Dubai Visa Renewal Guide — Fees, Grace Periods, Steps

Your Dubai residence visa expires every two years. Missing the renewal deadline triggers fines and can affect your ability to use banking services, renew your driving licence, and access government portals. This article covers the renewal fees for both DMCC free zone and mainland visas, the grace periods you get if your visa lapses, and the full renewal process.

Whether you are renewing your own visa or managing renewals for your dependents, this is the information you need.

Eligibility — who needs to renew

Private sector workers

A residence permit entitles private sector workers to reside in the country for a period of two years, renewable for a similar period or periods in accordance with the same conditions under which it was granted. If your work status and employment conditions remain the same, you are eligible for renewal.

Family members and dependents

Dependents' visas are linked to the sponsoring family member's visa. If the sponsor's visa is active, dependents can renew under the same conditions. Dependents whose visas expire or are cancelled are granted a 6-month grace period to obtain a new residence permit.

Required documents

Since residency permits are renewable under the same conditions as the original grant, the renewal documents mirror the issuance documents:

• Passport — Valid copy
• Personal photograph — Recent, white background
• Medical examination — A proper medical examination approved by the relevant authorities. Required for all persons over 18 years of age.

For family visa renewals, the sponsor must also demonstrate they still meet the minimum salary threshold (AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation).

Fees and costs

DMCC free zone renewal fees

Renew employee residence permit — 1 year: AED 2,200 (government fee)

Renew employee residence permit — 2 years: AED 2,790 (government fee)

Knowledge and Innovation Dirham: AED 20 (government fee)

GDRFA mainland renewal fees

The exact fee for GDRFA mainland visa renewal varies by case — our team will give you the precise figure for your situation.

The GDRFA sources detail new issuance fees (AED 200 for the residence permit, plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, AED 500 in-country fee, and AED 20 delivery) but do not publish the exact base fee breakdown specifically for renewals.

Additional costs

Medical fitness test centre fees, Emirates ID renewal fees, and typing centre charges are not included in the fees above. These vary and are processed separately.

Process and timeline

The renewal process follows the same structure as the original issuance:

1. Check your expiry date — Start the process before your visa expires to avoid grace period complications 2. Medical fitness test — Complete a new medical examination at a DHA-approved centre (required for everyone over 18) 3. Emirates ID renewal — Apply for your Emirates ID renewal (often processed alongside the visa) 4. Submit renewal application — Apply through your employer (mainland) or free zone authority (DMCC) 5. Biometrics — Attend for updated fingerprinting and photo if required 6. Visa stamping — The renewed residence visa is stamped in your passport

For family visa renewals, the sponsor initiates the process and must provide updated salary documentation.

The exact processing timeline is not published in GDRFA sources. Start at least one month before your expiry date to ensure a smooth renewal.

Common questions

How long can I stay in the UAE after my visa expires?

For private sector workers, the grace period after expiry or cancellation is 60 days. For family dependents, the grace period is 6 months from the date of expiry or cancellation.

Is there a penalty if I forget to renew my family's UAE visa?

Yes. If the sponsor fails to renew or cancel the visa of their dependents, they could be liable to pay a fine. The exact fine amount per day is not specified in the sources — our team can check the current penalty structure for your case.

Do I need a new medical test for my visa renewal?

Yes. The medical fitness examination applies to all persons over 18 and is required for each renewal cycle, not just the initial issuance.

How much are the visa renewal fees in the DMCC free zone?

The DMCC fee to renew an employee residence permit is AED 2,200 for 1 year and AED 2,790 for 2 years. All charges also include an AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation Dirham fee.

What happens to my family's visas if my visa is cancelled before renewal?

The family's residence permits are linked to the sponsoring family member's visa. If your visa is cancelled, your dependents' visas must also be cancelled. They receive a 6-month grace period to find a new sponsor or make alternative arrangements.