Residence Visa Renewal and Cancellation in the UAE
From first enquiry to handover, and beyond
Your sponsor must renew your residence visa before it expires. A visa that is not renewed on time costs AED 50 per day in fines, and your Emirates ID expires with it.
Last updated 2026-11-09
Renewal
Who renewsYour sponsor must renew your residence visa before it expires
Validity optionsA residence visa is valid for 1, 2 or 3 years if sponsored, or up to 5 or 10 years if unsponsored
DependentsThe expiry of a dependent's visa cannot go beyond the sponsor's
Renewing earlyTo renew one to six months early for travel, you first need special permission from ICP
Emirates IDYour Emirates ID expires when your visa expires
Retirement visa renewalRenewable under the same terms as when first granted; fee AED 200 plus extras; 48 hours
Family visa renewalAED 200, plus Knowledge Dirham AED 10, Innovation Dirham AED 10, AED 500 inside-country fee and AED 20 delivery. The fee goes up by AED 100 for each year when the residency is longer than two years; 48 hours
If you are late
Overstay fineAED 50 per day
Staying abroadA residence visa is cancelled automatically if you stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days continuously. Exceptions include investors holding a valid residence visa, and Golden Visa holders can enter at any time while their residency is valid
Ask an advisor how long your grace period is before it runs out.
Cancellation
Who cancelsNormally only the sponsor can cancel a residence visa. A sponsor must cancel the dependents' visas before their own
HowThrough a registered typing centre or online
Official government fees are shown on this page. For the cost of our services, request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Who renews my residence visa?
Your sponsor must renew your residence visa before it expires.
What happens if my visa expires?
A fine of AED 50 per day applies for each day of overstay. Your Emirates ID expires when your visa expires.
Can I stay abroad for a long time?
A residence visa is cancelled automatically if you stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days continuously. Exceptions include investors holding a valid residence visa, and Golden Visa holders can enter at any time while their residency is valid.
Who cancels a residence visa?
Normally only the sponsor can cancel a residence visa. A sponsor must cancel the dependents' visas before their own.
