UAE Visa Extension — How to Extend Your UAE Visa 2026
UAE visas (tourist, visit, employment) can sometimes be extended depending on visa type and circumstances. This guide covers how to extend a UAE visa, which types are extendable, costs, and the process for 2026.
In this guide:
UAE Tourist/Visit Visa Extension
- 30-day tourist visa: extendable once for 30 additional days; apply via ICA app or GDRFA Dubai
- 60-day tourist visa: extendable for 30 days
- 90-day tourist visa: extendable; check current ICA policy
- Extension cost: AED 600–800 per extension
- Visa-on-arrival (30 days): also extendable once via ICA app
UAE Employment Visa Extension
- Employment visas: renewed by employer when due; not typically “extended” mid-cycle
- If employment ends: visa cancellation process begins; 30-day grace period to find new employer or depart
- Job Seeker Visa: UAE introduced a 60-day job search visa for people who have lost employment or want to find a new job in UAE; apply via MOHRE
UAE Residence Visa Extension (for Expired Residence Visa)
- Grace period: 30 days after residence visa expiry to renew or depart; daily fine of AED 100 after grace period
- Extension options: if your UAE residence visa sponsor (employer or company) is still valid, begin renewal process immediately; if sponsor expired, you need new sponsorship or must depart
How to Extend UAE Visa (Step-by-Step)
- Check visa expiry date on your UAE residence visa page or Emirates ID
- Determine which authority handles your visa: GDRFA (Dubai); ICA (Abu Dhabi and federal)
- Apply online via ICA app (for federal ICA visas) or GDRFA portal (for Dubai visas)
- Upload required documents: passport copy; current visa copy; entry stamp page
- Pay extension fee online: AED 600–800 for tourist visa extension
- Receive extension stamp or electronic approval in your ICA/GDRFA profile
What Happens If You Overstay Your UAE Visa?
- Fine: AED 100 per day for each day of overstay (after grace period)
- Daily fine cap: AED 100/day; no daily maximum per day but cumulative; AED 3,000/month
- At departure: fines are calculated at the airport; must pay before allowed to depart
- Ban: significant overstay (typically 6+ months) may result in UAE entry ban; length depends on overstay duration