UAE Residency Visa Renewal Process 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Renewing your UAE residency visa can be a complex process, especially with the updated regulations in 2025. Whether you’re a professional, business owner, or dependent, understanding the UAE residency visa renewal process is crucial to maintaining your legal status in the Emirates.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about renewing your UAE residency visa in 2025, including required documents, fees, processing times, common mistakes to avoid, and how to navigate the MOI UAE portal.
Who Needs to Renew Their UAE Residency Visa?
All foreign residents in the UAE must renew their residency visa before expiration. This includes:
- Employed professionals (sponsored by employer)
- Business owners and investors
- Dependents (spouse and children)
- Retirees and Golden Visa holders (renewal still required)
Important: Your residency visa is different from your Emirates ID. While your Emirates ID may expire later, your residency visa determines your legal right to stay in the UAE.
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UAE Residency Visa Renewal Timeline for 2025
You can start the renewal process up to 30 days before your current visa expires. However, 2025 brings some important changes:
| Visa Type | Renewal Timeline | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | 30 days before expiration | 7-10 working days |
| Investor/Business Visa | 60 days before expiration | 10-14 working days |
| Dependent Visa | 30 days before expiration | 5-7 working days |
| Golden Visa | 90 days before expiration | 3-5 working days |
Key Change in 2025: Late renewal now incurs higher fines – AED 250 per day (up from AED 100) after 30 days of expiration.
Required Documents for UAE Residency Visa Renewal
The exact documents vary by emirate and visa type, but generally include:
For All Applicants
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Current residency visa copy
- Emirates ID (front and back)
- Passport-sized photograph (white background)
- Medical fitness certificate (from approved center)
Additional Documents by Category
| Category | Additional Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Employed Professionals | – Valid employment contract – Salary certificate (minimum AED 3,000) – Company trade license copy |
| Business Owners | – Trade license (renewed for current year) – Tenancy contract ( Ejari) – Proof of office space |
| Dependents | – Marriage certificate (attested) – Birth certificates (attested) – Sponsor’s salary certificate |
| Golden Visa Holders | – Original Golden Visa approval – Investment proof (if applicable) – No-objection certificate (if changing sponsors) |
Note: All documents in languages other than Arabic or English must be officially translated.
Also read: Can Iranians Apply for UAE Golden Visa in 2025?(moi uae)
Step-by-Step UAE Residency Visa Renewal Process
- Medical Fitness Test
Visit an MOHAP-approved medical center for tests (blood test, chest X-ray). Results are valid for 30 days. - Document Preparation
Gather all required documents. Ensure all copies are clear and valid. - Application Submission
Submit through one of these channels:- MOI UAE portal: https://www.moi.gov.ae
- AMER service centers
- Typing centers (approved by MOI)
- Dubai Now app (for Dubai residents)
- Biometrics Appointment
Schedule and attend biometrics appointment if required (more common for first-time residents). - Payment of Fees
Pay all applicable fees (see fee section below). - Emirates ID Application
Apply for new Emirates ID (usually included in the process). - Receive Your New Residency Visa
The new visa will be issued either electronically or as a physical stamp.
UAE Residency Visa Renewal Fees 2025
Fees vary by emirate and visa type. Here’s the updated fee structure for 2025:
| Service | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Other Emirates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residency Visa Processing | AED 700 | AED 650 | AED 600-700 |
| Emirates ID (1-year) | AED 150 | AED 150 | AED 150 |
| Medical Test | AED 300 | AED 250 | AED 250-300 |
| Typing Center Service | AED 200-500 | AED 200-400 | AED 200-500 |
| Total (Approximate) | AED 1,350 | AED 1,250 | AED 1,200-1,350 |
Important: Additional fees may apply for late renewal, changing sponsors, or special circumstances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Visa Renewal
Based on our experience helping expats, these are the most common errors that cause delays or rejection:
- Submitting expired medical certificates – Medical results are valid for only 30 days
- Incomplete documentation – Missing even one document can delay the process by weeks
- Incorrect salary certificate – Must show minimum required salary for your visa category
- Using unofficial translation services – Translations must be done by MOFA-approved centers
- Waiting until the last minute – Start the process at least 30 days before expiration
- Not checking Ejari validity – Your tenancy contract must be valid and renewed
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I renew my visa while outside the UAE?
No. You must be physically present in the UAE to renew your residency visa.
What happens if my visa expires?
You have a 30-day grace period with fines starting from day 31. After 30 days, you may face deportation and bans.
Can I change sponsors during renewal?
Yes, but you’ll need a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current sponsor and additional documentation.
How long does the medical test take?
The medical test takes 1-2 hours, and results are usually available within 24-48 hours.
Can I travel while my renewal is processing?
Yes, you can travel with your valid passport and a copy of your renewal application receipt.
Do children need medical tests for visa renewal?
Yes, all dependents including children must complete the medical fitness test.
Can I renew my visa if my employment contract ends?
You have 30 days after contract termination to find a new sponsor or apply for a different visa type.
Official Resources for UAE Visa Renewal
- Ministry of Interior UAE (MOI UAE) – Main portal for visa services
- UAE Federal Portal – Residence Visas
- Dubai Government – Visa Services
- Abu Dhabi Police – Residence Visa
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security
Special Cases: Golden Visa and Investor Visas
Golden Visa holders have a simplified renewal process, but still need to maintain certain requirements:
- Investors: Must maintain minimum investment amount (AED 2 million property or AED 750,000 business)
- Professionals: Must maintain minimum salary requirement (AED 30,000 for 10-year visa)
- Students: Must maintain enrollment in accredited institution
Golden Visa renewal typically takes 3-5 working days with minimal documentation required.
Final Advice for Successful Visa Renewal in 2025
To ensure a smooth UAE residency visa renewal process in 2025:
- Start the process at least 30 days before expiration
- Double-check all documents for validity and completeness
- Use only MOI-approved medical centers for fitness tests
- Keep digital and physical copies of all submitted documents
- Monitor your application status through official channels
- Be prepared for potential biometrics appointments
Always rely on official sources like moi.gov.ae for the most current information — not third-party agents who may provide outdated or incorrect advice.
