Last Updated on June 25, 2025 by Hend Ibrahim
Renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE is an important process that residents and citizens must regularly follow. The UAE passport is considered one of the strongest passports globally, allowing travel to more than 180 countries without a visa. However, citizens need to renew their passports upon expiration or when passport pages run out. This article discusses the conditions for renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE and how Alpha Company can help you complete many residency-related tasks, including general rules about residency visas, steps to renew residency electronically, delay fines, and the new residency law.
Renewal of Residency and Expired Passport in the UAE
The process of renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE is a fundamental procedure that residents must adhere to, to ensure the continuity of their legal residence and avoid any financial or legal penalties. Residents must meet a set of conditions imposed by the UAE authorities, which include:
- The passport must be valid for no less than 6 months when applying for residency renewal.
- Valid health insurance is mandatory for all residents in most emirates of the country.
- The sponsor (whether an employer or an individual) must be financially able to support the resident.
- The criminal record must be clear of any violations or crimes that hinder the renewal process.
- All prescribed fees for renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE must be paid, including electronic service fees if applicable.
General Provisions Regarding Residency Visa
A residency visa in the UAE is a legal document allowing individuals to live and work in the country for a specified period, usually one to three years, renewable. Key general provisions related to residency visas include:
- Residency visas include types such as work visas, study visas, investment visas, and family visas (for spouse and children).
- The validity period of residency varies depending on the visa type and the issuing authority.
- Residency must be renewed before expiry to avoid fines and legal actions.
Easy and Fast Steps to Renew Residency in the UAE Electronically
With the technological advancements in the UAE, renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE has become easier and faster through electronic platforms. The basic steps are:
- Visit the official website of the Ministry of Interior or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
- Use your registered data (such as residency number and phone number).
- Fill out the UAE residence visa renewal procedure application form with the required information, such as passport data and health insurance details.
- Upload the required documents, such as a copy of the passport and health insurance.
- Pay the required fees via credit card or e-wallet.
- You can track the status of your application through the electronic platform until it is approved.
Delay Fine for Residency Renewal in the UAE and Renewal Fees
Delaying renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE is a common mistake that can expose residents to financial fines according to UAE laws:
- A daily fine of AED 50 is imposed for each day of delay after the residency expires.
- The maximum fine can reach AED 1000 if the delay exceeds 40 days.
- Residency renewal fees vary according to the visa type and any additional services such as delivery or printing.
New Residency Law in the UAE
The new residency law in the UAE includes amendments to residency renewal fees and other important decisions. It is essential to stay updated with the latest UAE residence visa renewal new rules and procedures in the country. These amendments aim to simplify procedures, attract more investors and global talents, and facilitate the return of residents after interruptions.
Amendments to Residency Renewal Fees in the UAE
The UAE government announced new amendments to residency renewal fees as part of efforts to enhance the country’s attractiveness as a destination for living and working. Key amendments include:
- The renewal fee for virtual work residency (remote work) is set at AED 200, covering application, issuance, and renewal costs. This supports remote workers employed by global companies from within the UAE.
- Renewal fees for family members of university students are reduced to AED 150 per individual to encourage international students to bring their families and reside in the country during their studies.
- Fee reductions for other categories such as investors and special talents, reflecting the country’s commitment to attracting global competencies.
Procedures and Conditions for Residents Returning to the UAE
In addition to fee amendments, the UAE announced new procedures to facilitate the return of residents whose residency expired or who delayed renewal due to circumstances beyond their control (such as the COVID-19 pandemic). These procedures include:
- Residents with expired residency outside the country can apply for a special return permit, allowing re-entry without paying delay fines.
- In specific cases, expired residency can be reactivated without leaving the country, provided convincing reasons are presented to the competent authorities.
- Additional facilitation is provided for long-term residents, such as fee reductions or priority processing of their applications.
Updates on Residency and Visa Procedures
The new UAE residency law also includes a set of updates aimed at improving the experience for residents and visitors alike, including:
- Expansion of the Golden Residency to new categories such as doctors, engineers, and special talents, with automatic renewal for 10 years.
- Introduction of flexible work visas that allow individuals to work for multiple employers without changing their residency status.
- Special visas for graduates and professionals enabling them to stay in the country for up to two years to search for suitable job opportunities.
Residency Renewal in the UAE
Renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE requires fulfilling several conditions and procedures that vary by residency type, including submitting required documents, paying fees, and undergoing medical examinations when necessary. It is important to monitor deadlines to avoid fines or cancellation. Key conditions and required documents include:
Renewal of Maid’s Residency
Renewal requires:
- A valid employment contract.
- Valid sponsorship by the employer.
- Medical examination for the maid.
- Payment of required fees.
Tourist Residency Renewal
To legally stay in the country without complications, the following criteria must be met:
- A valid passport.
- Valid health insurance (if applicable).
- Payment of renewal fees.
- Proof of financial capability to reside.
Renewal of Expired Residency
If your residency expires, don’t worry. You can settle any resulting fines and complete all required procedures to restore your legal status as quickly as possible by following:
- Apply well before residency expiry.
- Pay any fines incurred due to delay.
- Update required information (if necessary).
This aligns with the grace period for residence visa renewal to avoid penalties.
