How to Renew a Dubai Visa as a Resident, Investor, Student, or Dependent?

Did you know that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to the world’s fifth-largest population of expatriates? Recent research shows that about 85 percent of the country’s population consists of immigrants, just over 9 million.

 People in the UAE often have questions about visa renewals because of the large number of foreign nationals living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the surrounding areas. Thankfully, the process of renewing a visa in Dubai and applying is relatively simple.

For a variety of circumstances, you may find yourself in need of a visa renewal in Dubai. Maybe you’re out of work and want to start fresh. Perhaps you intend to spend a considerable amount of time in the city.

The time it takes to renew a visa can vary based on the season of the year and the immigration office’s current workload. However, the vast majority of applications are dealt with in a matter of weeks. Here is all you need to know to renew your visa in Dubai successfully.

What is UAE Residence Visa? 

The United Arab Emirates residency visa is a long-term visa that allows foreigners to live and work in the UAE. The visa’s validity period is exceptionally flexible, lasting from two to ten years, and it can be renewed as long as needed. Many long-term immigrant families in the Emirates renew their visas every few years.

The concept of permanent residency in the UAE does not exist. To be considered a permanent resident of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you need a visa stamp on your passport to continue making this country your home.

Different Kinds of Visas in the UAE

In Dubai, visitors can choose from various visas, each of which authorizes a unique duration of stay. Those from other countries who wish to settle and work in Dubai can choose from six distinct visa options:

·         Employment visa

·         Investor visa

·         Student visa

·         Dependent visa

·         Transit visa

·         Tourist visa

·         Retirement visa

·         Freelance visa

Special visas can be obtained for various purposes in Dubai, including travel for medical treatment and migration during a natural disaster. Most foreign citizens who wish to work in Dubai must first get an employment visa, the most frequent visa category.

Due to a rise in demand for remote workers, the freelance visa has recently gained popularity. If you want to make a sizable financial investment in a firm in Dubai, you may qualify for an investor visa. But if you want to enroll at one of Dubai’s many universities, you’ll need a student visa.

Family members of foreign workers are permitted to settle and work in Dubai under a Dependent visa. If you are passing through Dubai on your way somewhere else, you need a Transit visa. Last but not least, the tourist visa paves the way for non-residents to visit Dubai for tourism-related activities.

 

How to Renew Your Residence Visa in the UAE 

If your UAE residence visa has expired, you can only renew it within the last 30 days before it officially expires. Suppose you need to renew your passport earlier than six months. In that case, you must first obtain special authorization and approval from the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner’s Affairs (GDRFA) emirate initially granted your visa.

The following documents must be gathered and submitted to renew your Dubai residency visa:

·         Valid passport

·         Copy of passport

·         Copy of UAE entry stamp

·         Two photographs with white background

·         Copy of tenancy contract or title deed (for an owned property)

·         Copy of utility bill (electricity, water, or landline telephone)

·         Emirates ID card

·         Proof of employment in Dubai (employment contract or offer letter)

·         Salary certificate from employer

·         Business documents if you have your own business

Once you have collected all of the necessary documents, you can move forward with renewing your Dubai residence visa by following the procedures outlined below.

How to Renew a Dubai Visa as a Resident? 

Dubai requires its residents to renew their residency visas every few years. The renewal procedure is straightforward and can be completed online or in the Dubai Immigration office. The following is a list of the actions that you will need to follow:

To begin, gather all of the necessary paperwork, including:

·         Your lease agreement

·         Passport

·         A passport-size photo with a white background

·         Your Emirates ID card

·         Your residency certificate

After you have collected your necessary paperwork, you can enter the Dubai e-Visa system using your login and password. Pick the option to apply for a resident visa renewal and fill out the online application form.

After filling out the application form with your personal information, you must upload the necessary documents. Next, you’ll be asked to renew your Dubai visa and submit fees. For a visa valid for three years, the current cost is AED 2,000. At the time of your renewal, you must, however, make sure that you check the current rates!

When you’re ready to visit the immigration office, print off the receipt as proof of payment, it will be necessary for you to submit your original documents and have your fingerprints taken.

The next step is to wait for them to review your application. The new residency certificate will be sent to you via email after your application has been processed and approved. The validity period for this is three years from the date of issuance.

We recommend contacting a relocation specialist if you encounter any difficulties when filling out the application form. Consult a Dubai business setup expert if you need to renew your visa to conduct business in the country.

How to Renew Your Investor/Partner Visa in the UAE 

An investor visa, also known as a partner visa, is a type of legal document granted to investors of a company and allows them authorization to remain in the country and enter and exit the country for the purposes of conducting business. Along with the resident visa, an investor visa must be renewed before its expiration date.

