Renew your work visa in the UAE

Overview

A UAE residency visa sponsored by your employer is typically valid for two or three years. Renewal must be initiated before expiry to avoid overstay penalties — usually starting 30 days before. Most renewals are now processed entirely through the ICP smart application or the GDRFA portal in Dubai.1

Your employer is the legal sponsor. They submit the renewal — but the responsibility for not overstaying is yours. Always confirm in writing that the application has been filed.

Who needs to renew

If you hold a residency visa stamped in your passport (or registered against your Emirates ID) and you intend to stay in the UAE beyond its expiry date, renewal is mandatory. This includes employees, family-sponsored dependents, and Golden Visa holders nearing the end of their term.2

Documents required

For a standard employer-sponsored renewal, you'll need:

Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Current Emirates ID
New employment contract registered with MOHRE3
Recent passport-size photo on white background
Health insurance certificate covering the new visa term
Medical fitness certificate (for residents over 18)

Step-by-step process

Confirm contract renewal with your employer

MOHRE registration of the new contract is the trigger for the visa renewal. Ask HR for the contract reference number.

MOHRE · 1–2 days

Complete medical fitness test

Book at any DHA, SEHA or approved private centre. Results are submitted electronically — no paper certificate needed.

DHA / SEHA · same day

Submit application via ICP or GDRFA

Your employer or PRO submits the renewal request. You'll receive an SMS reference once filed.

ICP / GDRFA · 1 day

Biometrics and Emirates ID

Visit a typing centre with your application reference. Fingerprinting takes 10 minutes; the new ID is delivered by courier within 5–7 days.

ICA centre · 7 days

Fees and timeline

The total cost depends on visa duration and emirate. Indicative breakdown for a 2-year renewal in Dubai:4

ITEM	FEE (AED)	NOTE
Visa renewal (2 yrs)	800	Government fee
Medical fitness	320	Standard package
Emirates ID renewal	370	Includes delivery
Typing centre service	120	Approximate
Total	1,610	Excluding insurance

If you've already overstayed

If your visa expired before you started the renewal, daily penalties apply. P2 has a dedicated guide for the calculation, but the headline numbers are:

AED 50/day for the first 30 days, then AED 100/day. The clock starts the day after your visa expired — fix it as fast as you can.5

FAQ

Can I leave the UAE while renewal is in progress?

Yes, once the new entry permit is issued. Travel before that point may invalidate the application — confirm status with your PRO before flying.

Does my Emirates ID renew automatically with the visa?

No — they're linked but separately processed. The ID renewal is part of the same application but issued as a separate document.

Can I change employer during renewal?

Yes, with employer consent and MOHRE approval. The new contract effectively replaces the old visa rather than renewing it.