Tips for successfully navigating the UAE visa renewal  process

The UAE is a hub of global commerce, boasting an unparalleled infrastructure that attracts businesses from every corner of the world. Additionally, with its mesmerizing attractions and cultural richness, the UAE is a significant tourist attraction. If you own a business in the UAE, are sponsoring your family to reside in the country, are an employee or tourist looking to extend your stay, or have any other reason to stay longer, understanding the UAE visa renewal process is vital for a seamless experience in this diverse nation. 

The UAE visa renewal process may seem daunting. However, it is simple, provided you are well-informed. And for that, you are in the right place! This blog will provide everything you need to know to renew your UAE visa successfully. 

Understanding UAE Visa renewal: 

In order to stay or work in the Emirates, you need a suitable visa. However, all types of visas, whether entry or residence, have an expiration date and must be renewed periodically. 

You can extend the validity of your visa through the UAE visa renewal process. The renewal process may vary depending on the type of visa you need to renew and your needs. There may be UAE visit visa renewal, employment visa renewal, residence visa renewal or renewal of an investor visa UAE that you may need to go for. 

For instance, if you have a job in the UAE, you’ll need to renew your employment visa to keep working legally. 

Tips to assist you in navigating the UAE visa renewal process: 

1. Keep an eye on your visa expiry and latest guidelines: 

Renewing visas well in time is crucial to avoid fines or legal offences and ensure uninterrupted stay and work in the Emirates.  

You must also stay updated about the latest visa policies to ensure seamless visa renewal. Usually, a visa can be renewed 30 days before it expires. However, the General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) grants a grace period of 30 days after the expiry date, during which you can renew your visa without incurring penalties. Also, a special provision allows renewal six months earlier with GDRFA approval, specifically for travel purposes.  

Notably, the visit, tourist and residence visa overstaying fees have now been standardized at AED 50 per day instead of AED 25 as per the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). 

2. Stay vigilant about the documents required: 

Depending on the type of visa you need to renew, you must have all the required documents ready and attested. The UAE visa renewal process is a proper legal procedure. You must submit accurate and complete documents to ensure legal compliance and avoid application rejection. Incomplete applications are electronically rejected after 30 days. If denied three times, applications are permanently dismissed! 

Following are the general documents and essentials that you need to submit for UAE visa renewal: 

• An active mobile number and email address for communication and updates throughout the application process 
• A recent colour photograph with a white background (50cm x 50cm) 
• A copy of passport 
• Emirates ID application (not applicable for visit/tourist visas) 
• Medical fitness certificate 
• Medical insurance or health card (mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi) 

For applications involving a sponsor, the following also needs to be submitted: 

• Sponsor passport, visa copy & original Emirates ID card 

If you are an employee working in the private sector, your sponsoring company must also submit: 

• a copy of a valid firm card 
• a copy of a valid trade licence 
• a copy of the renewed labour card of the sponsored 
• a copy of the labour card renewal receipt for those who reached (60) years and above 

If you are sponsoring your family: spouse, children, parents and siblings (relatives of first and second degree), you must also submit: 

• a copy of the husband’s/wife’s employment contract or company contract for investors 
• a salary certificate from the employer stating the employee’s monthly salary 
• a legalised marriage certificate 
• a registered tenancy contract 
• latest utility bill 

Note: Additional documents may be required for submission depending on the specific visa type that needs to be renewed. Contact us at DUBIZ for any specific queries.  

3. Follow the UAE visa renewal process carefully: 

The visa renewal process in the UAE can vary depending on your visa type. You can apply for UAE visa renewal online or through a registered typing centre. Below are the steps that you typically need to follow: 

 Applying for Emirates ID renewal:  

Remember, when your visa expires, your Emirates ID card issued by the ICP also expires. Start the visa renewal process by applying for ID online through the ICP website or physically at authorised typing centres in the UAE. 

Going through medical examination: 

If you are 18 or older, you must undergo a medical examination to ascertain your health condition, ensuring you adhere to health and identity verification protocols. The medical test takes place only at government-authorised health centres. You must present certain documents at the medical centres, including a copy of your valid passport or UAE ID, a colour photograph with a white background, and the completed application form. 

Applying for the UAE visa renewal: 

Once the medical examination is completed and you receive your fitness certificate, you can apply for a visa renewal through an online application or a registered typing office. Make sure to submit all the required documents. 

Wait for application review: 

Once the application and documents have been submitted, the authorities will review them to ensure that the information you provided is valid and correct. You can keep track of your application’s progress using either the e-Channels platform or the ICP website or app. 

Collect your renewed documents: 

Once your application has been approved, you can collect your Emirates ID and passport with the corresponding renewal sticker from the nearest Emirate Post Office branch. 

4. Know your UAE visa renewal cost: 

You need to familiarise yourself with the expenses of renewing a UAE visa to avoid any issues later. Since UAE visa renewal requires renewal of Emirates ID, medical tests, etc., there can be multiple cost elements involved: 

Cost of UAE residence visa 

According to ICP, visa renewal fees consist of the following elements: 

• Application fees: AED 50* 
• Visa issuance fees: AED 100*  
• A service fee by the ICP: AED 50* 

Cost of UAE ID 

The GDRFA determines these costs, contingent on ID validity: 

• For one year: AED 195* 
• For two years: AED 295* 
• For three years: AED 395* C.

Cost of the medical examination 

The medical test usually involves a payment of AED 250* 

*Costs are subject to government regulations, the type of visa to be renewed, and individual needs.  For instance, cost of renewing investor visa UAE may be different than cost of renewing employment visa. To get more information about cost, feel free to contact out consultants at DUBIZ! 

5. Apply for a UAE residence visa renewal online for convenience: 

The UAE government has made the visa renewal process more accessible and convenient through official government websites and mobile apps. You can now easily apply with the necessary documents and pay the fees on these e-portals: 

• The ICP e-Channels portal 
• The website of GDRFA - Dubai 
• The ICP App on Google Play and App Store 
• Dubai Now on Google Play and App Store 

6. Seek expert assistance. 

Navigating the UAE visa renewal process can be complex. Seeking assistance from legal experts and specialists can streamline your entire procedure. They can provide up-to-date and complete information about visa issuance, types, validity, renewal process, and costs. Consulting them can ensure that all the visa renewal formalities are meticulously met while adhering to legal guidelines. 

By following the provided tips and staying updated about any modifications to visa policies, you can smoothly navigate the visa renewal process. 

Let DUBIZ take care of your UAE visa renewal! 

We understand that the process of UAE visa renewal can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the nation’s legal and administrative structure. But you need not worry! 

At DUBIZ, we possess a team of experts who specialise in visa services and can guide you through the entire renewal process. From documentation and application submission to meeting all the legal formalities, our dedicated team is here to help. 

Don’t let the complexities of visa renewal stress you out. Let us handle your UAE visa  renewal  needs while you enjoy your extended stay in the Emirates! 

Contact DUBIZ today at +971 56 369 5485 or WhatsApp us at +971 56 369 5485. You can also drop an email at info@dubiz.co for any inquiries.