How to Renew UAE Residence Visa from Free Zone Company 2026
UAE residence visas from free zone companies require renewal when they expire. Here is the step-by-step 2026 guide to renewing your UAE investor or employment visa through a free zone company.
In this guide:
When to Renew Your UAE Residence Visa
- Standard UAE residence visa: 2-year validity (some free zones issue 3-year)
- Renewal can be initiated: Up to 6 months before expiry
- Must renew before: Visa expiry date (overstay fines apply if you miss it: AED 25/day)
Pre-Requisite for Visa Renewal: Trade Licence Renewal First
- Your UAE free zone trade licence must be valid at the time of visa renewal
- Renew your trade licence first (usually 1-2 months before visa renewal)
- Expired trade licence = cannot renew visa without first renewing the licence
UAE Visa Renewal Process
- Renew UAE free zone trade licence (pay annual renewal fee to free zone)
- Log into free zone portal; initiate visa renewal application
- Upload updated passport copy and renewed trade licence
- Free zone submits to GDRFA (or relevant emirate immigration authority)
- Complete medical fitness test at DHA/HAAD-approved clinic
- Emirates ID renewal application submitted (usually simultaneous)
- New visa stamped in passport (or eVisa format for newer passports)
- New Emirates ID issued
Cost of UAE Visa Renewal 2026
- Free zone visa processing fee: AED 1,000-2,500
- Medical test: AED 320-450
- Emirates ID renewal: AED 100 (3-year)
- Total: AED 1,500-3,000 per visa
Can You Renew UAE Visa While Outside UAE?
- Entry permit renewal can be initiated from outside UAE
- But: Medical test, biometrics, and visa stamping must be done IN UAE
- If outside UAE: Return on your current visa (if still valid) or on the new entry permit