The UAE is home to one of the world’s largest expatriate communities, making up over 80% of the population. Every year, more people head to our shores to study, work, start new businesses or join family already settled out here.
Whatever their reasons, each has at least one thing in common – they will require a UAE visa. And applying for a visa is just the start, and each will also need to periodically renew their visa for as long as they wish to stay in the country.
In this article, I’ll cover a few aspects of that process, including:
- UAE visa renewal fees 2022
- UAE visa renewal processing time
- UAE visa renewal requirements
- UAE visa renewal photo size
- UAE visa renewal fine 2022
- How do I renew my expired UAE visa?
- How long before my visa expires can I renew?
UAE visa renewal 2022
The cost of renewing your UAE visa will depend on the type of visa that you hold. There are also several components to each fee. For example, renewing an employment visa starts in the region of AED 5,000.
However, this includes a labour fee that can range between AED 300 and AED 5,000 depending on the nature of your business. Visas for limited skill workers also include an insurance fee which ranges between around AED 400 and AED 5,250.
Partner and investor visas also usually include additional typing and PRO fees which can reach approximately AED 4,800.
UAE visa renewal processing time
In most cases the process of renewing your UAE visa takes around five business days. However, this is assuming your application is all in order and free from mistakes before you submit your application.
To ensure that this is the case, it is a good idea to work with a visa expert such as Set Hub when applying for your renewal.
UAE visa renewal requirements
The conditions for renewing your visa will be largely the same as those in place when you made your initial application. Essentially, to renew a visa you need to have a valid residency permit, an insurance card if in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and pass the UAE medical fitness test.
You are usually also required to apply for a renewed identity card before renewing your visa. You may need to submit proof that you have taken this step before you can apply for a visa renewal.
UAE visa renewal photo size
The photos that you must submit as part of your visa renewal should be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). As well as two of these photos, you will also need to submit a completed application form either online or physically via a typing office. This must be signed by your sponsor. You’ll also need to submit your original passport for stamping.
If you are sponsored by an employer in the private sector, the sponsoring company must also submit copies of:
- Valid firm card
- Valid trade licence
- Renewed labour card of the sponsored person
- Labour card renewal receipt for those aged 60 and over
If you are sponsored by a family member, you must also present:
- A copy of your sponsor’s employment or company contract
- A salary certificate from the sponsor’s employer
- A legalised marriage certificate (if applicable)
- A registered tenancy contract
- A recent utility bill
Any individual visa sponsors will also have to meet the criteria outlined when you first applied for your visa. For a husband sponsoring his wife and/or children, this means receiving a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
Wives sponsoring their families must work in certain professions and meet a salary criteria of AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 plus accommodation in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai, wives can sponsor their families providing they meet the AED 10,000 minimum salary requirement and apply for permission from the GDRFA.
Any resident wishing to sponsor their dependent parents must meet a minimum salary criteria of AED 20,000.
UAE visa renewal fine 2022
It is the responsibility of your sponsor, whether that is an employer or individual, to renew your residency visa before its expiry date. As long as this process is undertaken as instructed, then you are free to live and work in the UAE until its new expiry date.
However, if your sponsor fails to do this, the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) only allows residents a grace period of 30 days to stay in the UAE after the expiry of your visa.
Should you remain in the country after this grace period, you may be fined:
- AED 25 per day during the first 6 months (180 days)
- AED 50 per day during the second 6 months (180 days)
- AED 100 per day after passing a year and more
How do I renew my expired UAE visa?
You can renew your UAE residency visa either online via the GDRFA portal or in person through a UAE typing centre. In either case, it is always best practice to renew your visa before its expiry date or at least within the 30-day grace period following that. Failure to do so can lead to the fines detailed above.
The easiest way to renew your visa is to work with the expert team at Set Hub. We will ensure that your application is complete and free from errors before submission to avoid any unnecessary delays. We can also liaise with all relevant authorities on your behalf.
How long before my visa expires can I renew?
In most cases you can apply to renew your visa any time within 30 days of its expiry. If you need to apply up to six months earlier than this for a legitimate reason, you can apply for special permission to do so.
You will need to apply for approval from the GDRFA that issued your visa, detailing your reasons for needing an early renewal.
Why start your company with Set Hub?
From visa applications and renewals to business setup in Dubai, Set Hub are on hand to support you from the initial stages of the process to completion and beyond.
We pride ourselves on our personal service. Our team fully understands that whether you are renewing a visa or starting a business, you will have individual needs and requirements. That’s why all of our services are built around you – not straight off the peg or one size fits all.
So, whatever you need out here in the UAE, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
