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.

Visas & Residency Guides

Visas

UAE Visit Visa Extension 2026: Fees, Rules and How to Apply Without Exit

Updated Sep 2026

Visas

UAE Visa Banned Countries List 2026: What Is True, What Is a Rumor, and How to Check Your Status

Updated Sep 2026

Visas

Dubai Visa For GCC Residents 2026: Eligibility, Fees and How to Apply

Updated Sep 2026

Visas

Labour Ban Check Online UAE: How to Check Your Status 2026

Updated Aug 2026

Visas

How to Check UAE Work Permit Status Online 2026

Updated Aug 2026

Fines and Violations

Emirates ID Fine Check Online in the UAE (2026): Check Any Fine by Your ID

Updated Aug 2026

Visas

Emirates ID Status Check Online in the UAE (2026): Track Your Application

Updated Aug 2026

Visas

A Dubai Invite: Dubai Visit Visa for Family and Friends, Cost and How to Apply

Updated Aug 2026

Visas

How to Check UAE Visa Status Online (2026): By Passport Number or Application Number

Updated Aug 2026

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