Renewing an employment visa in Dubai for mainland companies involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed overview of the process, handled end to end by PRO Deskk.
Before you renew
A renewal looks routine until one of these six is out of order. Each is checked before we file — because a renewal that stalls past the expiry date costs fines as well as time.
A renewal is filed against the company, not just the employee. If the establishment record is not clear at MOHRE, the labour card renewal will not go through — whatever state the employee’s documents are in.
A renewal is the point where the file is re-examined. If the designation, contract or qualifications have drifted out of alignment since the original visa, this is when it surfaces.
Salary is not a formality on renewal. It is recorded on the labour contract, paid through WPS, and it determines whether the employee can still sponsor their family.
Two items expire on their own schedule, independent of the visa. Both must be current before the residency renewal can be stamped.
Renewal timing decides whether you pay the fee or the fee plus fines — and whether the employee loses days from the new visa term.
Two variables move the renewal cost more than anything else: your MOHRE company category and whether a new medical is required.
Required documents
Before initiating the renewal process, ensure you have the following documents:
Employer side
The employer is responsible for the following, which we manage on your behalf:
Start the process
Gather these 24 items and we can open the file the same day. Tap any line to tick it off as you collect it.
How it works
Ensure all employee documents are up-to-date and comply with UAE regulations before anything is filed — passport validity, existing visa, Emirates ID, contract and labour card.
The employer renews the Labour Card, or Work Permit, through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This involves submitting the employee’s current employment details and supporting documents, and paying the required fees.
If the employee’s medical fitness test has expired or a new one is required: schedule an appointment at an authorized health center, undergo medical tests which typically include blood tests and a chest X-ray, and obtain results — a medical fitness certificate is issued if the tests are passed.
Apply for renewal: submit a renewal application for the Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). Provide biometrics: if required, update biometric information — fingerprints and photograph.
The employer submits the residency visa renewal application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or an AMER centre. This includes the completed application form, medical fitness certificate, updated Emirates ID application receipt, and any additional required documents.
Collect documents: once the visa is renewed, collect the renewed residency visa and Emirates ID. Update records: ensure that all relevant records, including the company’s HR system, are updated with the new visa and Emirates ID information.
Benefits
Three things worth planning for before you begin an employment visa renewal in Dubai.
Start the renewal process at least 1–2 months before the current visa or Emirates ID expires, to avoid any lapse in your legal status.
Be aware of the various fees associated with visa renewal, including those for medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping — all listed below at cost.
Ensure compliance with any additional requirements set by the MOHRE or GDRFA. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the official MOHRE, GDRFA and ICA websites, or seek advice from a PRO or immigration specialist.
Government fees
Government fees for Employment Visa Renewal Services in Dubai, shown at cost and grouped by the stage they fall due. Our service fee is quoted separately, in writing, before you commit.
Depending on your company category, whether a new medical is required, and whether you use GDRFA or AMER. We confirm the exact figure applicable on the day of filing.
Fees are set by MOHRE and GDRFA and are reviewed periodically. We send an itemised written breakdown showing government cost at cost and our fee separately, before any payment is made.
FAQs
Start at least 1 to 2 months before the current visa or Emirates ID expires, to avoid any lapse in legal status. We file ahead of expiry so a renewal never turns into a fine.
Only if the existing medical fitness test has expired or a new one is required for the renewal. Where it is needed, we book the appointment and schedule it alongside Emirates ID biometrics.
The employer submits the residency visa renewal through GDRFA or an AMER centre, and renews the Labour Card through MOHRE. We handle both filings on your behalf as your appointed PRO.
The employee falls out of status and daily fines begin to accrue. If renewed before the expiry date the new visa starts from submission; if renewed after expiry it starts from the last expiry date, so you lose the days in between.
With documents in order and appointments available, a renewal typically completes within a week. Starting one to two months ahead gives room for a medical, biometrics or an unexpected query without risking a lapse.
Yes. We renew employment visas across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi mainland, and across the free zones including IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, DSO, DIFC, DAFZA, JAFZA, TECOM, SHAMS, SRTIP, ADGM and RAKEZ.
Get in touch
Business setup, visas, PRO services or Golden Visa — send us the details and a consultant will come back with a clear plan and a full cost breakdown.
