The UAE residence visa is a document that grants foreign nationals the ability to reside in the country for prolonged durations. This visa can be issued for periods ranging from two to ten years and can be renewed as needed.
Understanding the visa renewal process is significant for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and employees, including those sponsoring family members who intend to reside in the UAE.
Failure to renew before expiry can lead to severe consequences for both your business and sponsored individuals. While the visa renewal procedure in the UAE may pose challenges, staying informed about your status and renewal deadlines is imperative.
Now Consultant assists foreigners in the renewal of UAE residency visas.
What is a UAE Residence Visa?
In Dubai and the UAE, there’s no concept of permanent residency; it’s merely having a visa stamp on your passport and permanently residing there. A residency visa in the UAE is an extension permitting foreigners to reside in the country for an extended time. It can be valid for 2-10 years and renewed as needed.
Types of Residency Visa in the UAE
Common types of UAE residence visas include:
1. UAE Employment Visa: Sponsored by your UAE employer, valid for two or three years, renewable with continued employment.
2. Investor Visa: For those investing in UAE businesses. This includes:
- 5-Year Golden Visa (Property Investor): Requires AED 2 million investment in property.
- 10-Year Golden Visa (Long-Term Investor): Requires AED 10 million investment in business or real estate.
3. UAE Retirement Visa: For individuals aged 55 and above meeting specific criteria.
4. UAE Student Visa: Sponsored by educational institutions, valid for study duration plus 30 days.
5. Domestic Worker Visa: For domestic staff of UAE residents, tied to sponsor’s visa.
6. UAE Family Visa: For spouses and children of UAE residents, tied to a sponsor’s visa.
7. UAE Green Visa: A five-year visa for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and investors allows residence and work without local sponsorship.
Eligibility Criteria For Residence Visa In Dubai:
Eligibility for a UAE Residence Visa varies depending on the visa type. However, common criteria encompass::
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid passport with a validity of at least six months
- Pass a medical test
- Obtaining mandatory health insurance.
- Potentially undergoing security clearances.
- Meeting financial prerequisites such as minimum income or proof of funds.
- Having no criminal record
New Rules for UAE Residence Visa Renewal in 2023:
The following are the updates for the UAE residence visa:
- Travelers possessing visit visas in the UAE cannot renew their documents within the country.
- According to the new UAE residence visa extension rules 2023, individuals can conveniently extend or cancel their entry permits online.
- Travelers can extend their visit visas for 30 or 60 days from within the country.
- The maximum stay per year in the country is 120 days, so visa extensions beyond this period are not possible.
- You can extend your Visa on Arrival for Dubai within the United Arab Emirates, avoiding the need to leave the country.
- Travelers with a 90-day UAE visa can also extend it for an additional 90 days.
- All types of tourist visas are now extendable for an extra 30 days at a cost of approximately AED 1100 for a UAE visit visa extension.
- As of October 2022, the validity of UAE free zone visas has been shortened from three to two years, aligning with mainland work visas.
Process of Residence Visa Renewal in Dubai:
Renewing a residency visa in the UAE requires expert assistance to smoothly accomplish all the steps. Now Consultant can guide you through any renewal challenges you encounter in the process given below:
Step 1:
The first step is to complete the Emirates ID application. To begin, renew your Emirates ID online via the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security in the UAE. You can get this done through a PRO (public relations officer) or a registered typing center.
Step 2
Following your Emirates ID application, the second step is to go for a medical fitness test to confirm your health status. The medical staff of Dubai Health Authority Medical Fitness Centers conducts the test.
Step 3:
After getting your medical fitness certificate, you can renew your residence permit. This can be done online, through a PRO, or at a registered typing center.
Step 4:
Once your application for visa renewal is approved, the last step is to collect your Emirates ID and residence permit. You can collect the Emirates ID along with a residence permit from the nearest Emirate Post Office branch.
Documents Required for UAE Residence Visa Renewal
To renew your UAE Residency Visa, submit the required documents. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa used. The following are the standard documents:
- Renew your residence visa online or in person.
- Bring the original passport of the individual seeking renewal.
- Include a sponsored photo.
For private sector workers, the sponsor must also present:
- Copy of an authorized firm card.
- Copy of the employer’s valid business license.
- Copy of the labor card.
- If aged 60 or above, submit a copy of the labor card renewal receipt.
For workers sponsoring relatives, the following documentation is required:
- A copy of the spouse’s employment or company contract is required for investors.
- Employee’s salary certificate showing monthly payroll.
- Legally authorized marriage certificate.
- Sponsor’s residence visa housing lease.
- Latest public services payment invoice.
The worker can sponsor only immediate family members (spouse, children, parents, and siblings).
Cost of Renewing Residence Visa in UAE
Various factors determine the overall cost of a Visa Renewal in Dubai, particularly for employment visas. These fees encompass:
- Government fees for contract typing and submission: AED 200 – AED 300
- Labour Card fees: AED 300 – AED 3600 (based on employee designation and company category)
- Government fee for medical typing: AED 300 – AED 800
- Government fee for ID typing (valid for two years): AED 280
- Basic insurance fee: AED 800 – AED 1000
- Residence visa stamping fee: AED 500 – AED 600
For partner or investor visas, expect these costs:
- Emirates ID typing fees: AED 371.50
- Medical typing fees: AED 857.50
- Residence visa typing fees: AED 925.65
Contact Us For Consultation:
Obtaining a residency visa in the UAE involves completing documentation, including paperwork submission and medical tests. Understanding the legal procedures is significant for a smooth process. When renewing your visa, engaging with experts like Now Consultant ensures accuracy.
We handle all government requirements, work permits, and visa applications, allowing you to focus on your business. Our services cover the entire renewal process, from application to paperwork, providing peace of mind throughout the process.
FAQs:
What Is The Validity Period For a UAE Residence Visa?
The validity of UAE Residence Visas varies for 1, 2, or 3 years; however, Investment and Retirement Visas are issued for 5-10 years and are renewable.
How To Check Residence Visa Renewal Status?
To check your residence visa renewal status in the UAE, visit the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). In Dubai, a separate dedicated online portal is available for this purpose.
What Happens If My UAE Residence Visa Expires?
If your UAE Residence Visa expires, you have a grace period before departure to renew your residency visa. You can continue your activities within the country during this time, except for travel outside Dubai or Sharjah.
Can I Renew My UAE Residence Visa Before It Expires?
Yes, you can renew your UAE Residence Visa before it expires. The Federal Authority in the UAE permits renewal up to 90 days before its expiry date.
