Last Updated on August 12, 2025 by Hend Ibrahim
Understanding the work permit renewal fees is essential for anyone planning to continue legal employment in the UAE. Whether you’re renewing as an employee, an investor, or under a freelance permit, cost and paperwork details directly impact your planning.
This comprehensive guide explains how to calculate and manage work permit renewal fees, the required employment authorization card renewal, the broader process of maintaining a work permit in UAE, associated UAE work visa cost, available 6‑month temporary residence visa UAE alternatives, and typical UAE work permit processing time.
Throughout the blog, you’ll see how AlphabuDhabi helps you navigate the entire renewal journey smoothly and accurately.
Why Work Permit Renewal Fees Matter
Every expatriate employee or permit holder in the UAE must renew their work permit before expiry to remain compliant. The work permit renewal fees include administrative charges, medical check-ups, Emirates ID renewal, and stamping costs. Late renewal can trigger fines or even visa cancellation, so understanding the fees upfront saves time and money.
Components of Work Permit Renewal Fees
When preparing to renew your work permit, the work permit renewal fees typically cover:
- Medical fitness test fees
- Emirates ID card renewal
- Immigration stamping charges
- Typing centre or PRO service fees
- Sponsorship or establishment costs
The exact total varies depending on your visa category and number of dependents.
Employment Authorization Card Renewal
If your current visa uses an employment authorization card, renewal is mandatory alongside your permit renewal. This card validates legal permission to work—and renewing both at once can simplify the process and reduce redundant fees. The employment authorization card renewal fee is part of the overall package that ensures you remain permitted to work under UAE law.
Understanding UAE Work Visa Cost
The total UAE work visa cost includes both initial issuance and renewal. Renewal is usually less expensive but still requires medical and administrative payment. Expect to budget anywhere from AED 3,500 – AED 7,500 per person, depending on visa length and services included. If applying for family visas or multiple employees, costs rise accordingly.
Renewal Frequency & Validity
Standard work permits are valid for one to three years. Most expatriates choose to renew annually, paying the work permit renewal fees each year along with service charges. Make sure to renew before the expiry date—typically at least two weeks prior—to avoid penalty durations.
Month Temporary Residence Visa UAE as Interim Option
In some cases—especially when switching jobs or awaiting documentation—a 6‑month temporary residence visa UAE may be issued to bridge the gap. While shorter, this temporary permit still carries renewal fees. It’s an alternative if your work sponsorship is transitioning. You’d still need to pay medical, Emirates ID, and processing fees, but this route may be cheaper in the short term.
Step-by-Step: Renewing Your Work Permit
Step 1: Arrange a Medical Fitness Test
Required for all applicants over 18. Includes blood test and chest X-ray. Fees are part of the work permit renewal fees.
Step 2: Prepare Emirates ID Renewal Documents
Your biometrics may be required again. Cards are renewed as part of the consolidated fee.
Step 3: Submit Renewal Through PRO or Typing Centre
ENTER required documents and pay your work permit renewal fees along with typing charges.
Step 4: Pay Immigration Stamping Charges
Once approved, your passport is stamped with the new work permit.
Step 5: Follow Up and Collect Documents
Once ready, review the visa and Emirates ID to ensure accuracy.
The UAE work permit processing time for renewals often takes between 3 and 7 working days once everything is submitted.
Common Challenges in Renewal
- Missing documents or discrepancies
- Expired sponsorship
- Incomplete health insurance coverage
- Visa expiry approaching before renewal completion
Any delay can cause the work permit renewal fees to spike due to rush service or penalty charges.
How AlphabuDhabi Simplifies the Process
AlphabuDhabi offers full service to manage your work permit renewal fees end-to-end:
- Accurate cost estimates upfront
- Document preparation and review
- Booking health and Emirates ID appointments
- Submission and tracking of your renewal
- Fast‑track options if needed
With AlphabuDhabi, you avoid unexpected expenses and speed through the UAE work permit processing time.
Managing Multiple Renewals or Employee Needs
For companies renewing multiple staff permits, AlphabuDhabi offers bundled packages. By renewing employer establishment and employee permits together, you can reduce overall work permit renewal fees, avoid duplicate medical or Emirates ID costs, and manage renewals in bulk.
Tips for Lowering Renewal Costs
- Prepay all fees at once to avoid service surcharges
- Opt for annual renewal instead of longer permits if processor fees are lower
- Use professional services like AlphabuDhabi to reduce mistakes and rejections
- Combine renewals for multiple employees for bulk discount
Our Services at Alpha Abu Dhabi
At AlphaBudhabi, we are committed to providing a wide range of services that meet the needs of individuals, entrepreneurs, startups, and large companies. Our most prominent services include:
Company Formation
- Establishing companies within Abu Dhabi and in free zones
- Preparing contracts and commercial licenses
- Providing legal and administrative consultations
Issuing visas and residency permits
- Residence visas for investors, families, and employees
- Issuing and renewing work permits
- Procedures for tourist visas and long-term residency permits
Labor Office Services
- Settling Labor Office Violations
- Updating employment contracts and amending labor status
- Issuing new work permits and renewing existing ones
Immigration and Passport Services
- Assistance in submitting citizenship or golden residency applications
- Immigration and investment consultations in the UAE and abroad
- Issuing and renewing passports for some nationalities
Conclusion
Work permit renewal fees are a recurring, necessary expense for every expatriate working in the UAE. Whether renewing your employment authorization card, paying for medical screening, or managing Emirates ID fees, keeping track of these costs ensures legal compliance and uninterrupted residency. Understanding the work permit in UAE rules, staying current on the UAE work visa cost, and knowing your renewal timeline via the UAE work permit processing time empowers both individuals and employers.
Working with AlphabuDhabi not only simplifies renewal but helps you control costs and avoid delays. Our expert support makes each phase—from medical tests to visa stamping—efficient and stress‑free.
Communication Methods
To begin your work permit renewal or request a quote for multiple permits, contact AlphabuDhabi:
- Phone: +971561691648
- Email: info@alphabudhabi.com
- Website: www.alphabudhabi.com
Our team is available Sunday to Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM.
FAQs
Can I renew my work permit without leaving the UAE?
Yes, most renewals can be processed fully while you are inside the country.
What is included in the work permit renewal fees?
It includes medical fitness test, Emirates ID, typing service, immigration stamping, and visa fees.
How long does the UAE work permit processing time usually take?
Typically between 3 and 7 working days after submission of documents.
Can AlphabuDhabi submit renewals for employees as well?
Can AlphabuDhabi submit renewals for employees as well?
What is the cost difference between renewal and a new work visa?
Renewal is slightly cheaper in most cases, but medical and Emirates ID fees remain similar.
Is an employment authorization card renewal required every time I renew my permit?
Yes, the card must be renewed alongside the visa for most categories.
Can I get a 6-month temporary residence visa UAE instead?
Yes, AlphabuDhabi can advise on this option if you are between jobs or changing sponsors.
Is the one year residence visa UAE option cheaper in the long term?
It can be more cost-effective if you plan to stay longer, though renewal timing and upfront costs vary.
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