visas
How to Renew a Family Residence Visa in Dubai
How to renew a UAE family residence visa for a spouse or child already living in the UAE. Covers medical fitness eligibility (adults 18+ only), Amer submission, and Emirates ID renewal.
Gov. fee
AED 250–450 (medical test, adults 18+ only; children under 18 exempt). Visa and EID fees confirmed at Amer.
Timeline
Medical results: 1–3 working days. Amer processing: 2–5 working days. EID delivered by post within 5–10 working days.
For
Sponsors in Dubai renewing a family residence visa for a spouse or child currently…
Steps
4
Start
Confirm the visa expiry date and whether the dependent requires a medical fitness test.
Last updated: April 2026
- 1Check Renewal Timing and Requirements
- 2Complete Medical Fitness Test
- 3Submit Renewal at Amer
- 4Collect Renewed Visa and Emirates ID
Step by step
Check Renewal Timing and Requirements
Confirm the visa expiry date and whether the dependent requires a medical fitness test. Adults 18 and older must complete the medical test before submitting at Amer; children under 18 are exempt.
Where to go
Your own records
Address / portal
N/A. Visa expiry date is stamped in the passport or available on the ICA app.
Est. cost
No cost
Est. time
5–10 minutes
Advice
Submit the renewal at least two weeks before the visa expiry date. Late submissions may trigger overstay fees and additional processing steps. The sponsoring UAE resident must be the applicant.
Note
If the sponsor's own residence visa has expired or changed, contact GDRFA or an Amer center before beginning the dependent's renewal. The renewal requires current sponsor visa documentation.
Complete Medical Fitness Test
Attend a GDRFA-approved medical center for a blood test and chest X-ray. The result is linked to the ICA system and is required before Amer can process the residence renewal.
Where to go
GDRFA-approved medical fitness center
Address / portal
Any GDRFA-approved medical fitness center in Dubai. A list of approved centers is available at gdrfad.gov.ae.
Est. cost
AED 250–450 (fee varies by approved medical center)
Est. time
1–3 working days for results to be uploaded to the ICA system
Advice
Bring the dependent's passport (original). Some centers also require the Emirates ID and a recent passport photo. Confirm the exact requirements when booking.
Note
Skip this step only if the dependent is under 18. Adults whose medical fitness result is not yet in the ICA system cannot complete the Amer renewal submission.
Submit Renewal at Amer
Submit the visa renewal and Emirates ID renewal at an Amer service center. Counter staff enter both applications into the ICA system simultaneously, confirm the total government fee, and collect payment (medical fitness results must be in the ICA system before this step).
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
Residence visa renewal and Emirates ID fees vary by visa duration and family file status. Amer confirms the combined total and service fee at submission.
Est. time
Counter visit 30–60 minutes. Residence visa processed within 2–5 working days.
Advice
Bring the dependent's passport and Emirates ID (originals and copies), the sponsor's passport and Emirates ID (originals and copies), and one recent passport photo (white background, 35x45mm). Both visa and EID renewals can be submitted in a single Amer visit.
Collect Renewed Visa and Emirates ID
Return to the Amer branch to collect the visa stamp in the dependent's passport once processing is complete. The updated Emirates ID is delivered by post separately and does not require a return visit.
Where to go
Amer service center (visa stamp); post delivery (Emirates ID)
Address / portal
Same Amer branch used for submission
Est. cost
No additional fee
Est. time
Visa stamp: 2–5 working days after Amer submission. Emirates ID: delivered by post within 5–10 working days after visa approval.
Advice
Track the application status using the reference number from the Amer receipt. Check via the ICA app or ica.gov.ae.
Overview
Family residence visas for dependents in the UAE must be renewed before they expire. The renewal route is shorter than the original application: no entry permit, no change of status, and no re-attestation of existing marriage or birth certificates. Renewal is processed through Amer service centers by the sponsoring UAE resident.
Dependents aged 18 and older must complete a medical fitness test at a GDRFA-approved center before submitting the renewal at Amer. Children under 18 are exempt from the medical test. UAE government fees for the renewed residence visa and Emirates ID are confirmed at the Amer counter. The renewed Emirates ID is delivered by post separately after the visa is issued.
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