Dubai Visa Renewal Process: How to Extend Your Stay

Dubai is a top travel and business destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. If you’re already in Dubai and wish to stay longer, you may need to go through the Dubai visa renewal or Dubai visa extension process. Whether you’re a tourist, resident, or worker, understanding the visa renewal process will help you avoid overstaying penalties and ensure a hassle-free stay.

Who Needs a Dubai Visa Renewal or Extension?

If your visa is about to expire, you need to apply for a renewal or extension, depending on your visa type. Here’s who might need a visa renewal:

• Tourists who want to stay longer in Dubai without leaving the country.
• Residents whose visas are expiring and need to continue living in Dubai.
• Workers whose employment visas are expiring and need to renew them through their employer.
• Freelancers and investors who need to renew their residence visas.

Dubai Visa Extension for Tourists

Tourists visiting Dubai can extend their visa without leaving the UAE. Here’s how:

Types of Tourist Visa Extensions

1. 30-Day Extension: If you have a 30-day visa, you can extend it for another 30 days twice without leaving the country.
2. 90-Day Extension: Some tourists may be eligible for a 90-day extension based on their nationality or visa type.

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension

• Apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or a registered travel agency.
• Submit your passport, visa copy, and a passport-size photo.
• Pay the visa extension fee (typically AED 600 – 1,000 per extension).
• Wait for approval (usually takes 1–3 working days).

The Dubai visa extension process is straightforward, but make sure to apply before your visa expires to avoid penalties.

Dubai Visa Renewal for Residents

If you are a resident of Dubai, you must renew your visa before it expires to continue legally staying in the UAE.

Steps to Renew a Residence Visa

1. Medical Test: Take a medical fitness test at an approved health center.
2. Emirates ID Renewal: Apply for Emirates ID renewal through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
3. Visa Application: Your employer or sponsor will submit the renewal application to GDRFA.
4. Visa Stamping: Once approved, your new visa will be stamped in your passport.
5. Fee Payment: Pay the visa renewal fee, which varies based on visa type (typically AED 3,000 – 6,000 for residence visas).

The Dubai visa renewal process requires timely submission of documents to prevent any legal issues.

Required Documents for Residence Visa Renewal

• Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Copy of expired visa
• Recent passport-size photos
• Emirates ID renewal application
• Medical fitness test results
• Proof of employment or sponsorship

Dubai Work Visa Renewal

Employees working in Dubai under a company-sponsored visa must renew their visa before it expires. The process is similar to a residence visa renewal, but the employer handles most of the steps.

Steps for Work Visa Renewal

1. Medical Test – Required for all employment visa renewals.
2. Labour Contract Renewal – The employer must renew the work permit with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE).
3. Emirates ID & Visa Renewal – Apply through GDRFA after getting work permit approval.
4. Visa Stamping – Get the new visa stamped on your passport.

The Dubai visa renewal for work purposes is essential to maintain your legal status as an employee in Dubai.

Important Notes:

• The employer is responsible for work visa renewal.
• Employees should ensure that their Emirates ID is also renewed.
• Delays in visa renewal may lead to fines.

Overstaying Fines and Penalties in Dubai

If you do not renew or extend your visa before it expires, you will face penalties. The UAE imposes the following fines:

• Tourists & Visit Visa Holders: AED 50 per day after visa expiry.
• Residents: AED 25 per day for the first 6 months, AED 50 per day for 6–12 months, and AED 100 per day after 12 months.

How to Avoid Visa Expiry Issues

• Apply for Dubai visa renewal or Dubai visa extension at least one month before expiration.
• Check with GDRFA or ICA for any changes in visa policies.
• Keep all necessary documents ready before applying.
• Use trusted travel agencies for tourist visa extensions.
• Ensure your employer processes your work visa renewal on time

Frequently Asked Questions