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UAE Outlines In-Country Visit Visa Extension Rules, Fees and Channels for 2026

UAE authorities permit family, jobseeker, and business exploration visit visas to be extended up to a cumulative maximum stay of 180 days without leaving the country. Applications are processed in approximately 48 hours through GDRFA in Dubai or ICP across other emirates. Fee structures vary by issuing authority, ranging from standard ICP fees to separate in-country GDRFA extension charges.

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Summary of official information. Always check the official source and follow the guidance of the authorities. UECN does not issue risk ratings; the absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.

Issuing authority
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security / General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
November 4, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official source
news.google.com
Illustration: Editorial news photo showing an automated immigration customer service desk inside a modern UAE government service centre, passport and
Illustration

Foreign nationals in the UAE holding family, jobseeker, or business exploration visit visas can extend their stay up to a cumulative maximum of 180 days without exiting the country, according to Emirates 24|7. According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), family visit visas can be extended once or multiple times within this 180-day threshold, while business exploration and jobseeker permits follow the same cumulative limit.

Dubai-based public relations officer Musa Dayani stated that family visit visas must be renewed by the sponsor, whereas holders of jobseeker and business establishment exploration visas are permitted to process extensions independently. Application processing typically takes 48 hours, with status confirmations communicated to applicants via SMS and email.

In Dubai, extensions are submitted either online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website and smart app using UAE PASS, or in person at authorized Amer Centres. For the other emirates, applications are handled via the ICP digital portal, the UAEICP smart app, or at ICP Customer Happiness Centres. Required documentation includes the applicant's passport, a personal photograph, and copies of documents submitted during the initial visa issuance.

Extension fee schedules differ between federal and Dubai immigration authorities. Under ICP, standard extension expenses comprise a Dh100 application fee and a Dh500 extension fee. Under GDRFA in Dubai, charges include a Dh600 visa extension fee, a Dh500 fee for individuals remaining inside the country, Dh20 in Knowledge and Innovation fees, and 5% Value Added Tax.

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