Renewal of Visa in UAE: Easy guide to renew UAE visa online

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be one of the most popular destinations in the world, attracting millions of tourists, workers, and business travelers every year. From Dubai’s futuristic skyline to Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, the country offers countless opportunities for exploration and investment.

But what happens if your UAE visa is about to expire and you want to stay longer? Don’t worry — renewing your visa is possible, and the process is more convenient today than ever before. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about renewal of visa in UAE, including requirements, timelines, fees, and useful tips to avoid penalties.

What is renewal of Visa in UAE?

What is renewal of Visa in UAE?

Renewal of visa in UAE means applying for a new visa without leaving the country, allowing you to extend your legal stay. Depending on the type of visa (tourist, residence, or employment), the renewal process may differ slightly, but the purpose remains the same — to extend your stay legally without overstaying.

UAE authorities allow in-country renewals for many categories, saving travelers from the hassle of exiting and re-entering.

Can I renew my tourist visa without leaving the UAE?

Yes. UAE now permits in-country tourist visa renewals, meaning you don’t need to travel back to your home country.

• Tourist visas can usually be renewed for 30 or 60 days.

• Applications can be submitted online via government portals like the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) or with the help of licensed visa service providers.

• To avoid overstay fines, submit your renewal application before your current visa expires.

When should you renew your UAE Visa?

Timing is crucial when it comes to visa renewal. Here are the recommended timelines:

• Tourist Visa: Apply at least 1 week before expiry.

• Residence Visa: Begin the process 30 days before expiry.

• Employment Visa: Usually handled by your employer, but confirm renewal is initiated a month in advance.

Overstay Penalties (2025 update):

• AED 50 per day – for the first 6 months.

• AED 100 per day – after 6 months.

• AED 200 per day – after 1 year.

  
  

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Renew Your UAE Visa

The renewal process is straightforward if you prepare carefully.

• Step 1: Check your visa type and eligibility.

• Step 2: Gather required documents (passport, Emirates ID, photos, medical fitness certificate if applicable).

• Step 3: Submit your renewal application online via GDRFA or ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship).

• Step 4: Pay the applicable renewal fees.

• Step 5: Wait for approval (usually within a few days).

Note: Applications with missing documents may be automatically rejected. Multiple rejections can result in permanent denial.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Renew Your UAE Visa

Renewal of Visa in UAE via e-Visa

The UAE e-Visa system makes renewal quick and simple. You can complete everything online without paperwork hassles.

Types of UAE Tourist e-Visas available for renewal:

• Single-entry e-Visa: Valid for 30, 60, or 90 days.

• Multiple-entry e-Visa: Valid for 30 or 60 days with multiple entries allowed.

E-Visas are electronically linked to your passport, making travel smoother.

Dubai Visit Visa Renewal Price & Fee Breakdown

Visa renewal costs vary depending on the type of visa. Here’s a general fee guide:

• Tourist Visa Renewal: AED 600 – AED 800

• Residence Visa Renewal (urgent): AED 500 – AED 1,000 (excluding Emirates ID and medical test fees)

• Emirates ID Renewal: AED 100 – AED 300 (depending on validity)

Always check the latest official government website for updated fees, as they can change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Renewal

Many travelers face delays or rejections because of small mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:

• Waiting until the last day to apply for renewal.

• Submitting incomplete documents.

• Not checking latest fees before applying.

• Ignoring medical fitness requirements for residence visas.

• Using unlicensed or unreliable visa service providers.

  
  

Overstay Penalties in the UAE

Overstaying your visa leads to heavy fines and complications with future applications. Apart from the daily fines mentioned earlier, you may face travel bans or difficulties in re-entering the UAE. Always renew before expiry to avoid these problems.

Documents Required for Visa Renewal

Documents Required for Visa Renewal

While the exact requirements depend on visa type, common documents include:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)

• Recent passport-sized photos (white background)

• Old visa copy

• Emirates ID (for residents)

• Medical fitness certificate (for work/residence visas)

• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or tenancy contract)

• Proof of financial means (for long-stay visas)

  
  

Conclusion: Renewal of Visa in UAE

Renewal of visa in UAE is a smooth process if you prepare in advance. By keeping track of your visa expiry date, gathering all required documents, and applying online through trusted platforms, you can avoid unnecessary fines and ensure a hassle-free stay.

Whether you are a tourist extending your holiday or a resident renewing your Emirates ID and residence permit, staying proactive will make the process seamless.

Tip: Always apply a few days before expiry, double-check documents, and consult with an authorized service provider if unsure.

For quick and secure applications, you can use the official UAE e-Visa portals or seek guidance from a licensed visa service.