In short
A family residence visa is renewed by the sponsor under the same conditions it was first issued on: a monthly salary of at least AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation, a valid tenancy contract and a medical fitness test for every family member aged 18 or over. In Dubai, GDRFA lists a renewal fee of AED 200 plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 Innovation Dirham, with an expected completion time of 48 hours. The Emirates ID is renewed with the visa. Renew before expiry: after the grace period, the fine is AED 50 for every day of overstay.
Who renews a family visa
Only the sponsor, the husband, wife or parent whose file the family is on, can renew. The family's residence follows the sponsor's permit and cannot run longer than it, so if your own visa expires first, we renew yours before the family's.
Family visa renewal requirements
| Requirement | What you need |
|---|---|
| Sponsor salary | At least AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation (unchanged from the first visa) |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months, for each family member (ICP) |
| Photo | Recent colour photo with a white background |
| Medical fitness test | For every family member aged 18 or over |
| Housing | Tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai) and a recent water and electricity bill |
| Proof of kinship | Attested marriage certificate and children's birth certificates |
| Income proof | Employment or salary certificate showing your income and housing |
| Health insurance | Valid health insurance for each family member |
| GDRFA Dubai fee | AED 200 renewal + AED 10 Knowledge Dirham + AED 10 Innovation Dirham. GDRFA also lists an AED 500 inside-country fee, AED 20 delivery, and AED 100 more for each year of residence above two years |
| ICP fee (other emirates) | AED 100 application + AED 100 per year of residence + AED 100 smart services |
How to renew a family visa, step by step
- Check the dates. Send us the passports, visas and Emirates IDs on WhatsApp, and we check your own visa first.
- Medical test. Family members aged 18 or over take the medical fitness test at an approved centre.
- Insurance and Ejari. We confirm both are valid for the renewal.
- Application. We submit the renewal to GDRFA Dubai, or to ICP for the other emirates, and pay the government fees.
- Emirates ID. The new Emirates ID is issued with the renewal. Family members aged 15 or over complete fingerprints and a signature at an ICP service centre.
- Delivery. The renewed residence is linked to the Emirates ID, which is delivered by courier.
Family visa renewal timeline
| Stage | When it happens |
|---|---|
| Emirates ID renewal window | Opens 6 months before the card expires (u.ae) |
| Our recommended start | At least one month before the visa expires |
| Processing | GDRFA Dubai lists 48 hours; ICP lists 2 days, once the file is complete |
| After expiry | A grace period applies, and its length depends on the visa category, so we check your record |
| After the grace period | AED 50 overstay fine for each day (ICP) |
| Late Emirates ID | AED 20 a day after one month from expiry, up to AED 1,000 (u.ae) |
Your family's situation changed? A newborn goes on the newborn baby visa route, a son turning 25 needs a different plan, and if the family is leaving the UAE, see visa cancellation. For a first visa, see our family visa, spouse visa and child visa pages.
Official sources: GDRFA Dubai: residence renewal for family members · ICP: renewal of residency permits · u.ae: Emirates ID
Ready to start? Send your documents on WhatsApp to +971 52 505 3494. We check them before anything is submitted, and the first consultation is free.
Frequently asked questions
Who can renew my wife's and children's visas?
Only the sponsor, the family member whose file they are on. The family's residence cannot run longer than the sponsor's, so the sponsor's own visa must be valid first.
Do the renewal rules change from the first visa?
No. GDRFA renews family residence on the same terms it was first issued, and ICP asks that all the original conditions are still met, including the salary rule of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
How much does family visa renewal cost in Dubai?
GDRFA Dubai lists AED 200 plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 Innovation Dirham, and also lists an AED 500 inside-country fee, AED 20 delivery and AED 100 more per year above two years. Medical test and insurance are extra, so we confirm your total before you pay.
Does every family member need a medical test?
Only those aged 18 or over. Younger children skip the medical fitness test.
How early can I renew the Emirates ID?
Up to six months before it expires. If it is renewed more than one month after expiry, the late fee is AED 20 a day, up to AED 1,000.
What happens if the family visa expires?
A grace period applies, and its length depends on the visa category, so we check your record. After it ends, ICP charges AED 50 for each day of overstay.
How long does the renewal take?
GDRFA Dubai lists 48 hours and ICP lists 2 days once the file is complete. The medical test and insurance add time, so start at least a month before expiry.