Extending or changing your UAE visa can be stressful without the right guidance. In Dubai, visa services are handled by two authorities: GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) for Dubai-issued visas, and ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) for federal visas (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.).
This guide explains the differences between visa extension, renewal, cancellation, and status change, and details the up-to-date rules for each. We cover everything from short-term tourist visa extensions to family and work residency renewals, including fees, timelines, documentation, and eligibility. Wherever possible, we cite official sources for accuracy.
Note: Always keep track of your visa expiration and start the renewal or extension process before it expires. Fines of AED 50 per day apply immediately after expiry. For more on overstaying penalties, see our guide on Dubai Visa Overstay. If you entered the UAE without a prior visa, see our Dubai Visa After Arrival blog.
First, it’s important to clarify terms:
These processes have different rules, fees and authorities. For example, a tourist visa extension is done through GDRFA Dubai or the federal portal (ICP) depending on how the visa was issued, while a work visa renewal requires both the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) and GDRFA approvals.
Below we break down each category, covering the procedures for tourists, workers, students, investors, freelancers, and family-sponsored visa holders. Tables and bullet lists summarize key points for quick reference. We also include frequent Call-to-Action reminders (e.g. “apply early”, “contact experts”) to guide you.
Dubai (and UAE) visas come in different forms. “Visit” and “tourist” visas typically mean short-term permits (30/60-day single or multiple-entry), while “residency” visas cover work permits, family visas, investor visas, etc. The extension rules vary by type:
Tips: Submit your extension application at least a few days before expiry to ensure approval. Check your status online and ensure your documents (passport scan, photos, etc.) are correct. For example, our Visa Fine Check tool can alert you to any outstanding fines that could block your application. If you need assistance, contact a reputable visa service or visit an Amer service center early.
Residency visas (for work, family, investor, etc.) are issued for 1-3 years and must be renewed before they expire. In Dubai, the renewal is processed through GDRFA-Dubai; in other emirates via ICP (for federal visas). Key points:
Tables & Lists: Below summarizes key renewal requirements:
| Visa Type | Renewal Fee (AED) + VAT | Extra Fees Inside UAE | Processing Time | Notes |
| Private-Sector Work | 200 (1 yr); +100/yr over 2 yrs | +500 + 20 (delivery) | 48 hours | Requires MOHRE contract cancellation first. |
| Family (Spouse/Child) | 200 (1 yr); +100/yr over 2 yrs | +500 + 20 | 48 hours | Sponsor’s visa must be valid. |
| Investor/Partner | Varies (similar to above) | +500 + 20 | 48 hours | Often 2–3 year terms. |
| Student Visa | 200 (usually 1 yr) | +500 (if UAE-registered sponsor) | 48 hours | Requires enrollment proof. |
| Freelancer Visa | See free zone guidelines | Similar fees apply | 48 hours | Processed via licensing free zone. |
Official Fees (GDRFA): Dubai’s GDRFA portal lists the fees explicitly: e.g. “Residency permit renewal fee: AED200… Knowledge Dirham: AED10; Innovation: AED10; Fee inside country: AED500; Delivery: AED20”. Always check the GDRFA service details page for the exact category you need.
Quick Tip: Start renewal early. Employers and sponsors often renew visas with plenty of lead time to avoid lapses. If your visa renewal is delayed, see the next section for common causes and fixes.
A major change in recent years is the ability to switch visa types without exiting the UAE. Traditionally, foreigners on a tourist/visit visa had to “exit and re-enter” on a new entry permit for work or residency. Now, the UAE allows in-country status changes (sometimes called status amendments or adjustments).
What’s Allowed: You can convert a valid visit/tourist visa to a residency/work visa from inside the UAE, provided you have a sponsor (e.g. a new employer or a family sponsor). This also applies to changing from one residency to another (e.g. sponsor change, or resident → resident).
Procedure: Essentially, once your new visa application (e.g. work permit through MOHRE) is approved, your sponsor or typing center will file a Status Adjustment request with immigration (GDRFA or ICP). They will pay a “without exit” fee so you can stay in-country while waiting for your residency stamp.
Fee: There is no separate “exit waiver” fee; instead you pay the standard Status Adjustment fee. In Dubai (GDRFA) or federal (ICP), this fee typically ranges from AED 550–650. It varies by emirate and service center. (This fee essentially replaces the cost of a plane ticket.)
Timeline: Once the new visa is approved, the status change itself usually takes 1–2 working days. Your employer or PRO will notify you when the change is complete. At that point you can proceed with Emirates ID biometrics and final stamping, all without leaving.
