How to Renew Your UAE Residence Visa in 2025: Process, Fees & Salama Updates

Visa renewal in Dubai is an essential process for residents who wish to continue their stay in the UAE legally. A visa renewal Dubai ensures that you remain compliant with the country's immigration laws. Without a valid visa, residents may face serious legal consequences, including fines, deportation, or being barred from entering the UAE in the future.

When your visa is about to expire, it’s important to complete the renewal process on time to avoid these issues. Renewing your visa on time will also allow you to keep your Emirates ID active. The Emirates ID is required for many day-to-day activities such as opening a bank account, registering a vehicle, or even completing certain official tasks.

Moreover, the UAE government has made it easier than ever to complete the visa renewal Dubai process by implementing digital platforms such as Salama, which provide a quicker and more efficient way to renew visas. It’s crucial to understand the procedure for visa renewal in UAE to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth renewal process.

1. Detailed Steps for the Visa Renewal Process in Dubai

Eligibility Criteria for Visa Renewal

Before initiating the visa renewal process, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. These include the following:

• Valid Residency: You must have a valid residency visa in the UAE. This could be a work visa, family visa, or other types of residency visa issued by the UAE government. Only residents with a current visa are eligible for renewal.


• No Violations: Individuals who have violated immigration laws, overstayed their visa, or have unpaid fines may not be eligible for renewal until all violations are cleared. It’s important to ensure that you are compliant with all rules before applying.


• Legal Status: To apply for renewal, the applicant must be in the UAE legally. If someone has overstayed their visa or entered the country unlawfully, they must regularize their status with the UAE authorities before applying for a visa renewal.


• Employment or Family Sponsorship: For employment-based visa renewals, you must be employed with a company that is authorized to sponsor your visa. If you’re renewing a family visa, the sponsor (your spouse or parent) must continue to meet the required financial criteria.

Required Documentation

Gathering the necessary documents in advance will help ensure that the renewal process is smooth and free of delays. Commonly required documents for visa renewal in Dubai include:

• Valid Passport: A scanned copy of your passport is required. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of the application.


• Visa Renewal Application Form: This form must be completed accurately with your personal and professional details. It can be obtained from the UAE Government Portal or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).


• Emirates ID: A copy of your current Emirates ID must be provided. If your Emirates ID is expired, it will need to be renewed separately, or you will need to renew both the Emirates ID and visa together.


• Passport-sized Photos: Ensure the photos meet the UAE government’s required specifications (typically a white background and passport size).
• Proof of Health Insurance: All UAE residents are required to have health insurance. For visa renewal, proof of coverage is required to ensure you comply with health regulations.


• Employment or Sponsorship Documents: If your visa renewal is tied to your employment, you will need to submit an updated work contract. For family visa renewals, you may need to submit documents like a marriage certificate or birth certificates for dependents.


• Medical Exam Results: If your visa type requires a medical exam, such as for work visas, you will need to submit the results of the required health checks. This typically includes tests for tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis, along with a chest X-ray.

Step-by-Step Renewal Procedure

Once you have all your documents in order, you can proceed with the following steps for visa renewal Dubai:

Step 1:Initial Preparation
Ensure that your documents, including passport, Emirates ID, medical exam results (if needed), and photos, are ready. It is recommended to apply for renewal at least 30 days before your visa expires to avoid any last-minute issues.

Step 2: Medical Examination (if applicable)
For specific visa types (especially work visas), you may be required to undergo a medical examination. These exams are conducted at government-approved health centers and may involve blood tests and a chest X-ray.

Step 3: Submit the Application
You can submit your visa renewal application either online through the UAE Government Portal or in person at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Online submission via government-approved apps like DUBAINOW or GDRFADUBAI is a popular option for faster processing. If you are applying through your employer, your company’s PRO (Public Relations Officer) will handle the submission.

Step 4: Payment of Fees
After submitting your documents, you will be required to pay the renewal fee. The payment can be made online or at the GDRFA office. Visa renewal fees depend on the visa type and duration.

Step 5: Wait for Approval
Once you submit your application and make the payment, your application will be processed by the authorities. Processing can take anywhere from 7 to 10 business days. You will be notified via email or SMS once your visa renewal is approved.

Step 6:Collect Your Visa
Upon approval, your renewed visa will be ready for collection. In some cases, you may receive the renewed visa electronically via email. In other cases, you may need to visit the GDRFA office to collect your physical visa.

