Residence Visa in United Arab Emirates
Renew your UAE residence visa through ICP or GDRFA - mostly online, but the medical and Emirates ID biometrics still need you in person.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
The UAE residence visa is issued to expatriates sponsored by an employer, a family member, a free zone, or a property investment. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) handles residency in every emirate except Dubai, where the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) runs it.
Most renewals are now fully digital through the ICP smart app or the GDRFA app, but you still need a fit-to-residence medical test (and an Emirates ID biometric capture for first-time issuance or whenever your photo is older than the system threshold). Failures usually trace back to one of three things: an unpaid traffic or immigration fine, an expired medical, or mismatched data between your passport and the file on ICP.
Documents required
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Existing residence visa or entry permit (for new issuance)
- Sponsor's Emirates ID and trade licence (or family sponsor's documents)
- Medical fitness certificate (DHA, SEHA, or approved centre)
- Valid health insurance covering the residence period
- Recent passport-style photo with white background
Eligibility
- Sponsored by an employer, family member, free zone, or property investment
- Sponsor's establishment in good standing with MOHRE or relevant free zone
- Cleared immigration fines and overstay amounts
- Medical fitness test passed (mandatory for residents aged 18+)
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry permit (inside country) | 1,170 AED | Standard employment entry permit; confirm current amount on ICP/GDRFA as employer category affects the total. |
| Residence visa stamping (2 years) | 300 AED | Plus knowledge and innovation fees of AED 20 each. |
| Medical fitness test | 320-750 AED | Standard vs VIP/express; varies by emirate. |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 270 AED | AED 100 per year plus AED 70 typing/service fee. |
| Golden Visa (10 years) | 2,800-3,800 AED | Total government cost; varies by category. Confirm current amount on ICP. |
Step by step
- 1
Sponsor applies for entry permit
Employer or family sponsor files the entry permit through ICP (most emirates) or GDRFA-Dubai. Free zone companies use their zone's e-channel.
2-5 working days · online
- 2
Change status or enter UAE
If already in the UAE on visit/tourist, pay the in-country status change fee. Otherwise enter on the e-permit.
Same day · either
- 3
Medical fitness test
Book at a DHA, SEHA, or approved centre. Bring passport, entry permit, and photo. Results are pushed to ICP electronically.
1-3 days · center
- 4
Emirates ID biometrics
Visit an ICP customer happiness centre for fingerprints and photo. Skipped for renewals where biometrics are still valid.
Same day appointment · center
- 5
Visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance
ICP/GDRFA issues the residence visa electronically (no passport sticker since 2022) and the Emirates ID is printed and couriered.
3-7 working days · online
Processing time: 2-3 weeks end to end for a new visa; 3-7 days for a straightforward renewal.
Where to do it online
- ICP
Apply, renew, and check residence visa status across all emirates except Dubai
- GDRFA Dubai
Residence visa services for Dubai-issued visas
- Amer
Government-approved typing/service centres for GDRFA applications
Amer centres (Dubai) and Tasheel/Tas-heel centres handle visa applications on your behalf. Service fees typically AED 100-300 on top of government fees. Useful when the online portal rejects your documents.
Renewal
Residence visas are typically valid 2 years (private sector) or 3 years (public sector and some family categories). Golden Visas run 5 or 10 years. You have a 30-day grace period after expiry before overstay fines start.
Fines & penalties
- Overstay after grace period: AED 50 per day
- Late Emirates ID renewal: AED 20 per day, capped at AED 1,000
- Absconding report by employer can block re-entry
- Unpaid fines block visa renewal and exit
Common pitfalls
- Letting the visa lapse past the 30-day grace period - overstay starts at AED 50/day
- Mixing up ICP and GDRFA - Dubai-issued visas only renew through GDRFA
- Forgetting to renew health insurance first - both portals reject without it
- Status check by passport number requires the exact unified number on file, not just the passport
FAQs
Use the ICP smart app or icp.gov.ae 'Public Services > File Validity' for visas issued anywhere except Dubai, and the GDRFA Dubai app or smart.gdrfad.gov.ae for Dubai-issued visas. You'll need passport number, nationality, and date of birth. The unified number from a previous visa speeds it up.
30 days from the expiry date. After that, AED 50 per day overstay applies until you renew or exit.
No. Since 2022, the UAE residence visa is fully electronic. The Emirates ID is now the proof of residency.
Generally no - you must be inside the country for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics. If you're stuck abroad past the 6-month rule, the visa is automatically cancelled.
ICP is the federal authority handling residency in all emirates. GDRFA-Dubai runs residency specifically for Dubai. If your visa was issued in Dubai, you use GDRFA; otherwise ICP.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
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