How to check your grace period online after visa cancellation and avoid overstaying fines in UAE
Grace periods range from 30 to 180 days based on visa type
If your UAE residence visa has been cancelled or expired, you might wonder how much time you have to either renew your visa or leave the country.
The grace period offered varies depending on your visa type, ranging from 30 days to 180 days.
Checking your grace period online is straightforward through the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) portal. Here's everything you need to know.
Checking Grace Period online
To confirm your grace period after visa cancellation, follow these simple steps:
Visit the ICP portal: Open https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae.
Select ‘Public Services’: Click on the menu and choose ‘File Validity’.
Choose a search option: Use either your file number or passport details.
- If selecting ‘File Number’, provide your Emirates ID, Unified Number (UID), or file number.
- For ‘Passport Information’, enter your passport number, nationality, and expiry date.
Enter additional details: Provide your date of birth and complete the captcha verification.
Check your results: Click ‘Search’ to view the remaining grace period and the exact date by which you need to leave or adjust your visa status.
Grace Period by Visa Type
The duration of your grace period depends on your visa type. Here is a breakdown:
Golden Visa Holders: Holders and their families receive a 180-day grace period.
Green Visa Holders: Freelancers and skilled professionals enjoy 180 days.
Investor Visa: Individuals with long-term investment visas are granted six months.
Standard Work Visa: Employees in private or public sectors have 90 days to adjust their status.
Student Visa: Graduates are allowed 180 days to transition to a new visa.
Widows or Divorcees: Women sponsored by their spouses are given 180 days following a divorce or the spouse’s death.
Tips for Tourists and Residents
Tourist Visa Holders: As of 2023, tourist visas no longer include a grace period. Overstaying even by a single day attracts a fine of Dh50 per day.
Residence Visa Holders: Use the grace period to either leave the country or apply for a new visa. Fines for overstaying begin at Dh50 per day, with an additional exit permit fee of Dh250–300 when leaving the UAE.
Avoiding overstay fines
Residents are urged to monitor their visa status and act before the grace period expires. Overstaying can result in penalties and legal issues, including:
- Dh50 fine per day of overstay.
- Dh250–300 exit permit fee when leaving the country.
Payment of fines and exit permits can be completed at airports, ports, or immigration centres. Alternatively, residents can opt to change their visa status while within the country.
Changing visa status during grace period
If you wish to stay in the UAE after your visa cancellation, you can change your visa status without exiting the country. Required documents include:
- A copy of your passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- A copy of your cancelled or old visa.
Applying for a new visa ensures uninterrupted stay and avoids penalties.
Consequences of overstaying
Exceeding the grace period without taking action can lead to serious repercussions, including:
- Daily fines and the cost of exit permits.
- Potential entry bans or complications with future visa applications.
- Legal actions if reported by previous employers for absconding.
By staying informed and taking timely action, residents can navigate visa transitions smoothly and avoid unnecessary fines or complications.