The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has announced that the visas and Emirates IDs of UAE residence visa holders which expired after 01 March 2020 shall remain valid until 31 December 2020, without any fines. The same benefit was applied to visit and tourist visas which expired after 01 March 2020.
While this was a temporary relief, as of 2025, there are no current grace periods for expired residence visas in the UAE. If your UAE residence visa expired, you must renew it within 30 days of expiry to avoid fines. After this grace period, an overstay fine of AED 50 per day may apply, along with possible immigration consequences
Can I Enter UAE with Expired Residence Visa in 2025?
No, you cannot enter the UAE with an expired residence visa. If you’re outside the UAE and your visa has expired, you must apply for a new entry permit or a fresh Dubai residence visa renewal. Entry with an expired visa is not permitted at UAE borders.
Although the expiry of visas and EIDs had previously been extended, it is advisable that you renew your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, since you may be required to present your valid ID wherever you go. The following reasons favour renewal of your expired visas and Emirates ID’s:
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If you travel to another country, returning to the UAE may be an issue due to the expired visa date in your passport.
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With the residency sticker showing an expired date, airlines and immigration authorities outside UAE may not allow the passenger to board.
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Although the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has clarified that all systems have been updated to reflect the new expiry date of your Emirates ID, the date of expiry noted on your Emirates ID may cause confusion.
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Renewing your residency visa currently has cost advantages too, since you do not have to go for the mandatory medical test for the visa renewal.
UAE Residence Visa Renewal New Rules in 2025
Under the UAE residence visa renewal new rules, some visa categories may now be eligible for remote medical tests, and visa holders outside the UAE for more than 6 months may re-enter if they apply for special permits. Ensure you check your eligibility and fines if your residence visa expired while you were abroad.
For the above reasons, we see that visa renewals have continued even after the announcement made by the UAE authorities.
If you wish to renew your UAE residence visa or avail other visa typing services, please visit our Arabian Business Center or contact us at +043256111.
Frequently Asked Questions
A UAE residence visa allows foreign nationals to legally live and work or study in the UAE. It is usually sponsored by an employer, family member, or through property ownership. It’s typically valid for 2 to 10 years depending on the visa type and sponsor.
To check your UAE residence visa status, follow these steps:
For Dubai visas: Visit the GDRFA Dubai website, go to “Visa Status” and enter your passport details.
For other Emirates: Use the ICP Smart Services portal, select “File Validity” and enter your information.
You can typically renew your residence visa up to 6 months before its expiry date. Early renewal is especially recommended if you plan to travel or if your Emirates ID or medical insurance needs updating in advance.
Yes, you can renew your UAE residence visa before it expires. It is advisable to begin the renewal process within 1 to 6 months before the expiration date to avoid delays or fines.
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