UAE Visa Extension: What’s the Extension Process in the UAE?

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Updated 11 October 2021

In the middle of the COVID-19 epidemic, the United Arab Emirates has extended the validity of all visas, entrance permits, and Emirates ID cards in an effort to make compliance with immigration procedures easier.

Here is your guide of how to check your visa validity and status followed by the renewal process.

How to check my Visa validity status?

The UAE government has established an official site to assist you in obtaining visa-related services.

Check your visa validity on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship's (ICA) website if you already have an entry permit/residence visa for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah (the eChannel for residency and citizenship).

Alternatively, contact ICA at the toll-free number 600522222 or through the ICA feedback portal with any questions on visa issuance, kinds, or validity.

Residence visa renewal

Expired resident permits must be renewed within 30 days of their expiration date. If you need to renew it sooner (one to six months) for travel purposes, you must first obtain special authorization and approval from the appropriate General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner's Affairs in the emirate where your visa was granted.

Basic requirements are:

• a sponsor with a valid residency permit
• passing a medical fitness test for those above 18
• insurance card (mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
• a renewed identity card issued from ICA, or an original receipt that you have registered with ICA to get a renewal.

The following documents are needed:

• online application or application through a registered typing office for renewal of residency permit signed by the sponsor, whether public sector, private sector company, or personal sponsor
• original passport of the sponsored
• photo of the sponsored.

For employers working in the private sector, the sponsoring company must submit the following additional documents:

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

Those sponsoring their families: spouse, children, parents and siblings (relatives of first and second degree) must present:

• 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

Extension for India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Uganda citizens

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has agreed to extend the visas of citizens of six countries, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Uganda till November 10. This applies to Dubai-issued UAE resident visas which have expired or will expire between April 20, 2021 and November 9, 2021.

Many Dubai residents whose visas expired when the UAE imposed a ban on inbound travellers from a number of countries, have been granted an automatic three-month visa renewal, which includes a one-month grace period for reapplication.

How much will the renewal of the visa cost?

A cost of 500 AED will be charged for renewing a visa in the immigration office without having to leave the country.

How much is the overstay fee charge?

The fees for overstaying your UAE Residence Visa are as follows:

• For the first 6 months (180 days) - AED 25 per day
• For the second 6 months (180 days) - AED 50 per day
• For every day after 1 year has passed - AED 100 per day

Tourist visa

All forms of visit and tourist visas can be renewed for another 30 days once they have been applied for and approved by the competent authority. This can be accomplished without leaving the country.

Before the initial renewal expires, visitors and tourists can apply for a second renewal for AED 600 each time. Overstayers who do not renew their visas will be fined AED 100 for each day they are overstaying, starting 10 days after the visa expires.

However, the new rule for extension does not apply on the following categories:

• visitors and tourists who are residents in GCC countries
• residents accompanying GCC nationals
• those on special entry permits
• those on 96-hour permit for special missions.

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