How To Renew Your Employment Visa In UAE

Renewing your employment visa in the UAE is a vital process to ensure your continued legal stay and work in the country. This guide will help you steer the steps and requirements for a smooth renewal process of employment visa UAE.

Understand the renewal timeline:

Visa expiry date: Keep track of your visa’s expiry date. You should begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your visa expires to avoid any legal complications or fines.

Grace period: UAE typically offers a 30-day grace period after the visa expiry date during which you can renew your visa without incurring fines. However, it is advisable to renew your visa well before it expires to ensure compliance with immigration laws.

Gather required documents:

Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of renewal. If your passport is nearing expiry, renew it before applying for your visa renewal.

Emirates ID: Your Emirates ID, issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), is a vital document for the visa renewal process. Ensure it is up-to-date and valid.

Medical fitness certificate: Undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized health center. The test screens for communicable diseases, and a fitness certificate is required for visa renewal. This test is mandatory for all expatriates working in the UAE.

Follow the renewal process:

Employer’s responsibility: Your employer typically handles the visa renewal process. Ensure they are aware of your visa’s expiry date and have all the necessary documents to proceed with the renewal.

Submit application: The visa renewal application is submitted through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for mainland companies or through the respective free zone authority for free zone companies. Your employer will handle this submission.

Pay fees: There are government fees associated with visa renewal. These fees cover the application processing, medical tests, and Emirates ID renewal. Ensure that your employer or you have arranged for the payment of these fees.

Complete medical and biometrics:

Medical examination: Visit an authorized medical center to complete your medical fitness test. The results are usually available within a few days and must be submitted as part of the visa renewal application.

Biometrics: If required, update your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the ICA or a designated center. This step may be necessary if there have been changes to your physical appearance or if your previous biometrics data needs updating.