Renewal Without a Sponsor
If you need to renew residency without a sponsor, it is possible through legally approved solutions, allowing you to stay in the country lawfully without a sponsor, subject to:
- Having a work permit or freelance license.
- Proof of required income.
- Valid health insurance.
- Payment of government fees.
Renewal After Sponsorship Transfer
When transferring sponsorship, updating residency data and renewing it may be necessary. Our company provides professional services for this. Important points include:
- Approval from both previous and new sponsors.
- New employment contract with the new sponsor.
- Medical examination (if required).
- Payment of sponsorship transfer and renewal fees.
Residency Renewal for Final Exit
If you plan to leave the country permanently, you must complete all required procedures to ensure legal departure without obstacles or violations, including:
- Cancelled work permit or documented resignation.
- Confirmed travel ticket.
- Payment of required fees.
- Clearance from the sponsor (if required).
Private Driver Residency Renewal
If you are an employer or individual needing to renew a private driver’s residency, you must follow all steps from paying government fees to receiving the new residency as soon as possible, including:
- Valid employment contract with the sponsor.
- Valid driving license.
- Medical examination.
- Payment of required fees.
Renewal of Individual Establishment Residency
If you own an individual establishment and need to renew your residency or that of your employees, the best way to ensure smooth business continuity without delays is to meet the following:
- Valid commercial license.
- Proof of business activity.
- Valid health insurance.
- Payment of government fees.
All procedures require submitting documents through official UAE residence visa renewal online platforms and paying the specified fees.
Checking Residency Violations in the UAE
If you suspect any fines related to your residency or entry permit, you can easily check this by following these steps using the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s online platform – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs:
- Visit the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
- From the dropdown menu, choose the file type you want to inquire about, either “Residency” or “Entry Permit.”
- Select the issuing authority from the dropdown menu.
- Enter your residency number correctly as specified on the website; accuracy is important to avoid errors.
- Enter your date of birth in the specified format (day/month/year).
- Select your gender (male or female).
- Answer the verification question correctly to proceed, usually a simple question to ensure you are not a robot.
- After confirming all information is correct, click “Submit” to complete the inquiry.
The results will show whether any violations related to residency or entry permit exist, along with details if applicable.
Steps to Renew an Expired Passport in the UAE
If you are a resident in the UAE with an expired passport, you should follow these steps to renew it:
- Upon passport expiration, first visit your country’s embassy in the UAE to learn about renewal procedures. Requirements differ by embassy, but generally include:
- The expired original passport.
- A copy of your valid residency or UAE ID.
- Recent personal photos.
- A completed renewal form.
- Payment of renewal fees set by the embassy.
After submitting your application, the new passport may take from two weeks to a month to be issued, depending on the country and embassy procedures. During this time, keep the official receipt proving you applied for renewal.
Once the new passport is received, update its information in the UAE identity and residency system through approved service centers or the Federal Authority’s website. This step is part of the process of renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE.
Tips to Avoid Delays in Renewing Residency and Expired Passports
- Do not wait until the last moment; start renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE procedures well before expiry.
- The UAE offers many digital platforms to renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE easily without visiting offices.
- It is best to keep electronic copies of your passport, residency, and ID to avoid loss.
- Lack of valid health insurance can cause delays in residency renewal.
- Laws change, so regularly follow official websites for updates regarding renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE.
Alpha Company Services in Abu Dhabi
Alpha Company in Abu Dhabi is one of the leading companies offering renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE services, providing fast and professional solutions for clients. The company offers specialized consultations for residency renewal procedures, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local laws. Additionally, it provides comprehensive services including document preparation and following up procedures with relevant authorities, saving clients time and effort. The company features a professional team and excellent customer service, making it the ideal choice for anyone wishing to renew expired residence and passport in the UAE quickly and smoothly.
If you need to renew your expired residence or passport in the UAE for yourself, a family member, or an employee, our company offers seamless and hassle-free services — even if your UAE residence visa expired grace period is about to end.
Contact Information
Email: info@alphabudhabi.com
Phone: +971561691648
Address: Abu Dhabi – Mussafah Industrial Area – M44 – Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Building
Summary
Renewing expired residence and passport in the UAE is essential to maintaining the legal status of residents in the country. Whether you need to renew your passport through your embassy or update your residency with the competent UAE authorities, following the correct steps and submitting the required documents on time ensures your residency continues without issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I renew residency and an expired passport?
Yes, but special procedures must be followed. Alpha Company provides the necessary support and consultation for renewing residency when the passport has expired, guiding you through the required steps and helping you complete the process quickly according to the approved laws
How long is the grace period after residency expires in the UAE?
The UAE grants a 30-day grace period after the residency visa expires, during which it must be renewed to avoid fines. The visa can be renewed before its expiry.
Is there an amnesty for violators in the UAE?
The Cabinet issued a decision exempting violators of the foreign entry and residency law from fines if violations occurred before March 1 of the current year, provided they leave the country within the specified period.
What happens after the amnesty ends in the UAE?
After the amnesty ends on December 31, 2024, individuals illegally present will be fined AED 50 per day and may face deportation. Employers hiring them will also face penalties.
لا يوجد تعليق