Renewal Process for Your Emirates ID and Residence Visa in Dubai - A Comprehensive Guide
If you're an expat in Dubai, renewing your Emirates ID and residency visa is unavoidable. With nearly 90% of the population being expatriates, understanding the process is essential—but finding clear information can be frustrating, as requirements vary by visa type, employer, and sponsorship.
This guide breaks down the step-by-step renewal process, covering requirements, costs, and timelines to help you navigate it smoothly, whether you're handling it yourself or through a company.
Key Takeaways
- Always double-check that fitness centers accept your visa type.
- Before applying for visa renewal, submit your Emirates ID renewal application.
- Substantial expects many emails, uploads of documents, and digital signatures.
- If you want to maximize the validity of your visa, do not apply too early.
Renewal Process for Your Emirates ID and Residence Visa Step by Step
Step 1: Medical Fitness Test
Reasons for the Medical Fitness Test
You are required to undergo a medical fitness test prior to renewing your residency visa. This entails a blood test, and there is no requirement for an X-ray for renewals.
Where?
There are medical fitness centers all over Dubai, but do check if the center that you will go to is approved by the governing authority of your visa. For example, people under IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) have to check which centers are accepted.
✅ Recommended Center: Al Qouz Mall Medical Fitness Center (IFZA applicants accepted)
Located in: Al Qouz Mall
Address: Mall - Ground Floor - 15 17B St - near Al Ahli Driving School - Al Quoz - Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 - Dubai
Phone: 04 502 2402
What to Bring
- Original Emirates ID
- Passport
Processing Time & Costs
| Service Type | Processing Time | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 24 hours | 322.34 |
| VIP | 6 hours | 430 |
💡 Note: Some centers may charge extra fees, so always check their website first.
Step-by-Step Process
- Fill out the general data form in the center.
- Pay for the test and get your queue number.
- Get your blood drawn (there are separate areas for male and female).
- Receive results in 24 hours via email.
Step 2: Apply for Emirates ID Renewal
Why This Step Comes First:
Although the newly issued Emirates ID will come after your residency visa is renewed, you must submit the renewal application for the Emirates ID first, as it is required for the visa renewal process.
How to Apply?
You can renew your Emirates ID online by:
- ICP Website icp.gov.ae
- ICP UAE Smart App
Application Steps
- Log in using UAE Pass authentication.
- Go to Emirates ID Services → Renew Emirates ID.
- Fill in the personal details (some are auto-filled).
- Pay the application fee and submit.
💡Pro Tip: Another workaround is to enter other distractions, such as "0000000" for phone numbers, in case the dropdown menu does not contain the correct city name or phone number.)
Confirmation Email
Within 10 minutes from the confirmation of your request as “Waiting for Residency Issue” via an email from the ICP means visa renewal can be done now.
Step 3: Apply for Residency Visa Renewal
How to Apply
Since our visa is under IFZA, we applied directly through IFZA's online system. If you are under a corporate entity, your employer generally handles it.
Required Documents
- Medical fitness certificate
- Emirates ID renewal application
- Details of employment & company
💳 Visa Renewal Fee: AED 3750 plus an extra 2.25% for credit card payments.
How it Works
- Submit an online application for the visa renewal.
- A digital signature request is sent for the updated employment contract.
- The contract is digitally signed by the employee and the entity sponsor.
- Proof of payment along with the signed contract upload to finish its processing.
Processing Time
- The visa of my hubby was approved in 2 business days.
- Mine was 5 days (probably delayed due to holidays).
Step 4: Collecting the Renewed Visa & Emirates ID
Tracking the Status:
Once the visa is approved, the Emirates ID status changes to "Card Printed." I received a WhatsApp message from Zajel Courier the next day, confirming the Emirates ID was out for delivery. If you need information about it check this about how to tracking Emirates ID card.
📌 Where to Find Your Digital Emirates ID: Download PDF version via ICP UAE app for easy access. Submit an online application for the visa renewal.
Complete Breakdown of the Cost
| Service | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Medical Fitness Test | 322.34 |
| Visa Renewal | 3,750 |
| Total | 4,072.34 (~$1,100) |
When Should You Apply?
- Renew your Emirates ID within 30 days of expiry to avoid any fine, which will be AED 20 per day until a maximum of AED 1,000.
- Normally, you can apply 1 month prior to expiration; however, UAE nationals can do so up to 6 months prior.
- If you are renewing more than 1 month in advance, special approval from ICP might be needed.
What We Learnt:
I applied 6 weeks before expiry, which meant my new visa started immediately and I lost a full month of residency; will apply 1-2 weeks before expiry going forward.
Conclusion
The whole situation with renewing your Emirates ID and residency visa in Dubai can be overwhelming because of inconsistent information and obfuscated online forms. However, once you know what's happening, it should be straightforward and fast.
🚀 Want more insider tips for expats in Dubai? More guides will be provided soon to help you navigate life and residency in the UAE in our dubainews365.com website.
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