An honest, itemised breakdown of what Canadian permanent residence really costs a Dubai-based applicant in 2026, from ECA to landing funds.
If you are weighing up Canadian permanent residence from Dubai, the honest answer to 'how much does it cost?' is: more than the government fee, but less than the scare stories suggest. Costs fall into two buckets, the fees you pay and the settlement funds you must simply show. Let us walk through both calmly.
Government and Mandatory Fees
The core Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) charge for a principal Express Entry applicant is the processing fee plus the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, together usually in the region of CAD 1,500 or so, with roughly CAD 1,365 for a spouse and a smaller amount per child (verify current figures before applying). Biometrics add around CAD 85 per person. These are paid in Canadian dollars by card, so your AED bank simply converts at the day's rate.
Documentation Costs in the UAE
This is where Dubai-based applicants spend before they ever submit. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) through a body such as WES typically runs to a few hundred Canadian dollars plus courier fees. Your IELTS or CELPIP language test, sat at a Dubai test centre, costs roughly AED 1,200 to 1,500. Add UAE police clearance, medicals with an IRCC-approved panel physician in the Emirates, and attested translations where needed. Realistically, budget AED 4,000 to 7,000 for this documentation stage.
Proof of Settlement Funds
This is not a fee, it is money you keep. A single applicant must show around CAD 14,000 to 15,000 in settlement funds, rising with family size (verify current figures before applying). Held in AED or any currency, these funds must be genuinely available and unencumbered. You do not send this money anywhere, you simply prove you have it.
Optional but Common Costs
Many Dubai applicants choose a regulated consultant. Fees vary widely, so ask exactly what is included and insist on a written scope. Be wary of anyone guaranteeing a visa, no honest adviser can. Factor in flights, initial accommodation, and shipping once you are invited.
The Realistic Total
All in, a single applicant should plan for roughly AED 15,000 to 25,000 in actual spend, separate from the settlement funds you retain. A family will spend more but shares many fixed costs. The figures move, so treat these as indicative and confirm before you commit.
Want a personalised estimate for your profile? Book a free assessment with The Migration Station, or try our free CRS calculator to see where you stand first.