Procedure per ICP (icp.gov.ae) / GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae). Fees and timelines change — check the authority's website. We don't invent numbers.
The steps, from first visa to renewal
- 1
Check whether you qualify
A residence visa is issued on several grounds. According to recent changes, a residence visa can also be issued for 5 and 10 years, subject to certain conditions. If one of these fits your situation, that is your route in.
- 2
Pass the medical test
A residence visa requires applicants who are 18 and above to undergo a medical test to prove that they are medically fit. Plan for this as part of your application.
Documents:Medical fitness test - 3
Clear the security check and get your Emirates ID
You must also pass a security check and apply for an Emirates ID card from Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. The Emirates ID is your core identity document as a resident.
Documents:Emirates ID application - 4
Renew before it expires
Renewing your residence visa is your sponsor's job: your sponsor must renew your residence visa before it expires. Keep track of the expiry date and coordinate early.
Documents:Current residence visa - 5
Renewing early for travel
If there is a need to renew your residence visa a few months earlier (one to six months) for travelling reasons, you must first take special permission and approval from ICP.
Documents:Travel documents - 6
Know your grace period
UAE residents are granted longer flexible grace periods that reach up to 6 months (according to resident category) to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expired. The length depends on your resident category.
- 7
If you've been abroad a long time
There is an entry permit for residents staying outside the UAE for over 6 months. UAE residents whose residence visa expired as a result of staying outside the country for more than six months for study, work or treatment can apply for a permit to enter the UAE.
Documents:Proof of study, work or treatment abroad
Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.
Who provides this service in Dubai
Real companies from Google Maps — live ratings and reviews.
ACCESS POINT TYPING SERVICES- EMIRATES ID-MEDICAL- (IMPZ)
4.9(67)Mango Hyper Market First Entry Mall - Me'aisem First - Dubai Production City - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
NUMBER ONE TYPING CENTER SHARJAH - Sharjah Dubai Family Visa Typing - Emirates ID Typing - Medical Typing
4.8(99)King Abdul Aziz St - Al Mahatta - Hay Al Qasimiah - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
NEW ID CENTRE DOCUMENT CLEARING SERVICES
4.2(11)|Deira | Dubai - 8th St - near Westzone Super Market - Al Rigga - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Typing Center - Emirates ID & Medical (Quality Government Service Center)
4.3(35)Main Office - 1 - next to DIP - Dubai Investment Park First - Green Community Village - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Emirates ID & Medical Fitness Typing Center Al-quoz
4.8(8)Shop Number 3 - 23rd St - Al Qouz Ind.third - Al Quoz - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Alpha Point Typing Services ( Emirates ID , DHA Medical & OHC Typing Center)
4.5(48)AL QUSAIS IND 2 - OPPOSITE TO DUBAI CATTLE MARKET - WARE HOUSE 1 - شارع حلب - Al Qusais Ind. Second - القصيص الصناعية الثانية - دبي - United Arab Emirates
We'll handle the residency paperwork with you
Our relocation team walks you through exactly this — eligibility, the medical test, security check, Emirates ID, and renewals — so nothing slips through the cracks. We keep every fee and timeframe checked against the authority, never invented.
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