GDRFA Visa Extension: Simple Steps to Renew Your Dubai Visa

Got a Dubai visa that's about to expire? The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) makes it easy to extend your stay, but you need to know the exact steps. Below you’ll find a quick rundown of what you need, how much it costs, and a few tricks to avoid common delays.

Who Can Apply for a GDRFA Visa Extension?

Anyone holding a sponsored visa – work, family, student or investor – can request an extension, as long as the sponsor is still valid. If you’re on a tourist visa, you can only extend it once for 30 days, and you’ll need a fresh entry visa after that.

Documents You’ll Need

Gather these before you head to the GDRFA office or log in online:

• Original passport (must be valid for at least six more months)
• Current Emirates ID
• Copy of the sponsor’s passport and visa (for work or family visas)
• Recent passport‑size photo (white background)
• Proof of health insurance, if required by your visa type
• Any outstanding fines or traffic violations cleared

If any document is missing, the process stops until you provide it, so double‑check everything.

How to Submit Your Application

There are two main ways:

1. Online via the GDRFA portal. Create an account, upload your files, pay the fee with a credit card, and track the status in real time.
2. In person at a GDRFA service center. Bring the hard copies, fill out the form, and pay at the counter. You’ll get a receipt with a tracking number.

Online is usually faster, but if you prefer face‑to‑face help, the centers are open from 8 am to 8 pm, six days a week.

Fees and Processing Time

Fees vary by visa type:

• Work visa extension: AED 1,500 – 2,000
• Family visa extension: AED 1,200 – 1,600
• Student visa extension: AED 1,000 – 1,400
• Tourist visa extension (30 days): AED 800

Processing normally takes 3‑5 business days if all documents are correct. During peak seasons (Ramadan, holidays) it can stretch to a week, so plan ahead.

Tips to Smooth the Process

Clear any fines first. Even a small traffic ticket can halt your extension.

Renew before the current visa expires. Starting the process at least two weeks early gives a safety net.

Use the online portal for status updates. You’ll get SMS alerts when the extension is approved, and the new residency stamp appears automatically.

Keep a digital copy of everything. If the office asks for a document again, you can resend it instantly.

What Happens After Approval?

Once approved, the GDRFA updates your passport with a new visa sticker (if you have a physical passport) or adds an electronic entry in the Emirates ID system. You’ll receive an email with the new visa copy – print it and keep it handy when you travel.

That’s the whole picture. Follow the checklist, pay the fee, and you’ll stay in Dubai hassle‑free. Need help with any step? Reach out to a local visa service or contact GDRFA directly; they’re used to answering quick questions via phone or chat.