If you currently hold an investor visa and need to renew it shortly, the procedure is reasonably straightforward. To be eligible for this kind of visa renewal, you will first need to demonstrate that you have met all of the prerequisite conditions, including possessing a minimum investment amount of 10 million AED and demonstrating that your company is still active. 

To begin, you will have to go to the website of the DED and register for an account there. After filling out an online application and uploading documents like your passport and Emirates ID, you can pay the visa renewal fee and obtain your new visa online. Knowing that payment is associated with renewing your investor/partner visa in the UAE, Dubai, is crucial.

You will be granted a new investor visa after the DED has reviewed your application. That’s how simple it is! If you are an investor in Dubai and need to renew your visa, you may do so by following these easy procedures.

Those who invest at least AED 5 million are eligible for a permanent resident visa, allowing them to stay in the UAE for a more extended time. This visa cannot simply be renewed, unfortunately. You’ll have to reapply for one whenever it runs out of validity.

The Process of Renewing Your Dubai Student Visa

As a student in Dubai, you must renew your student visa annually. While the process is straightforward, a few factors must be considered. To begin, you should ensure that you get the procedure started as soon as possible. Getting your visa accepted may take a few weeks.

Next, you’ll need to gather all required documents, including your Emirates ID, passport, recent photo, and university enrolment certificate. Once you have everything in order, you can apply for your visa online or at the Dubai immigration office.

However, remember that you must show valid proof of current enrolment. Also, be mindful that your visa renewal application could be denied if you don’t provide a copy of the Emirates ID renewal application form and your previous Emirates ID card. Include these, along with your passport, in your application.

Once your application is approved, you’ll need to pay the visa fee and schedule an appointment for a fingerprinting and biometrics test. Finally, you’ll need to attend your appointment and submit your fingerprints and biometrics information. After that, you’ll receive your renewed student visa and be able to continue studying in Dubai!

Dubai Dependent Visa Renewing Procedure

When you depend on someone residing in the United Arab Emirates, you must renew your visa yearly. The procedure is not overly complicated, and it may be carried out online.

To begin, visit the e-services portal of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs online (GDRFA). After signing in, go to the “Visa Services” menu and, from there, “Residence Visa.” After that, you will need to make a selection for the ‘Dependent Visa’ option, and then you will need to click the ‘Renew’ button.

Family sponsors must submit a copy of their work contract or salary certificate to prove their financial stability. Investors are also required to provide a contract with the company. In addition, you will need to present a marriage certificate that has been verified, along with a rental agreement or utility bill. 

The next step is to complete the online form and attach any necessary documentation. After submitting the form, you’ll need to pay the visa fee and book an appointment for a biometrics enrolment. Still, other than that, the process is the same as any additional visa renewal instruction.

After providing your biometric information, acquiring your renewable dependent visa will only take a few days.

A Look at the Importance of Residence Visas

Residents with long-term plans to live and work in Dubai will need a residency visa. With a residence visa, a person can open a bank account, get a bank loan, apply for a driver’s license, get medical care, and travel visa-free to numerous countries.

You may qualify for permanent residency if you have held a residence visa for five years. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) typically issues resident visas.

Because most long-term and semi-permanent immigrants are living in Dubai under a resident visa, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of your residency permit’s requirements, including ensuring that everything is kept in order.

Your intended purpose and length of stay will determine the sort of visa you need to apply for. Visas typically last for 30 or 90 days, with the latter period being extendable. A different form of visa is required if you want to work or go to school in Dubai.

Denied Visa Renewal? Here’s What You Need To Do

There are options available to you if your visa renewal application is rejected. Obtaining the necessary paperwork is the first step. Find out what you’re missing and make it a priority to acquire it. You could utilize a visa service if you need assistance with renewing your visa.

In many cases, using a visa service might save you the trouble of starting the procedure from scratch when renewing your visa. If it doesn’t work, you may always try calling the embassy or consulate where you applied. They could assist with the renewal procedure or suggest alternative options.

The last possible step is to reapply for a visa. Be mindful that this could be a drawn-out and costly procedure, and ensure that you are well-prepared for it before you start.

This is why we recommend contacting a business setup expert in Dubai. Even if you aren’t starting a business, they can help you navigate the complex process of obtaining and maintaining a visa.

Get Professional Help Today! 

We hope this blog post has been informative for those seeking visa renewal in Dubai. However, we are here to assist you in finding solutions to any ongoing concerns you may have. Suppose you have questions about starting a business, such as how visas work or what to expect when it’s time to renew yours. In that case, our Company Formation Specialists are available for a free consultation to answer any of your concerns.

Our team of professionals is here to address any difficulties you may have. It can offer specialized guidance on establishing your company in the UAE in the most effective manner possible. Contact us right away!

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