When a person is allowed to stay in the UAE on any type of visa and their visa is cancelled or expires, they are given a specific “grace period“. During this time, you must either get a new visa, change the type, or leave the country. If you exceed this period, you may be charged a daily fine (usually AED 50). Such individuals should have full information about how much the fine will be, what will happen if they stay too long, and whether they may face any legal action.
UAE Visa Cancellation Grace Periods Table (2025 Update)
| Visa Type | Grace Period | Overstay Fine (Per Day) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist/Visit Visa | 0 days | AED 50 | Must exit before expiry. No grace period. |
| Standard Employment Visa | 30 days | AED 50 | Reduced from 90 to 30 days. Find new sponsor or exit within this time. |
| Golden Visa (10-Year) | 180 days (6 months) | AED 50 | Longest grace period. Family sponsorship allowed. |
| Green Visa (5-Year) | 180 days (6 months) | AED 50 | For freelancers, investors, skilled professionals. |
| Investor/Partner Visa | 180 days (6 months) | AED 50 | Maintain business ownership to keep visa active. |
| Retirement Visa (5-Year) | 180 days (6 months) | AED 50 | For retirees 55+, financial criteria apply. |
| Student Visa (University) | 180 days (6 months) | AED 50 | Applies after graduation. |
| Student Visa (School) | 30 days | AED 50 | Grace period begins after visa cancellation. |
| Divorced/Widowed Women (Spouse) | 180 days + 1 yr ext.* | AED 50 | Can self-sponsor under conditions. Must apply for a new visa. |
What is a grace period?
This is the legal period of time you are given after your visa expires or is cancelled, during which you can stay in the UAE without penalty.
Here are some important points to know.
- There is no grace period for tourist visas
- A period of 30 to 180 days is given for residency visas
- Penalties start as soon as the grace period ends
- Golden and Green visa holders get the most discount (6 months)
Grace period for each visa as per 2025 rules
Here is information for each visa according to the new 2025 law:
1. Visit/Tourist Visa
People on tourist visas cannot overstay even a single day under the new 2025 law. If they do so, they will have to pay a fine of 50 AED per day. Visitors should have left the country before Visa expiry. It is recommened to leave the UAE before 1-3 days of visa expiry to
- Grace period: 0 days
- Penalty: AED 50 per day
- Departure is required before visa expires
Note: Authorities may grant leniency if flights are cancelled or borders are closed.
2. Work Visa (2-year employment visa)
Those on a work visa will have a 30-day grace period. During this time, the individual can find a new sponsor, change their visa category, or leave the country. If those on such a 2-year work visa exceed the 30-day grace period, they will have to pay a daily fine of 50 AED.
- Grace period: 30 days
- Penalty: AED 50 per day
Note: If you lose your job, find a new sponsor, change your visa status or leave the country
3. Golden Visa (10-year residency)
UAE Golden Visa is a special type of long-term residence visa in UAE. This visa is given to qualified individuals, investors, business owners, scientists, experts, and talented students. If you are residing in the UAE on a Golden Visa and have completed ten years, you get a grace period of 180 days according to 2025 Law. In this period, you have to decide whether to renew your visa or leave the country.
- Fine: AED 50 per day
- Grace period: 180 days (6 months)
Family sponsorship facility and long stay permit.
4. Green Visa (5-year visa – for freelancers/experts)
The UAE Green Visa is a new and special type of 5-year residency visa designed for experts and freelancers in the UAE for 5 years. It has been introduced specifically for freelancers, self-employed professionals, skilled workers, and investors. According to the new 2025 rules, the UAE Green Visa has a 6-month grace period during which expatriates must either renew their visa or leave the country.
- Grace Period: 6 Months
- Penalty: AED 50 per day
For Self-Sponsored Professionals and Investors.
5. Investor Visa (Businessmen/Partners)
The grace period for the Investor or Partner Visa is 6 months, after which a fine of AED 50 per day is imposed. This visa is given to those who start a business in the UAE or become a partner in a company and is also called the Partner Visa.
- Grace period: 180 days
- Penalty: AED 50 per day
Must maintain business.
6. Retirement Visa (Retirees aged 55 and above)
This visa is designed for those who are 55 years of age or older and want to spend the rest of their lives in the UAE. Those who are eligible for this visa are those who have a monthly income of AED 20,000, property ownership of AED 1 million (approx) in the UAE, or savings of AED 1 million. According to the new law of 2025, the grace period of the retirement visa has been reduced to 6 months.
- Grace period: 6 months
- Penalty: 50 dirhams per day
Must have savings or property worth at least 1 million dirhams
7. Student Visa
The duration of a UAE or Dubai student visa is 1 year, but after its expiration, a grace period of 1 month to 6 months is given. During this period, either leave the country or update the visa.
- University Student: 6 months grace period
- School Student: 30 days
- Penalty: AED 50 per day
8. Divorced or Widowed Women (on Husband’s Visa)
UAE has introduced a special visa extension rule for divorced or widowed women. This visa gives them time to maintain their residency and that of their children. No sponsor is required for this and 1 year visa extension (once only).
- Grace period: 6 months + 1 year extension (if eligible)
- Penalty: 50 dirhams per day
- Apply for a new visa, self-sponsorship facility is available in some cases
How to Avoid UAE Visa Fine?
If you want to avoid fines, either renew your visa before it expires or leave the country. If you do not leave the country and stay in Dubai without a visa for more than 6 months, you may face blacklisting and legal action. The UAE makes some changes to its visa policies every year, with the aim of preventing fraud and maintaining a peaceful country.
If you want to avoid overstaying, check your visa expiration regularly and check your details on the ICA or GDRFA website. It should be remembered that illegal stay in the UAE for more than a year carries the risk of deportation.
FAQs
No. This is fixed. However, you can apply for a new visa or leave the UAE and return.
You have 30 days to leave the country, find a new sponsor, or change your status. During this time, you must either leave the country or find a new sponsor.
Children will also get the same grace period as the main visa holder. If you overstay, you will have to pay a fine of 50 AED per day.
If you have paid the fine, yes, but a temporary ban on staying for more than 6 months may apply.
