emirates id renewal & online visa renewal 2026

Online Visa Renewal and Emirates ID Renewal in the Emirates: Complete Guide (2026)

26-Dec-2025 0 Comments 0 Views

Renewing your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID online has become faster and more convenient than ever. With digital platforms provided by UAE immigration authorities, residents can now complete most of the renewal process without visiting government offices. However, missing documents, expired visas, or delayed renewals can still lead to fines and service disruptions.

Whether you are an employee, investor, freelancer, student, or family sponsor, understanding the online visa renewal and Emirates ID renewal process in the Emirates is essential to maintain your legal residency status. This guide explains eligibility, step-by-step procedures, fees, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Is UAE Online Visa Renewal?

UAE residence visa renewal online allows residents to extend their stay legally after their current visa expires. The renewal process is managed through official portals such as ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) and GDRFA (for Dubai visas).

Online renewal applies to:

Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted access to employment, banking, healthcare, travel, and government services.

What Is Emirates ID Renewal?

The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents. Its validity is directly linked to your residence visa. When you renew your visa, your Emirates ID must also be renewed.

Emirates ID renewal is required for:

  1. Adults and children

  2. Employees and dependents

  3. Investors, freelancers, and students

Failure to renew your Emirates ID on time may result in fines and restricted access to essential services.

Online Visa Renewal and Emirates ID Renewal Process

Step 1: Check Visa Expiry and Grace Period

UAE residence visas typically include a 30-day grace period after expiry. Renewal should be completed within this period to avoid fines.

Step 2: Medical Fitness Test (Adults)

Applicants aged 18 and above must complete a UAE medical fitness test at an authorized medical center. Children are exempt.

Step 3: Submit Online Renewal Application

Visa renewal applications can be submitted through:

  • ICP portal (most emirates)

  • GDRFA portal (Dubai visas)

  • Authorized typing centers or online visa service providers

Step 4: Emirates ID Renewal

Once the visa renewal is approved, Emirates ID renewal is processed automatically through ICP. Biometric updates may be required if requested.

Step 5: Pay Fees and Receive Approval

After payment, the renewed visa is issued electronically, and the updated Emirates ID is delivered via courier.

Required Documents for Online Visa & Emirates ID Renewal

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

  • Existing UAE residence visa

  • Emirates ID (original or copy)

  • Passport-size photograph

  • Medical fitness certificate (adults)

  • Health insurance (mandatory in some emirates)

  • Sponsor documents (if applicable)

Online Visa Renewal and Emirates ID Renewal Fees

Fees vary based on visa type, emirate, and duration. Approximate costs include:

  1. Emirates ID renewal: AED 100 per year of validity

  2. Online service fee: AED 40

  3. Residence visa renewal (adults): AED 500 – AED 1,200

  4. Medical fitness test: AED 300 – AED 500

  5. Typing center charges: AED 50 – AED 150

Note: Fees are subject to change based on UAE immigration regulations.

Late Renewal Fines in the UAE

Delaying your visa or Emirates ID renewal can result in penalties:

  • Emirates ID late fine: AED 20 per day (maximum AED 1,000)

  • Residence visa overstay fines:

    • AED 25/day (first 6 months)

    • AED 50/day (next 6 months)

    • AED 100/day (after 1 year)

Avoid fines by initiating renewal well before expiry.

Online Visa Renewal vs Emirates ID Renewal in the Emirates

Feature Online Residence Visa Renewal Emirates ID Renewal
Purpose Extends legal stay in the UAE Updates official national identity card
Authority ICP / GDRFA ICP (Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship)
Who Needs It All UAE residents All UAE residents (adults & children)
Linked to Each Other Yes – Visa renewal triggers ID update Yes – Validity depends on visa
Medical Test Required Yes (18 years and above) No separate test required
Biometrics Required No (unless requested) Only if details need updating
Validity Period 1–3 years (based on visa type) Same as residence visa
Approximate Cost AED 500 – AED 1,200 AED 100 per year
Late Renewal Fine AED 25–100 per day AED 20 per day (max AED 1,000)
Processing Mode Fully online Online after visa approval
Delivery Electronic visa (eVisa) Physical ID card via courier

Benefits of Renewing Visa and Emirates ID Online

  • No physical visits to immigration offices

  • Faster processing time

  • Secure digital application tracking

  • Reduced paperwork

  • Convenient payment options

Online renewal is especially beneficial for working professionals and families with limited time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Renewing after the grace period

  2. Uploading incorrect or expired documents

  3. Ignoring mandatory medical tests

  4. Skipping health insurance requirements

  5. Using unverified agents or portals

Double-check all details before submission to avoid delays or rejections.

