the following requirements, in addition to the Dubai tourist visa requirements detailed above:

Medical insurance

A valid medical insurance that covers applicant in the UAE.

Financial means

A 6-month bank balance of at least USD 4,000 or the foreign equivalent

Accommodation

Proof of lodging in the UAE, such as hotel reservations or a residence.

Dubai work visa for Nigerians

Nigerian nationals, above 18 years old, applying to work in Dubai should meet the following requirements, in addition to the basic Dubai visa requirements for Nigerian citizens listed above:

Dubai visa

Nigerian workers should hold a valid Dubai work permit or Dubai residency visa that permits them to legally live and work in Dubai. It is important to note that foreign nationals cannot work in Dubai with a Dubai tourist visa.

Health evaluation

Nigerian workers should be medically screened at an approved Dubai health center. Failure to pass the medical exam may lead to immediate deportation.

Please note that additional tests, screening, or documents may be required, depending on the type of work involved.

How to Apply for a Dubai visa for Nigerians

Nigerian citizens can apply for the various Dubai visa types as detailed below.

Dubai tourist visa for Nigerians

Nigerian nationals should apply for a sponsored Dubai e-visa or a self-sponsored 5-year Dubai visa in the following manner:

Submit Dubai visa application form online

Fill out the online Dubai visa application form with DubaiVisas.com, complete with your personal data, as well as the particular Dubai visa type being applied for and other requested information. Upload the required documents and submit along with the completed Dubai visa application form.

Pay Dubai visa fees online

Pay the Dubai visa fee online, using a valid credit or debit card.

Receive approved Dubai visa

Receive the approved Dubai visa to the email provided. Check that all visa information is correct and matches the information on your passport.

Dubai Work visa for Nigerians

Nigerian nationals should apply for a Dubai work visa in the following manner:

Initiate application​

Depending on the type of work, The MoHRE registered company should apply for the foreign employee’s work permit

Pass tests​

Foreign worker should pass medical screening and security and background checks of the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship & Ports Authority

Apply for ID​

The foreign worker should apply for an Emirates ID card from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship

Dubai Business visa for Nigerians

Nigerian nationals should apply for Dubai business visa in the following manner:

Get nominated

Get nominated by a UAE government incubator. If nomination approved, you will be sent a link to the Dubai golden visa platform.

Apply online

Apply online Fill out and submit Dubai visa application form and upload the required documents on the Dubai golden visa platform, via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship & Ports Authority portal.

Await the decision

Receive an email detailing on how you should proceed to retrieve your Dubai business visa.

If approved, the Dubai business visa will be issued as a temporary visit visa – 6 months temporary visa for Nigerians living outside of Dubai, or a 1-month temporary Dubai visa for Nigerians already living in Dubai. The temporary Dubai visa for Nigerians should then be converted into a Dubai residency permit before the Nigerian national’s temporary visa expires.

Processing Time

Dubai visas for Nigerians take approximately 4 to 5 business days. However, when applying for a Dubai visa from Nigeria, it’s advisable to initiate your application early to account for any unforeseen delays

How much is Dubai visa from Nigeria?

Dubai visa fees depend on the type of Dubai visa being applied for.

Visa extension

Dubai tourist visas for Nigerians

The Dubai tourist visa can be extended twice for 30 days each renewal, and the 5-year Dubai visa for Nigerians can be extended for an additional 90 days.

Dubai work and business visas for Nigerians

All Dubai work and residency permits and business visas for Nigerians can be renewed, depending on the type of work or business visa the Nigerian national holds.

Nigerian Embassy and Consulate in the UAE

Embassy of Nigeria, Abu Dhabi:

Address: Villa No 642/3 Off Arab Gulf Rd, P.O. Box 110171, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Telephone:  +971 2 443 1503

Consulate General of Nigeria, Dubai:

Address: Villa 14 73 B St – Al Satwa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Telephone:
+971 4 352 2505

UAE Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Abuja:

Address: 17 Kainji Crescent, Off Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

Telephone: +2348099009003

Consulate General of the UAE in Lagos:

Address: 8th Floor, Block A, Nipost towers, No 1 Ologun Agbaje street off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Telephone: 0023414482444

Dubai visas for Nigerians FAQ

Yes, Nigerian nationals are required to hold a Dubai visa in order to enter Dubai. Nigerian passport holders are eligible to apply online for the Dubai e-visa in just a few simple steps at DubaiVisas.com.
All Dubai visas are valid for 60 days from the date of issue, except for the Dubai transit visas, which are valid for 30 days.
No. Nigerian nationals are not eligible to obtain a visa-on-arrival at any UAE ports of entry. However, Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply online for a Dubai e-visa prior to traveling to Dubai.

Here you can know more about Dubai Visa requirements for South Africans.