Three authorities handle almost everything: GDRFA Dubai for visas issued in Dubai, ICP for visas from the other six emirates and for Emirates ID, and MOHRE for work permits and labour contracts. Searching the wrong portal is the most common reason for a “no record found” result. Overstaying a visa costs AED 50 a day, and renewing an Emirates ID more than a month late costs AED 20 a day, up to AED 1,000.
Do this next
- Find the emirate that issued your visa. That decides whether you use GDRFA or ICP, wherever you live now.
- Set up UAE PASS with your Emirates ID, because most government logins now use it.
- Visa cancelled? Read the leave-by date on your cancellation paper before you make plans.
Which authority handles what
| Authority | What it handles | Website and phone |
|---|---|---|
| GDRFA Dubai | Visas and entry permits issued in Dubai | gdrfad.gov.ae, 800 5111 |
| ICP | Visas from the other six emirates, and Emirates ID nationwide | smartservices.icp.gov.ae, 600 522222 |
| MOHRE | Work permits, labour contracts, salary and labour complaints | mohre.gov.ae, 600 590000 |
Key fees, fines and deadlines
| Item | Amount or rule |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine | AED 50 a day |
| Grace period after cancellation | 30 days to six months, depending on your residence category |
| Emirates ID card | AED 100 for each year of residence, plus an AED 100 service fee |
| Late Emirates ID renewal | AED 20 a day after the first month, up to AED 1,000 |
| Lost Emirates ID | AED 300 plus an AED 100 service fee |
| Sponsoring a spouse and children | Salary of at least AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation |
| Golden Visa | Long-term residence granted for 10 years |
Your own deadline is the one on your file. Check it on your cancellation paper or with the File Validity service on ICP Smart Services, and confirm amounts before you pay.
Check your visa status
Both status checks are free and work with your passport number, nationality and date of birth or passport expiry date. Since 11 April 2022 there is no residence sticker in the passport, so the online record and your Emirates ID are the proof of residence.
- UAE visa status check by passport number
- Track a GDRFA application
- ICP Smart Services: login and services
- Find your residence visa number
Visa types and how to apply
Residence visas are usually sponsored by an employer, a family member or a free zone, while long-term routes such as the Golden Visa need no sponsor. Rules change often, so check the current position before you pay any agent.
- Visit visa types and fees
- Extend a visit visa
- Golden Visa eligibility and cost
- Family visa: salary, documents and cost
- Freelance visa in Dubai
- UAE visa for Indians
- UAE visa for Pakistanis
Cancellation, grace periods and overstays
A dependant’s visa is cancelled before the sponsor’s. Once a visa is cancelled, you have a grace period to leave or change status, and the fine starts when it ends.
Emirates ID
Your 15-digit Emirates ID number stays the same for life, even if you renew, replace the card or leave and come back. Residents can start renewal once the card has less than six months left or has expired.
- Emirates ID status check
- Emirates ID delivery tracking
- Emirates ID fine check
- Change the mobile number on your Emirates ID
- What your EIDA number means
Travel bans, police and court checks
There is no single national travel ban checker. Use Dubai Police for Dubai financial cases, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department for Abu Dhabi and the Ministry of Justice for the other emirates. Treat any online result as a guide, and confirm serious matters with the authority or a lawyer.
Work permits, contracts and labour law
Private sector employment is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which replaced the old labour law in February 2022. MOHRE keeps your work permit and contract, and is also where you take a labour complaint.
- Dismissal without notice: Article 44, formerly Article 120
- Find your labour card number
- Work permit status check
- Labour ban check
- Check absconding status
- Download your MOHRE contract
- File a MOHRE complaint
- Resignation letter sample
- Salary certificate format
ILOE unemployment insurance
Certificates, attestation and health records
Most foreign documents need attesting before UAE authorities accept them. Two commonly confused items: a Certificate of Continuity proves continuous health insurance cover, and an MRN is a medical record number, not a government ID.
Travelling on a UAE residence visa
Visa-free travel depends on your passport, not your residence, but a valid UAE residence visa opens visa-on-arrival or e-visa routes for many nationalities. Most countries want your visa and passport to have several months left.
- Visa on arrival countries for UAE residents
- Visa-free countries for UAE residents
- Schengen visa from Dubai
- UK visa from Dubai
- Saudi visa for UAE residents
- Oman visa for UAE residents
Related guides
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my UAE visa status?
Use GDRFA Dubai for visas issued in Dubai, and the File Validity service on ICP Smart Services for visas from the other six emirates. Both are free and work with your passport number and nationality.
How much is the overstay fine in the UAE?
AED 50 a day. You can check the amount through ICP Smart Services or GDRFA Dubai channels.
How long is the grace period after visa cancellation?
Between 30 days and six months, depending on your residence category. The exact date is on your cancellation paper and in the ICP File Validity service.
What is the fine for a late Emirates ID renewal?
AED 20 a day once you are more than a month past expiry, up to AED 1,000.
Does my Emirates ID number change when I renew?
No. Your 15-digit Emirates ID number stays the same for life.
How much salary do I need to sponsor my family?
At least AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation, to sponsor a spouse and children. Parents need a higher income.
Last updated: November 2026
Reviewed by: DubaiHowTo Editorial Desk
Disclaimer: Information reflects official pages on the date above. Immigration rules and fees can change without notice. DubaiHowTo gives general information only, not legal or immigration advice, and is not affiliated with any government body.