90-day visa extension in UAE for resident sponsored visit visa holders – here’s how to apply

Dubai: If you are in the UAE on a visitor visa sponsored by a family or friend of a UAE resident, did you know that you can extend your visa for up to 90 days? Visitor visa holders have different options to extend the visa they hold, but the length of extension varies depending on the type of visa you hold.For example, if you hold a tourist visa, you can apply for 30 days extension.

Federal Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) on February 15, 2023The ICP also mentioned in the announcement that if UAE residents sponsor their family members or friends, they can use the visa extension service, which allows visas to be “extended for 30 days, 60 days and 90 days”.

If you have a visitor visa for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah, the agency responsible for extending your visa is ICP.

There are three ways to apply for a visa extension:
1. ICP smart service website: smartservices.icp.gov.ae
2. ICP Mobile App – “UAEICP” for Apple and Android devices.
3. ICP Authorized Typing Centers – You can find a list of approved typing centers in each emirate by visiting: https://icp.gov.ae/en/typing-offices/

To apply for a visitor visa extension for your family or friends, you need to submit the following documents:

• Original entry permit
• Color passport photo of the visitor visa holder
• Rental contract or hotel booking details – if relatives or friends are staying at the sponsor’s home during their trip, they must submit a rental contract
• Copy of return ticket
• Copy of previous security deposit receipt
• A copy of the sponsor’s Emirates ID – front and back.

It is important to note that depending on the information provided in the application form, you may be required to provide additional documents.

To apply for extension of visit visa through the ICP intelligent service platform, please follow the steps below:

1. Go to smartservices.icp.gov.ae, scroll down and log in with your Emirates Passor through your ICP online account if you have one.
2. After logging in, you will be directed to your personal dashboard on the website.
3. Next, click on the ICP department for your emirate, eg – Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship\Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.
4. Then, in the “Modules” search bar, look for services to extend your visitor visa. The service will appear below.
5. Click Start Service.
6. Complete the application form and upload the required documents.
7. Next, pay for the service with a credit or debit card.

After payment, you will receive confirmation from ICP that your application has been submitted. Once approved, it takes about two to five working days for a visitor visa to be issued, according to the ICP.

You will receive your extended entry clearance to the email address provided on your application form.

According to the ICP, the final cost of the visa will depend on the details of the application. Here’s the estimated cost breakdown, according to the authority:
• Application fee: Dh100
• Issue fee: Dh500
• Electronic Services Fee: Dh100
• Insurance fee: Dh40
• ICP fee: Dh22
• Smart service fee: Dh100
Total: Dh862

“Please note that service fees may vary depending on the data entered in the application,” the ICP website states.

If you wish to extend your stay in Dubai, the authority that approves and issues extensions is the General Directorate of Foreign Affairs and Residency in Dubai (GDRFA).

For those holding a Dubai visit visa, the sponsor can apply for an extension in two ways:
1. GDRFA smart service platform – smart.gdrfad.gov.a
2. Amer Service Center – The Amer Center processes immigration applications on behalf of the GDRFA in Dubai. You can find a list of Amer centers in Dubai at the following link: https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en/customer-happiness-centers#

According to the Dubai GDRFA, “it may be extended one or more times by decision of the relevant authorities, totaling no more than 180 days“

How to apply through the website

According to the GDRFA website, if you have already applied for a visitor visa for your family or friends, you can apply for an extension online as follows:

1. Visit smart.gdrfad.gov.ae
2. Log in to the smart service system through UAE Pass or your online GDRFA account (if you have one).
3. Search for visa extension services on your personal homepage.
4. Fill in the application form.
5. Pay the service fee.

• Visa extension fee: Dh600 plus 5% Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Knowledge dirham: Dh10
• Innovation dirham: Dh10
• Domestic fee: Dh500
Total: Dh1,120

“The total amount of the visa may vary depending on the sponsored person’s circumstances or other reasons that may be required,” the website states.