2. Costs Associated with Visa Renewal

Breakdown of Visa Renewal Fees

Understanding the visa renewal charges is essential to avoid any surprises. The fees can vary depending on the type of visa and specific circumstances. Below is a breakdown of typical visa renewal costs:

• Residence Visa Renewal: The standard renewal fee for a residence visa typically ranges from AED 500 to AED 1,000, depending on the category (family, employment, investor).


• Work Visa Renewal: Work visa renewal fees can range from AED 500 to AED 1,200. However, the fees can be higher for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors, especially if additional documents or steps are involved.


• Emirates ID Renewal: When renewing a residency visa, the Emirates ID also needs to be renewed. The cost for this is typically between AED 300 and AED 600.


• Medical Examination Fees: Medical exams, which are required for certain visa types, cost between AED 200 and AED 600, depending on the medical center and the tests required.


• Other Miscellaneous Charges: AlAdditional administrative or courier charges may be required. These can range from AED 50 to AED 200.

Optional Services and Their Costs

To expedite the visa renewal process, optional services are available at additional costs:

• Expedited Processing: If you need faster processing of your visa renewal, expedited services may be available for an additional AED 200 to AED 500.


• Premium Services: Premium services offer priority handling of your application, with dedicated counters for faster service. These services typically cost between AED 500 and AED 1,000.

3. Understanding the Grace Period and Overstay Fines

Grace Period After Visa Expiry

The grace period for residence visa renewal allows residents to stay in the UAE for a specified period after their visa expires before incurring fines. The UAE provides a 30-day grace period for most residency visas, during which residents can renew their visa without facing penalties.
It’s important to apply for your renewal before the grace period expires to avoid fines. If you fail to renew your visa within this period, you will face penalties for overstaying.
Keyword: UAE residence visa expired grace period

Consequences of Overstaying

If you overstay your visa after the grace period ends, you will incur a fine of AED 50 per day. This fine applies to residence, tourist, and visit visas.
Additionally, overstaying can have serious consequences, including:

• Deportation: In extreme cases, overstayers may be deported from the UAE.


• Re-entry Ban: Prolonged overstaying can lead to a re-entry ban, preventing you from returning to the UAE for a specified period.

4. Special Considerations for Different Visa Types

Each type of visa has specific renewal requirements, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of some common visa types:

• Dependent Visa Renewal: Dependents (spouse, children) can renew their visas by submitting required documents like a marriage certificate or birth certificates for children. Health insurance is also required for dependents.


• Student Visa Renewal: Students renewing their visas need to show proof of enrollment at a recognized institution. A medical exam may be required if the visa is being renewed for more than a year.


• Business Partner Visa Renewal: Business owners and partners must submit proof of ownership or partnership in the business, along with an updated trade license and business documents.

5. Recent Updates and New Regulations for 2025

In 2025, several updates were made to the visa renewal process:

• Streamlined Online Platforms: The UAE has introduced online systems such as Salama and mobile apps like DUBAINOW for faster visa renewals.


• Expedited Processing Options: Skilled workers and investors now have the option to expedite their visa renewal processing for faster approvals.


• Increased Fees: Some visa categories have seen an increase in renewal fees, especially for skilled workers and entrepreneurs, as part of the UAE’s efforts to support economic growth.

6. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While the visa renewal process is generally straightforward, several common issues can delay the process:

• Incomplete Documentation: Double-check all documents to ensure that nothing is missing. Incomplete submissions are a leading cause of delays.


• Medical Exam Delays: Medical test results can sometimes take longer than expected. Complete the medical exam early to avoid delays.


• Technical Issues: While platforms like Salama are convenient, occasional glitches or upload errors can occur. Make sure all documents are uploaded in the correct format.

Tips for a Smooth Renewal:

• Start the renewal process early (at least 30 days before expiration).


• Double-check your documents to ensure they are complete.


• Use official government portals to avoid potential issues with third-party services.

7. Introduction to Dubai's 'Salama' Platform for Instant Renewals

Salama is Dubai’s innovative AI-powered platform that was launched in February 2025 to simplify and speed up the visa renewal process. The platform allows residents to renew their visas almost instantly without the need to visit government offices or wait in long queues.

Key Benefits of Salama: