Renew UAE Residence Visa – Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Renew UAE Residence Visa – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a wide range of residence visas for expatriates, investors, employees, and their families. However, every visa comes with an expiry date, and timely renewal is essential to avoid fines or visa cancellation.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to renew UAE residence visa, including eligibility, required documents, renewal fees, and the latest rules in 2025.

1. What is a UAE Residence Visa Renewal?

A UAE residence visa renewal is the process of extending your legal stay in the country after your existing visa expires. The renewal ensures that you can continue living, working, or studying in the UAE without facing penalties or immigration issues.

Whether you hold a work visa, investor visa, or family visa, renewal is mandatory before your residence permit expires.

2. When Should You Renew Your UAE Residence Visa?

You can renew your UAE residence visa within 30 days before it expires. However, the UAE authorities also provide a grace period of 30 days after expiration to complete renewal without paying overstay fines.

Renewing early helps you avoid last-minute delays, especially if medical or Emirates ID processing takes extra time.

3. Documents Required to Renew UAE Residence Visa

To successfully renew UAE residence visa, you must submit the following documents:

  • Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)

  • Recent passport-size photo (white background)

  • Emirates ID renewal application

  • Valid UAE health insurance

  • Medical fitness certificate (from an approved medical center)

  • Tenancy contract or proof of residence

  • Sponsor’s valid trade license (for employment or investor visa)

For family visa renewal, the sponsor’s employment or investment proof is also required.

4. Steps to Renew UAE Residence Visa

Here’s the complete process to renew UAE visa step-by-step:

  1. Renew Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) or GDRFA.

  2. Complete your medical fitness test at an authorized medical center.

  3. Update your health insurance policy as per UAE law.

  4. Submit renewal application via GDRFA online portal, typing center, or the UAEICP app.

  5. Pay visa renewal fees depending on your visa type and duration.

  6. Receive your renewed residence visa electronically or stamped in your passport.

Renew UAE Residence Visa

5. UAE Residence Visa Renewal Fees (2025)

The cost to renew UAE residence visa varies depending on the visa category. Generally:

  • Standard renewal fee: AED 370 – AED 600

  • Medical test: AED 250 – AED 350

  • Emirates ID renewal: AED 170 – AED 370

  • Overstay fines (if any): AED 50 per day after grace period

It’s advisable to check with GDRFA or ICP for updated fee structures before submitting your application.

6. Where to Renew Your UAE Residence Visa

You can renew UAE residence visa through several official channels:

  • GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) website or app

  • UAEICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) online platform

  • Authorized typing centers across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi

Employers or PROs can also process visa renewals on behalf of sponsored employees.

7. Common Reasons for Visa Renewal Delay

Delays in renewing UAE residence visa may occur due to:

  • Expired passport

  • Missing Emirates ID renewal

  • Incomplete medical report

  • Pending health insurance renewal

  • Inactive sponsor license (for company-sponsored visas)

Ensuring all documents are valid before applying helps avoid unnecessary rejections.

8. Grace Period and Fines After Visa Expiry

After visa expiry, the UAE provides a 30-day grace period to renew UAE residence visa. If you fail to renew within this timeframe, fines apply as follows:

  • AED 50 per day for the first 6 months

  • AED 100 per day for the next 6 months

  • AED 200 per day after 1 year

Therefore, timely renewal is crucial to maintain legal residency status.

9. Can You Renew UAE Residence Visa Without Leaving the Country?

Yes, you can renew UAE residence visa without leaving the country. The process is completely online, and applicants can complete all steps digitally through GDRFA or ICP portals.

Only if your visa is under special categories (like canceled or blacklisted visas) might you need to exit and re-enter for renewal.

10. Renewal for Family Members and Dependents

Sponsors must renew UAE residence visa for dependents such as spouse, children, or parents before it expires. Dependents’ renewals require:

  • Valid sponsor visa and Emirates ID

  • Updated tenancy contract

  • Recent salary certificate or trade license

  • Health insurance for dependents

Renewals must be completed within the sponsor’s valid visa duration.

11. How Long Does it Take to Renew UAE Residence Visa?

The UAE residence visa renewal process typically takes 3–5 working days once all documents are submitted. However, processing may take longer if medical or Emirates ID approval is delayed.

12. Online Renewal Platforms for UAE Residence Visa

These official portals allow individuals and companies to manage visa renewals, check status, and download updated visa documents.

Conclusion

Renewing your UAE residence visa is a simple yet vital process to maintain your legal status in the country. Whether you are an employee, investor, or family resident, it’s essential to renew your visa on time to avoid fines and disruptions in your stay.

By ensuring that your Emirates ID, medical fitness certificate, and insurance are valid, you can complete the UAE residence visa renewal process smoothly and continue enjoying the UAE’s lifestyle and business opportunities.

The UAE government has made visa renewal easier than ever with online platforms, making it convenient for residents and investors to manage their residency seamlessly.