UAE Category
Visas & Residency
About This Section
UAE Visas & Residency: Every Visa Type, Rule & Status Check
The UAE visa and residency system covers everyone in the country. From a 30-day tourist visa to a 10-year Golden Visa or a 5-year Green Visa, each permit has its own eligibility rules, sponsorship requirements, fees, and renewal process. Residence permits are issued by the ICP in all emirates except Dubai, where the GDRFA has authority.
This section covers every UAE visa and residency topic. You will find guides on checking visa and Emirates ID status online, overstay fine rules, renewal and cancellation steps, and the difference between each visa type. Every guide is verified against official ICP, GDRFA, and u.ae sources and updated when rules change.
Latest Articles
Visas & Residency Guides
Frequently Asked
Visa & Residency FAQs
How do I check my UAE visa status online?
Use ICP Smart Services (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) for all emirates except Dubai. For Dubai-issued visas, use the GDRFA Dubai portal. Enter your passport number and nationality — no account is needed. The result shows whether your visa is issued, in-progress, expired, or cancelled.
What is the UAE visa overstay fine?
The fine is AED 50 per day after your grace period ends, plus a one-time AED 200 administrative fee. A 30-day grace period applies to expired residence visas. No grace period applies to expired visit or tourist visas — the fine starts the day after expiry.
What is the difference between the UAE Golden Visa and the Green Visa?
The Golden Visa is a 10-year self-sponsored residency for investors (AED 2 million or more in property or business), exceptional talents, scientists, and outstanding graduates. The Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled employees earning AED 15,000 or more per month, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Neither requires an employer sponsor.
Can I work in the UAE on a visit visa?
No. Working on a visit or tourist visa is illegal in the UAE. You must hold a valid work permit and residence visa sponsored by a UAE-licensed employer before starting any employment. Violations can lead to fines, deportation, and a re-entry ban.
What documents are needed to sponsor a family visa in the UAE?
You need a valid UAE residence visa and a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation). You also need a tenancy contract or Ejari, an attested marriage certificate for a spouse, attested birth certificates for children, and passport copies for all dependants. Requirements vary slightly by emirate.
How long does it take to process a UAE residence visa?
After entry permit approval, the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics each take 3 to 7 working days. The residence visa stamp is typically issued within 5 to 10 working days after biometrics. The full process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish.
Explore More
Browse Other Categories
UAE Law
Labour rights, legal regulations, and everything governed by UAE law.
Browse Articles →
Fines & Violations
UAE fines, penalties, visa overstay costs, and how to pay or contest them.
Browse Articles →
Health & Insurance
UAE health insurance rules, DHA and DoH coverage requirements, and medical costs.
Browse Articles →
Recent
View All →