How to renew your visa online in UAE

If your visa is under the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah you can renew your visa online, without the need to step out.

Renewal application can be easily completed through the website www.ica.gov.ae or the smartphone application ‘ICA UAE’.

Steps to follow

Step 1: Register and create an account using UAE PASS or log in to smart services in case of prior registration.

Step 2: Choose the Residence Permit Renewal service.

Step 3: Submit the application, review and update the retrieved data, and pay fees.

Step 4: Submit an application to renew your ID card.

Step 5: Hand over the passport to the approved delivery company.

Step 6: Your passport will be labelled with the Residency Permit sticker and then delivered to you through the approved delivery company.

How long does the process take?

The total time for the renewal of the residency permit is 48 hours.

Which documents are required?

Depending on the sponsor – company or family – as well as the type of visa the documents may differ slightly. Detailed list of documents for each category, which can be found here.

If you are a private sector employee or an employee in a free zone, and are applying to renew your family’s residence visa, these are the documents you need to upload:

1. A recent colour photograph of the sponsored person with a white background.

2. Passport copy

3. Certificate of medical fitness for those over 18 years old.

4. Emirates ID application receipt.

5. Employment contract/Salary Certificate (for semi-government/free zone employees). 

6. Accommodation lease contract (attested) or accommodation ownership by the sponsor.

7. A copy of the sponsor's passport with valid residency.

8. Medical Insurance (for Abu Dhabi visas).

Enter details carefully

In its social media post, the ICA also provided additional advice, urging applicants to ensure that the information they enter is accurate:

1. Please make sure the information you provide is valid and accurate.

2. Please make sure you enter your ID number and expiry date correctly when applying for renewal or replacement.

3. Please make sure the data you enter into the digital application form is correct before paying the fees to avoid delays in processing of your application.

4. Providing valid and accurate data ensures swift processing of your application within set timeframe.

5. Please make sure your data (e.g. Phone number, email address and delivery method) are entered correctly in the digital application platform.

6. Kindly note that the data you enter will be reviewed and validated by the ICA.

Are you planning to Set-up your business in Dubai? Call us for Setting up new business, LLC Formation, Amendment in existing license, PRO Service and Translation. +971 55 811 7883, 055-345 7829, 04-239 1302 or mail your queries to visaprocess.ae@gmail.com

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Convert GCC/European driving licence to a UAE driving licence

Citizens of these counties do not need to take a road test to apply for a driving licence.

Citizens of certain countries – including GCC countries – can convert their country’s driving licence into a UAE driving licence.

List of authorised countries for the replacement of the driving licence

• GCC Countries (KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar & UAE)

• Lithuania

• Portugal

• Hungary

• Bulgaria

• Latvia

• Serbia

• Luxembourg

• Iceland

• Estonia

• Cyprus

• Slovakia

• Malta

• Albania

• Romania

• Germany

• Italy

• Switzerland

• Poland

• Finland

• Spain

• Holland

• Greece

• Sweden

• Belgium

• Ireland

• Turkey

• Denmark

• Austria

• France

• Britain

• Norway

• The Republic of Montenegro

• United States of America

• Canada

• Japan

• South Korea

• Hong Kong

• People's Republic of China

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Singapore

• South Africa

If you wish to convert your driving licence from any of the countries listed above, you would need to provide the following documents:

• Original driving licence

• Electronic eye test

• Original valid Emirates ID

• Legalised translation of the licence, if it is not in English or Arabic

Visa issued by another emirate

If you are applying for the licence in Dubai, and your visa has been issued in another emirate, you would also need to provide the following additional documents:

• Trade licence copy of the employer’s both branches (Dubai and other Emirates)

• Letter from the company certifying that the customer works in Dubai.

Non-nationals holding driving licence from exempted countries

If your driving licence was issued by one of the countries within the exempted category, but your nationality is not from the listed countries, you would need to visit a driving institute in the UAE to clear the following tests:

• Knowledge test

• Driving test

• Yard test

The advantage of having a driving licence issued, then, is that applicants can directly take the road test, without the need to take driving classes.

