Visa renewal is an important step for any expatriate living in the UAE. However, how long does UAE visa renewal take, the documents you need, and how to apply for it are still unknown to many.
Don’t worry; renewing your residency visa in UAE is straightforward. It can take a few days to several weeks. It all depends on your visa type, specific requirements and individual circumstances.
So, let’s jump into this detailed guide and find your ultimate UAE visa renewal resources.
How many days does it take to renew a UAE visa?
If your application is complete and free from all sorts of errors, it will take just a few business days – approximately 5. However, if you make any mistakes in the application, the process can be held and take longer than approximately 5 business days.
On the contrary, how long the UAE visa renewal takes depends on several factors, including your type of residency and individual circumstances.
For instance;
- Employment visas have different requirements compared to the family visa. So, the visa renewal time will also vary.
- Meanwhile, apply for the renewal of a visa while living in UAE. The processing time for an application will be quicker than that for an application from abroad.
- If your visa is sponsored by your employer or someone else, then the renewal duration will depend on how quickly they have submitted the necessary documents.
- In case of any error in the visa renewal application, you also need to resolve them on a priority basis to reduce the processing time.
- Last but not least, the duration of your visa renewal will also depend on the workload of the agency or government sectors.
What is the fine for late visa renewal in UAE?
If you fail to renew your visa on time, it can cause you a penalty. That’s why you should apply for a new visa before your visa expires. It will cost you AED 600 only. However, if you don’t renew your visa and overstay the limit, you have to pay a fine of AED 50 to 100 for each day.
If you have a special entrance permit or are a GCC-certified visitor, you are free from this visa extension.
Meanwhile, if you have employment, it’s your employer’s or the relevant authority’s responsibility to file for the visa renewal; in case of failure to request visa renewal, you have a grace period of 30 days to stay in UAE and apply for a renewal. Still, if you cannot renew your visa, you will be fined as per the rules below.
| First 180 days | AED 25 per day |
| Second 180 days | AED 50 per day |
| Any time after this period | AED 100 per day |
UAE has also introduced the amnesty scheme in 2024. With it, you can renew your visa without any additional fines.
What documents do I need to renew my Dubai visa?
The following documents are generally required to apply for visa renewal in Dubai.
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- The original Emirates ID card.
- Recent passport-size photos (white background, typically 4×6 cm).
- If your visa is sponsored by any family member, employer or anyone else, you also need a sponsor’s documents. It includes a copy of your passport, Emirates ID, and possibly a copy of your salary certificate or trade license.
- For some residents, medical tests are also required. These include a blood test and, in some cases, a chest X-ray.
- Proof of health insurance coverage is mandatory for all residents in Dubai.
- A copy of your current/previous residency visa is also a residency visa.
How much is the visa renewal fee in the UAE?
The cost of visa renewal in UAE largely depends on your visa type. For instance, if you have an employment visa, it will include the following cost.
| Cost | AED |
|---|---|
| Government fees | 1,263 |
| Labour fee | 300 – 5,000 |
| Medical & Emirates ID | 1,130 |
| Insurance fee | 420 – 5,120 |
If you have an investor visa or if your family member sponsors your visa, then the cost of renewal will also include the following.
| Medical typing fees | AED 857.50 |
| Residence visa typing fees | AED 925.65 |
| Emirates ID typing fees | AED 371.50 |
FAQ:
How soon can I renew my visa before it expires?
You can renew your UAE residency visa up to six months (180 days) before its expiration date. This flexibility allows you to avoid last-minute delays and ensures continuous residency without the risk of overstaying.
Is there a grace period for visa renewal in the UAE?
Yes, there is a 30-day grace period after the expiration of your residency visa. During this time, you can renew your visa without incurring penalties. However, if you exceed this period, fines will apply at AED 25 per day.
Can you come back to the UAE with an expired visa?
No, you cannot re-enter the UAE with an expired visa. If you’re outside the UAE when your residency visa expires, you must arrange for a new visa before you can return. Some people may need a temporary or tourist visa to re-enter the UAE, and then they must complete the renewal process once they return to the UAE.
Final Verdict:
To conclude, how long does UAE visa renewal take? We must say that it all depends on several factors, such as your visa type, the status of your application, and significant circumstances. All you can do is to 100 percent complete your application and file for the renewal before expiry to avoid any consequences. It will also help you tackle any unfortunate circumstances in case of delay.
Fortunately, the grace period is also there to save you in case of delay. However, you can also enjoy the UAE Amnesty Scheme 2024 to legalize yourself before it’s too late.