Conclusion

Completing your online visa renewal and Emirates ID renewal in the Emirates is a critical responsibility for every UAE resident. With digital platforms and streamlined procedures, the process has become more efficient—but accuracy and timely action remain essential. Renewing on time helps you avoid fines, maintain legal residency, and continue enjoying uninterrupted access to work, travel, and essential services in the UAE.

For a smooth experience, ensure your documents are up to date, track your visa expiry, and choose reliable online services when renewing your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, expats must renew their residence visa first.

Yes, through the ICP website/app using your application number.

For the sponsor who is renewing your residency permit in UAE. There are a set of eligibility criteria, the sponsor must have a valid Emirates ID as well as a valid Residency permit. The other important document is the insurance card which is mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Your renewed valid identity card in UAE. The sponsored person's original valid passport and photograph for the renewal process. If you are working in a private company then your sponsor must submit an original firm card, labor card of the sponsored person (copy), and the most important a valid trade license. If you have to sponsor your family members. Then a copy of the employment contract with salary certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificate, tenancy contract, and a copy of the utility bill. 

The UAE residency visa cancellation fee is around AED 110 which is paid by your sponsor. If you are also applying for the UAE Residency visa cancellation for your dependents then too 110 AED fee must be paid. The sponsor of the expatriate who is willing to leave the UAE is responsible for all kinds of procedures. Your sponsor is the only person who can cancel your UAE residency visa. After the submission of the necessary documents and application by your sponsor to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Then after the approval of visa status clearance, the request for residency visa cancellation can be made to GDRFA.

Emirates ID is an important document that should be acquired by expatriates. Therefore it is necessary to renew Emirates ID before the 30 day grace period is over to avoid incurring fines. For expatriates staying in the United Arab Emirates the validity period of the Emirates ID is the same as the validity time of the residency visa. Although for all the GCC nationals staying in UAE the Emirates ID validity is 5 years same as the citizen of UAE.

Yes, if you have decided to leave the country due to personal reasons or professional reasons. Then the very first thing you have to do is apply for cancellation of your UAE residency visa. After the cancellation of the residence visa, you should give back the Emirates ID to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs of the Emirates. The Emirates ID is further submitted to the ICA for cancellation. 

Ensure that your sponsor renews the Emirates visa before the expiry. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs have set limited time for renewing residency visa. You should get the Emirates visa renewed within 30 days from the expiry date. The 30 days Grace period is the limit time or additional time provided to the expatriates by the UAE government. If you are traveling out of the UAE and need to renew your visa before 6 months. Then you should take special permission from GDRFA. The Emirates ID is expired at the same time when the residency visa validity end. The time limit for renewal is the same as the residency visa which is 30 days. 

Expatriates applying for Emirates ID renewal have to pay extra charges when applying through an accredited typing center or ICA official website. The service charge for typing center is AED 30 for submitting an online application. If you are using the ICA website for the renewal of Emirates ID then extra service charges of AED 40 are required to be submitted. If you want to renew the Emirates ID for 1 year-long period then the fee will be AED 100. Renewing Emirates ID for 2 years in UAE costs around AED 200. If the residency visa you are holding has three years of validity. Then you can apply for Emirates ID renewal for 3 years by paying AED 300.

Expatriates can check the status of their residency visa and Emirates ID on the UAE governmental established website. Visit the UAE official online website "the federal authorities of identity and citizenship". Write the ID number or Residency visa number and then the status of the residency visa will be shown. For checking the status of Emirates ID simply give the Emirates ID number. 

Usually 5–7 working days after medical test and visa renewal.

For expats: AED 100 per year + AED 40 online fee. Typing center charges AED 70 extra.

The Emirates residency visa is required to be renewed before the end of the validity which can be 1 years, three years, or five years. To avoid the unwanted fine and heavy penalties you should renew the UAE residency visa if you do not have any plan to leave the country. The residency visa in UAE is renewed with the help of the sponsor. Register with the ICA government website and select the residence visa renewal service tab. Fill in the application, go through it again, and attach the document. Pay the fee for UAE residency visa renewal accordingly. Check the information especially the given ID number and the expiry date in the application. The maximum time for processing and renewal of the UAE residency visa is up to 48 hours according to ICA. The information and document submitted by the applicant for Residency visa renewal are reviewed by the immigration department of UAE. 

You will be fined AED 20 per day up to AED 1,000 and may face legal issues.

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