Cost

Depending on the institute you contact, the cost can range anywhere between Dh2,300 to Dh2,500.

How long does the process take?

The applicant would need to apply for a theory test as well as a road test. How quickly you are able to get the licence would depend on the earliest date available, and provided you pass the test on the first try.

Can’t I drive in the UAE on an Omani driving licence?

While GCC driving licence holders can drive in the UAE using their licence when visiting the UAE on a tourist or visit visa, if you move to the UAE and become a residence visa holder, you would need to apply for a UAE driving licence.

Are you planning to Set-up your business in Dubai? Call us for Setting up new business, LLC Formation, Amendment in existing license, PRO Service and Translation. +971 55 811 7883, 055-345 7829, 04-239 1302 or mail your queries to visaprocess.ae@gmail.com

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Freelancer licence in Abu Dhabi

Fee: Dh530

You can sponsor your family in the UAE.

Validity: Two-year permit 

Issuing Authority: Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development

Skilled professionals in certain categories can apply for a work permit without the need for a company’s sponsorship.

Freelancer licence available to UAE citizens, residents and non-residents, which will allow them to apply for residence visas. The permit also does not have a mandatory requirement for an office space.

Cost and validity

The freelancer license by ADDED is for Dh530 and is valid for two years. It also allows the licence holder to sponsor his or her family in the UAE. However, it is important to note that this would be under the family visa and not under the company name. The family's visa will also be valid for two years.

Application method for freelancer licence

To register for the freelancer licence, applicants can call ADDED on 02 815 8888 or register a new account with the Abu Dhabi Business Centre on www.adbc.gov.ae

The Abu Dhabi Business Centre also has an app, available for Android and Apple devices, called ‘AD Business Centre’.

To register with the Abu Dhabi Business Centre, applicants simply need to create a new account by providing the following details:

1. Full name

2. Passport number

3. Mobile number

4. Email address

Once you set up an account, you can apply for the Freelance licence under the ‘Commercial licence’ category.

You do not need a local service agent or UAE citizen as a partner in order to apply for this licence. However, you would need to provide the following supporting documents for your application to be considered:

1. Proof of expertise in activity seeking to be licensed for: A university degree, a certificate of experience or accredited accomplishments in desired activity.

2. If the applicant is a resident:

• Working in the government sector – should attach a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer

• Working in the private sector under a permanent contract and will be participating in a similar activity – required NOC letter from employer.

• Working in the private sector on a part-time basis – NOC letter not required.

Which activities are included?

Under the terms of the recently issued resolution, ADDED has identified 48 economic activities that can be practiced with a freelancer licence.

The economic activities include:

1. Working soap forming

2. Parties and events organising

3. Tourist and recreation consultants

4. Green buildings consultant

5. Marketing consultancy and studies

6. Information technology consultancy

7. Translation publication services

8. Heritage consulting

9. Plastering and carving works

10. Coordination of natural and artificial flowers

11. Space consultancies

12. Design services

13. Consulting technical equipment

14. Fashion and clothes designing

15. Real estate consultancy

16. Public relations consultancy

17. Human resource consultancy

18. Marketing consultancy in the field of energy

19. Computer devices and equipment domain consultancy

20. Handcrafted products and environmental works

21. Landscape and gardening services

22. Marketing operations management

23. Parliamentary consultancy

24. Economic feasibility consultancy and studies

25. Administrative consultancy and studies

26. Parties and occasions photography

27. Lifestyle development consultancy

28. Calligraphers and painters

29. Agricultural extension services

30. Plague resisting consultancy

31. Procurement consulting

32. Quality, standardisation and measuring consultancy

33. Maritime consultancies services

34. Commodities designing consultancy

35. Project management services

36. Network websites designing

37. Jewellery design, jewellery

38. Statistical services consultancies

39. Personal videography

40. Gift-wrapping

41. Banking services consultancy

42. Artwork for cosmetic craft (sculpture)

43. Consultancy project development

44. Food safety consulting

45. Photography services

46. Architectural production and drawing technical consultancy

47. Fine arts consultancy

48. Logistics consultancy

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