The order that works
- Check the dates. Look up the visa expiry and any open fines on the ICP or GDRFA app. Start one to two months ahead.
- Renew the work permit. The employer renews the MOHRE work permit and labour contract first.
- Health insurance. Make sure cover is active. It is required before the visa can be issued.
- Medical fitness test. At an approved centre: blood test and chest X-ray. Results are usually valid for about 30 days.
- Apply for the visa and Emirates ID together. Through ICP, GDRFA in Dubai, or a typing or Amer centre. Biometrics may be needed if the last scan is old.
- Pay and wait. Processing is often a few working days. The visa is issued electronically and the new card follows.
Typical costs
Estimates per employee in Dubai. Fees change and differ by emirate and channel, so treat these as a budget, not a quote.
| Item | Typical AED |
|---|---|
| Residence visa issue | about 560 |
| Emirates ID renewal | 370 to 600 |
| Medical fitness test | 250 to 400 |
| Health insurance, per year | 800 to 1,000 and up |
| Service and typing fees | 700 to 900 |
| Total | about 2,700 to 4,000 |
With work permit and establishment card charges included, many employers budget AED 4,000 to 6,000 per renewal.
Deadlines and fines
- Visa grace period: commonly 60 days after an employment visa expires. After that, overstay fines of AED 50 a day.
- Emirates ID: AED 20 a day, up to AED 1,000, if renewed one month or more after expiry.
- Work permit: an expired permit can bring MOHRE fines and block new permits for the company.
Keep the paperwork and the payroll in step
A renewal is a good moment to check the employee’s basic salary in the new contract, since it drives their gratuity, and their details in your WPS salary file.