United Arab Emirates · living · guide
UAE Residence Visa: general rules and requirements
Learn the general rules, document requirements, and cancellation procedures for living in the United Arab Emirates.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 37 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-11. Source: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/Visa-information/general-provisions-for-the-residence-visa
Who can apply
Divorced women and widows can get an extension on their residence visas. To qualify, your visa and your children's visas must have been valid at the time of your husband's death or your divorce.[1]
What you need to show
If you are 18 or older, you must undergo a medical test to prove you are medically fit for a residence visa.[2]
You must also pass a security check and apply for an Emirates ID card from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.[3][4][5]
If you are 18 or above, you must complete all three of these steps. You must undergo the medical fitness test, pass the security check, and apply for your Emirates ID card.[6]
Documents you must provide
You must provide a copy of your passport and a recent coloured personal photo with a white background.[7][8]
You must also submit your Emirates ID Application receipt, an entry permit, and medical insurance or a health card.[9][10][11]
You must provide a certified housing lease contract or proof of owning a residence.[12]
If you have dependents, you must provide a copy of their passport and a recent coloured personal photo with a white background.[13][14]
You must also provide an attested birth certificate for dependent children. Dependents above 18 years old require a medical fitness certificate. You must also provide the job contract of the sponsor.[15][16][17]
If you are a student, you must provide a certificate issued by your university or institute specifying the duration of your study.[18]
If you are a divorced woman or a widow, you must provide a divorce or death certificate. You must also provide proof of housing.[19][20]
Costs and money
If you overstay on a residency visa, you must pay a fine of AED 50 per day.[21]
If you apply for an entry permit after staying outside the country, you must pay a fine of AED 100 for every 30 days or less spent outside.[22]
Timing and travel rules
Your sponsor must renew your residence visa before it expires.[23]
If you need to renew your residence visa one to six months early for travel reasons, you must first obtain special permission and approval from the ICP.[24]
If you stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days continuously, your residence visa will be nullified automatically.[25]
You must apply for an entry permit from outside the country after staying outside for 180 days. You must provide a valid reason to justify staying outside the country for more than 180 days.[26][27][28]
Once your entry permit application is approved, you must enter the country within 30 days.[29]
Leaving the country permanently
You must officially cancel your residence visa if you decide to leave the country permanently. Your sponsor must cancel your residence visa, as you cannot process the application on your own.[30][31]
To cancel a work-related visa, you must sign the application to cancel your labour contract and labour card.[32]
You must also sign a letter stating that you have received all your wages and end of service benefits. Your employer will submit this to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to cancel your work permit.[33]
Your employer must then apply to the ICP for visa cancellation after cancelling the labour contract and card.[34]
Checklist
- Apply for an Emirates ID card from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship[5]
- Undergo a medical fitness test if you are 18 or older[2]
- Pass a security check[4]
- Provide a copy of your passport[7]
- Provide a recent coloured personal photo with a white background[8]
- Provide a certified housing lease contract or proof of owning a residence[35]
- Provide medical insurance or a health card[36]
- Submit your Emirates ID Application receipt[37]
Questions people ask
What happens if I stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days?
If you stay outside the UAE continuously for more than 180 days, your residence visa will be nullified automatically.[25]
How do I return to the UAE if I have been outside the country for over 6 months?
You must apply for an entry permit from outside the country after staying away for 180 days. You must also provide a valid reason to justify staying outside the country for more than 180 days.[26][27][28]
What is the fine for overstaying on a UAE residence visa?
If you overstay on a residency visa, you must pay a fine of AED 50 per day.[21]
Can I renew my UAE residence visa early?
Yes. If you need to renew your residence visa one to six months early for travel reasons, you must first obtain special permission and approval from the ICP.[24]
How do I cancel my residence visa if I leave the UAE permanently?
You must officially cancel your residence visa. Your sponsor must process the cancellation for you, as you cannot process the application on your own.[30][31]
Can a divorced woman or widow extend her UAE residence visa?
Yes. A divorced woman or widow can get an extension if her visa and her children's visas were valid at the time of the divorce or the husband's death.[1]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.