Where to Apply: As usual, Dubai visas (work visas, Dubai investor visas, etc.) go through GDRFA-Dubai (often via Amer/Tasheel typing centers). Visas for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc. go through ICP or a typing center in those emirates.
Official Reference: This process is confirmed by GDRFA and ICP. In Dubai, you simply apply for your new visa as usual; GDRFA already allows online status changes after approval. In 2024-2025, GDRFA announced (via service updates) that a status change inside the country requires a DHA (health) step, but still permits in-country change.
Advantages: Changing visa status internally avoids the cost and hassle of a visa-run flight. Even though there is a fee, it is usually much cheaper than a plane ticket. The Dubai Visa Status Check guide notes: “The in-country option is almost always cheaper, faster, and far more convenient”.
Cost Comparison: If you were to leave UAE and return on the new visa, you’d pay for an entry permit (AED 500–600) plus a plane ticket (AED 500–1,000+). By contrast, the status change fee of AED 550–650 covers the process in-country.
Important: If you don’t complete the change before your old visa expires, you risk fines. Always initiate the status change well before your visit visa lapses. Once the new visa is issued, it replaces the old one automatically – no need for exit.
Even if you apply correctly, sometimes renewal gets delayed. Understanding why can help you avoid or fix issues. Common causes in Dubai include:
What to Do: Stay proactive. Track your application online immediately after submission. Follow up with your sponsor or agent if days pass with no update. The Dubai visa delay guide recommends: verify your status, audit your documents, and maintain communication with your service provider. If necessary, escalate to GDRFA’s Customer Happiness Centers or ICP Helpline.
Eliminating Delays: – Submit complete, correct applications. Use the official GDRFA website/app or certified typing center to avoid mistakes.
– Pay fines/check requirements in advance. Use the Visa Fine Check tool or Dubai Police website to ensure no outstanding fines.
– Apply early and avoid weekends/holidays. (GDRFA is closed Fridays; don’t wait until a Thursday afternoon.)
– If you applied in Dubai and see no progress after 3-5 business days, call GDRFA (600-568-833 or 600-400-444) or your typing center.
If your renewal is urgent or you’ve encountered a complex hold-up, consider professional assistance. Reputable visa agencies and government-approved typing centers have experience in flagging issues and can often accelerate processing. They also handle GDRFA/ICP follow-ups for you.
For residency visas, a medical fitness test (HIV, TB, hepatitis screening) is mandatory. Failing this test has serious consequences:
A failed medical can be frightening, but remember: you have rights. Seek a second opinion, as labs can err. You may appeal a medical result through MOHRE’s appeal committee if you suspect a mistake. Meanwhile, maintain documents of your treatments. If you are an employer or sponsor, provide compassionate assistance to the affected individual. For general visa health rules, see DHA’s guide on residency visa screening.
When leaving the UAE or switching sponsors, you must cancel your visa. Cancelling ensures no future fines or bans. Here’s how it works:
Who Cancels: Sponsors handle visa cancellations. For an employment visa, the employer cancels it. For family/dependent visas, the primary sponsor (husband/father) cancels dependents and then their own visa. Only Dubai investor (partner) visas can be self-canceled.
MOHRE Step: For work visas, first the employer cancels the labour contract/work permit with MOHRE. This often takes 1 day. MOHRE then issues a labor cancellation certificate (NOC).
GDRFA Cancellation: Next, the sponsor submits a cancellation application to GDRFA (via smart services or Amer). Required docs include the sponsor’s passport copy, the visa holder’s passport copy, and MOHRE cancellation certificate for workers.
ICP Cancellation: For visas under other emirates, similar cancellation is done via ICP’s portal (e.g. Abu Dhabi ICP Smart Service). The process is analogous.
Fees & Timeline: Canceling a Dubai residency permit costs AED 100 plus AED 10+10 (Dirhams), and is processed in ~48 hours. An entry/visit visa cancellation is AED 50 plus AED 10+10, also ~48 hours. These are paid online during application.
Grace Period: After cancellation (or if a residency visa expires), you have a 60-day grace period to depart the country. (Tourist visas do not have a long grace – you must exit immediately unless an exit permit is secured.) Within these 60 days you can stay, change sponsor, or reapply for a new visa.
Dependent Visas: Each dependent visa must be cancelled separately using the same steps. For a family visa holder leaving, ensure all spouse/child visas are cancelled before cancelling the sponsor’s.
