Family residence renewal / stamping, 2 years
Renew the residence of your wife, husband or children for 2 years, or stamp a new dependant residence after the entry permit and medical.
How it works
- 1
Documents
You
- 2
Reviewed by MARIO E.G.S.H AI
MARIO E.G.S.H AI
- 3
Submitted at GDRFA
Runner at GDRFA
- 4
Medical & biometrics
You
- 5
Visa issued
GDRFA
Documents required
Passport copy of the family member
copyValid (staff: at least 6 months recommended)Recent colour photo, white background
copyMedical fitness result (approved centre)
in some casescopyOnly if: Applicants aged 18 and overEntry permit (new) or current residence (renewal)
copySponsor's Emirates ID / valid residence
copyEjari tenancy contract
in some casescopyOnly if: Commonly requested at issuance/renewal in Dubai (not listed on the GDRFA renewal page; staff confirm)Health insurance policy of the family member
copyOnly if: Needed when the residence is issued or renewed: Dubai's health insurance law obliges the sponsor to produce a health insurance policy for the persons he sponsors (Law No. 11 of 2013, Article 11)Copy of the national identity card (Afghan, Iranian or Iraqi nationals)
in some casescopyOnly if: ICP lists it for nationals of Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq; the GDRFA Dubai page does not mention it, so staff confirm in the system
Conditions, time and validity
- The sponsor's residence must be valid; the family member's residence normally does not exceed it.
- Medical fitness for those aged 18+; Emirates ID biometrics if ICP asks (age 15+ for fingerprints).
- Processing time
- GDRFA: 48 hours for the residence; medical (about 1 working day regular) and Emirates ID (about 5 days delivery) add time. Total is an estimate.
- Validity of the result
- GDRFA gives family members a residence for the same period as the sponsor's residence (often 2 years for family of private-sector employees); the fee rises AED 100 for each year above 2.
- Where it is applied for
- GDRFA smart services, Amer centres, customer happiness centres.
Steps at the authority
- Medical fitness test (18+).
- Centre submits the residence + Emirates ID application.
- Biometrics at ICP if requested.
- Residence issued electronically; Emirates ID delivered.
Tips that save you a trip
- Renew before expiry; after expiry or cancellation GDRFA gives a 60-day grace period, then ICP charges AED 50 per day.
- Renew the sponsor's residence first; the family's renewal depends on it.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- Sponsor's own residence expired or cancelled.
- Medical result not ready or 'unfit'.
- Unpaid fines on the file.
Checked by the MARIO E.G.S.H team on 2026-10-08. Rules can change at any time; our consultant confirms the details for your case.
Official sources
- GDRFA Dubai – Residence renewal for family members of foreign residents
- GDRFA Dubai – Issuance of a residence permit for foreigner family members
- ICP – Cancellation of the residence sticker
- Dubai Legal Portal - Law No. (11) of 2013 Concerning Health Insurance in the Emirate of Dubai (Article 11: the sponsor produces a health insurance policy when issuing or renewing residence permits)
- ICP - Issuing Residency Permit (family of a foreign resident: documents incl. national ID card copy for Afghan, Iranian and Iraqi nationals; 60 days after entry; AED 50 per day overstay)
- ICP - New Identity Card Issuance (residents AED 100 per year of residence + AED 100 smart service)
Legal basis
Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021; Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022
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