Renewing your family visa in Dubai? This step-by-step guide for 2025 shows how to do it online using GDRFA. Includes required documents, fees, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
If you’re living in Dubai and sponsoring your spouse, kids, or parents, their residence visa needs to be renewed every few years. Luckily, you don’t have to go stand in long queues anymore.
You can now renew your family visa completely online.
This guide will walk you through the 2025 process for renewing your family visa online, what documents you need, how much it costs, and the most common mistakes people make.
Who Should Renew a Family Visa in Dubai?
If you’re an expat in Dubai and your dependents (spouse, children, or parents) are living with you, you are responsible for renewing their visas before they expire. Visas are usually valid for 2 or 3 years, and renewal is necessary to stay legal and continue accessing things like schools, hospitals, and banking.
Which Portal to Use for Visa Renewal?
You’ll renew your family visa using one of two government websites — depending on where your visa was issued.
🟢 For Dubai-issued visas:
Use the GDRFA portal:
- Website: www.gdrfad.gov.ae
- App: GDRFA Dubai
🟢 For visas from other Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.):
Use the ICP (ICA) portal:
- Website: smartservices.icp.gov.ae
- App: UAEICP
👉 Important: If your visa was issued in Dubai, only use the GDRFA website.
How to Renew a Family Visa in Dubai Online (Step-by-Step)
Let’s break it down into simple steps:
Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready
Before you apply, make sure you have digital copies (PDF or JPG) of the following; visit https://www.ess.ae/amer/
- Sponsor’s valid بطاقة الهوية الإماراتية
- Dependent’s passport copy
- Copy of old visa
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Medical fitness test report (for ages 18+)
- Valid health insurance
- Ejari (your tenancy contract)
- Salary certificate or labor contract
Step 2: Log In to the GDRFA Portal
- Visit www.gdrfad.gov.ae
- Log in using your UAE Pass or register a new account
- Go to “Residency Services” > “Renew Residency Visa”
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
- Choose the family member you want to renew the visa for
- Enter or confirm personal details
- Upload the required documents
- Confirm insurance and Emirates ID details
Step 4: Pay the Fees
Here’s an estimate of the costs (may vary slightly):
- Visa renewal: AED 509
- Medical test: AED 322.5
- Emirates ID (2 years): AED 386
You can pay by card directly on the portal.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Review everything carefully before clicking إرسال. Once submitted, you’ll get a reference number.
Step 6: Track the Application
You’ll get SMS and email updates, or you can log in to check the status. Most visas are approved within a few working days.
Step 7: Download Your Updated Visa
Once approved, your dependant’s new residence visa will be issued digitally. You can download and print a copy if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people get delayed or rejected because of small issues. Watch out for these:
- ❌ Using an expired health insurance policy
- ❌ Logging into the wrong portal (Dubai residents must use GDRFA)
- ❌ Uploading blurry or incorrect documents
- ❌ Waiting until the last few days before expiry — fines can apply!
How Long Does Family Visa Renewal Take?
Here’s a general idea of the timeline:
|
Task |
Time Required |
| Medical Fitness Test | 1–2 days |
| Visa Processing (GDRFA) | 2–5 business days |
| Emirates ID Issuance | 5–7 business days |
It’s best to start the process at least 2–3 weeks before the current visa expires.
FAQs: Family Visa Renewal in Dubai
❓ Can someone renew a visa if my family member is outside the UAE?
Yes, but only if they’ve been outside the country for less than 6 months. After that, the visa may be cancelled.
❓ Do I have to renew my Emirates ID too?
Yes, the Emirates ID and visa are renewed together.
❓ What’s the grace period after visa expiry?
Most residents have a 30-day grace period. After that, overstay fines begin.
Final Tips for a Smooth Online Renewal
- Scan and upload high-quality, legible documents
- Use UAE Pass to make login and verification easier
- Double-check insurance and Emirates ID validity
- Ask for help at a typing center if you’re unsure
