Renewing a Dubai residence and Emirates ID: order, documents, fees and deadlines

In Dubai the residence and the Emirates ID are renewed through two separate applications: the residence with GDRFA Dubai and the card with ICP. In the other emirates ICP uses one combined form, but not in Dubai. This guide gives the order that avoids delays and fines.

When to start

• Start before the residence expires. After expiry GDRFA Dubai gives a 60-day grace period (longer for some categories, such as 180 days for Golden, Green and Blue holders; see our grace-period guide); after it, a fine of AED 50 per day applies.
• ICP allows a resident to renew the Emirates ID when it has expired or less than six months remain.
• Renew the sponsor's own residence first: a family member's residence depends on it and does not normally run longer than the sponsor's.

Steps in order

1. Check that the sponsor's documents are valid: for an employee, the labour contract and the company's establishment card; for a partner, the trade licence and establishment card; for a family member, the sponsor's residence.
2. Medical fitness test for everyone aged 18 and over.
3. Residence renewal application with GDRFA Dubai (website, app, Amer centres or customer happiness centres).
4. Emirates ID application with ICP, with a new photo that differs from the current card photo.
5. Fingerprints and signature at an ICP centre for those aged 15 and over, when the SMS arrives.
6. The residence is issued electronically, without a passport sticker, and the card is delivered by courier.

Documents

• Passport: ICP asks for at least 3 months of validity for the Emirates ID and at least 6 months for issuing a residence.
• Recent photo with a white background that meets the ICAO standard.
• Medical fitness result for those aged 18 and over.
• Current residence or entry permit, and the current Emirates ID.
• Health insurance: in Dubai the sponsor must provide a policy for each person they sponsor.
• Employees: valid labour contract and establishment card. Partners: memorandum of association and trade licence. Family members: the sponsor's residence and Emirates ID; a tenancy contract (Ejari) is commonly requested.

Official fees and time

For a private-sector employee, GDRFA Dubai lists AED 740 for a two-year residence (residence AED 200, Knowledge and Innovation Dirhams AED 10 each, in-country fee AED 500 and delivery AED 20), plus AED 100 for each year above two. ICP lists AED 100 per year of residence for the Emirates ID plus a AED 100 smart service fee, so AED 300 for two years. The medical test is paid separately. GDRFA states 48 hours for the residence and ICP 5 days for the card. These figures were checked on 8 October 2026; the current MARIO E.G.S.H price is on each service page.

Fines to avoid

• Residence: AED 50 per day after the 60-day grace period ends.
• Emirates ID: AED 20 per day, at most AED 1,000, if the card is renewed more than one month after it expired.
• A missed fingerprint appointment cancels the Emirates ID application, and the process starts again.

Practical tips

• Book the medical test early, so that the residence application is not held up.
• Keep your mobile number in the application correct: the courier and ICP contact you by phone and SMS.
• If you plan to change employer instead of renewing, read our guide on leaving a job and cancelling a residence first.