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Visas & Residency

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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.

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Visas & Residency Guides

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Visa Topics

UAE residence visas

Visa types, renewals, Golden Visa routes, Blue and retirement visas, and cancellation.

Visit and tourist visas

Extensions, family visits, GCC resident visas and countries with entry restrictions.

Status checks, fines and documents

Check visa, permit and Emirates ID status, grace periods, fines and certificate equivalency.

Visas for UAE residents travelling abroad

Entry rules, fees and documents for UAE residents visiting nearby countries.

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.
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