Proof of Cancellation: Always obtain a printed or emailed cancellation certificate from GDRFA. You’ll need this to prove legal exit if asked.
Table: Dubai Visa Cancellation Overview
| Visa Type | Cancellation Fee | Additional Fees | Completion Time | Grace Period (post-cancel) | Notes |
| Residency Visa | 100 AED | +10 +10 Dirhams | ~48 hours | 60 days | Requires MOHRE work permit cancellation for work visas. |
| Visit/Entry Visa | 50 AED | +10 +10 Dirhams | ~48 hours | — (exit immediately) | Sponsor (hotel, tour agency, relative) cancels online. |
| Family/Dependent | 100 AED each | +10 +10 Dirhams | ~48 hours each | 60 days (with main visa) | Must cancel dependents first. |
Avoid fines: Leaving the country without cancellation (or after the grace period) leads to overstay fines of AED 50/day. If your visa expires or you decide not to stay, cancel the visa before you depart.
Dubai’s visa system is efficient—but unforgiving when deadlines are missed or rules are misunderstood. Extensions, renewals, and status changes all follow strict processes that must align with immigration, labor, and health regulations.
Whether you’re extending a tourist stay, converting to residency, or managing a renewal delay, planning ahead and understanding each step can save you time, money, and legal trouble.
Q: How many times can I extend my Dubai tourist visa?
A: Short-term tourist/visit visas can generally be extended more than once, up to a maximum stay of 120 days. For example, a 30-day visa can often be extended twice (adding 30+30) to reach 90 or 120 days. Always check GDRFA/ICP rules for your specific visa.
Q: Can I convert a Dubai visit visa directly to a work/resident visa without leaving?
A: Yes. UAE rules now allow in-country status changes. Once your employment or residence visa is approved by MOHRE/ICP, your employer can apply for a status adjustment (fee ~AED 600) to switch from your visit visa to the new visa. This is done through GDRFA (if in Dubai) or ICP channels, and takes about 1–2 days after approval.
Q: What are common reasons my Dubai visa renewal is delayed?
A: Delays often stem from incomplete paperwork (missing passport copy, photo, medical, etc.), high application volumes, system backlogs, or new compliance checks. In Dubai, unpaid fines (traffic or otherwise) now block renewal. To avoid delays, double-check all documents, clear any fines (use our Visa Fine Check), and apply at least a week before expiry. If delayed, follow up with GDRFA or your visa service agent.
Q: What happens if I fail the UAE medical test for my residence visa?
A: Failing the medical means your visa will not be approved. For serious conditions like active TB or HIV, the visa is denied and you may be deported; active TB requires treatment before any re-application. Less serious issues might lead to deferred results and a chance to retest after treatment. If you are employed, the company must pay your repatriation flight.
Q: How do I cancel my Dubai visa, and how long does it take?
A: Your sponsor must cancel it (you cannot do it yourself, except for some investor visas). For an employment visa, the employer first cancels the MOHRE labor card, then applies to GDRFA (or ICP) to cancel the residency visa. Cancellation costs AED 100 (plus AED20 Dirhams) and is usually done within 48 hours. After cancellation, you typically have 60 days to exit without penalties.
Q: Can I renew my Dubai visa if it has already expired?
A: You should renew before expiry. Since Dec 2025, Dubai has no 10-day grace period[1]. If your visa expires, fines start immediately (AED 50/day). In practice, you must apply for renewal before expiry; otherwise you’ll pay fines and may need to pay a service surcharge when renewing late.
Q: What documents do I need to renew my Dubai residence visa?
A: Typically: a copy of your passport, a new photo (white background), and a valid medical fitness certificate (for 18+). If you have one, the previous Emirates ID helps. Family visas also require proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth cert) and your sponsor’s Emirates ID. Always consult the GDRFA service page for your visa type, as requirements can vary.
Q: How do I check or pay any fines on my visa?
A: UAE fines (for overstaying, traffic, etc.) are standard across emirates at AED 50 per day. You can check fines on the GDRFA-Dubai site or the UAE’s unified ICA portal. We also offer a Visa Fine Check tool that compiles this information. Clearing fines (traffic, etc.) is required before renewing or canceling a visa in Dubai.
For any specific questions not covered here, or assistance with the procedures above, consider contacting a qualified Dubai immigration consultant or the relevant authorities (GDRFA or ICP) directly. Proper planning and documentation will make extensions, renewals, and status changes smooth and stress-free. Good luck with your Dubai visa journey!
