How to Renew Your UAE Work Visa — Step-by-Step Guide for Expats

Most employees in the UAE don’t actually deal with their own visa renewal — their company’s PRO (Public Relations Officer) handles it. But knowing what’s supposed to happen, what documents you need to provide, and how long the process takes means you’re not completely in the dark when your passport is with HR for three weeks.

Here’s how the whole thing works.

When Does Your Work Visa Need to Be Renewed?

UAE employment visas are typically issued for 2 years, though some free zone visas are issued for 3 years. Your company should initiate the renewal process at least 30 days before your visa expires. If your visa expires and the renewal hasn’t been processed, you enter a grace period — typically 30 days — during which you can stay without fines while the paperwork is sorted.

After the grace period, overstay fines kick in at AED 25 per day, plus a one-time fine. Don’t let it get to that point.

Step 1: Medical Fitness Test

Before your visa can be renewed, you need to pass a medical fitness test at a government-approved medical centre. This is a standard requirement for all employment visas in the UAE.

The test includes a blood test and a chest X-ray

It checks for infectious diseases (TB, HIV, Hepatitis B/C)

Cost: approximately AED 200–320 depending on the emirate and centre

Results are usually ready within 1–2 working days

Your company’s PRO usually takes you, or gives you a referral letter to go directly

Step 2: Emirates ID Renewal

Your Emirates ID and your residence visa are renewed together. You’ll need to register your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at an ICA-approved typing centre or EIDA service centre if there are any changes, or if it’s been a long time since your last registration.

Bring your passport with you

Your employer or PRO will typically handle the application and fees

Emirates ID renewal fee: approximately AED 100 for a 2-year ID

Step 3: Visa Stamping

Once the medical is clear and the Emirates ID application is in, the immigration department processes your residence visa. The visa gets stamped into your passport.

Processing time: 5–10 working days in most cases

Some free zones process faster (3–5 days)

Your passport will be with your PRO or the typing centre during this period

During this time, you can travel within the UAE normally. If you need to travel internationally while your passport is being processed, your PRO can request it back temporarily, though this adds time to the process.

Documents You Need to Provide

Your company will ask you for a set of documents at the start of the renewal. Have these ready to avoid delays:

Original passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the visa expiry)

2 recent passport-size photos (white background)

Copy of your current Emirates ID

Copy of your current residence visa

Your employment contract or salary certificate (sometimes requested)

What If Your Company Doesn’t Renew on Time?

This happens more often than it should. If your company is delaying your renewal without explanation, it’s worth checking a few things:

• Ask your HR or PRO for a written update on where the renewal is in the process. This creates a paper trail.
• Check your visa status yourself on the ICA website (ica.gov.ae) using your passport number.
• If the company is genuinely stalling and your visa has already expired, file a complaint with MOHRE. They take visa-related obligations seriously.

How Much Does a Work Visa Renewal Cost?

If your company is covering costs (as they’re legally required to), you typically pay nothing. If you’re on certain free zone packages where the employee covers their own visa costs, the approximate total is:

Medical test: AED 200–320

Emirates ID: AED 100

Visa stamping fee: AED 400–650 depending on the emirate and visa type

Typing centre service fee: AED 100–200

Total: approximately AED 800–1,300

After Your Visa Is Renewed

Once you get your passport back, check these things immediately:

Your name is spelled exactly as it is in your passport

The visa expiry date is correct (2 years from the issue date, not from your old expiry)

Your employer’s name matches your current company

If anything looks wrong, go back to your PRO immediately. Corrections after the fact require a separate process and take extra time.

Related: UAE Labour Law Guide for Expats

Related: Calculate Your End-of-Service Gratuity