This guide maps UAE visas and immigration in one place, kept current with the 2026 rule changes, the unified AED 50-a-day overstay fine, the expanded Golden Visa, and the new 60-day visit visa. Two authorities run the system: the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) nationwide, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. Each section links to a step-by-step page for the task you need.
2026 visa rules and new categories
2026 brought some of the biggest visa changes in years, and the official pages are not always the easiest place to make sense of them. These guides explain the rules that changed and the categories worth knowing, in plain language and from a resident’s point of view.
- UAE visa new rules 2026
- Golden Visa 2026: thresholds and categories
- UAE visit visa options 2026
- Mission / work-assignment visa 2026
- Remote-work and freelance visa 2026
Overstay fines, waivers and exit
Since 11 February 2026, the ICP has charged a single overstay fine of AED 50 a day across all visa types. These guides cover how the fine works, how to check what you owe, when it can be waived, and how to leave the country if you have overstayed.
- UAE overstay fine 2026: the AED 50/day rule
- Check your overstay fine online
- Overstay fine waiver: who qualifies
- Exit permit for long overstayers
- Outpass: what it is and how to apply
Check your visa and immigration status
Most visa problems are easier to fix when you catch them early, and almost everything can be checked against your passport or Emirates ID. These pages show you how to read your status with ICP and GDRFA, and what the results actually mean.
- Check UAE visa status by passport number
- GDRFA visa status check (Dubai)
- ICP visa validity check
- What your visa status result means
- Check a UAE travel or immigration ban
- Visa cancellation status and fees
Sponsoring family and per-nationality guides
Bringing family to the UAE, or working out the rules for your own nationality, comes with its own set of thresholds and steps. These guides cover sponsorship and the most-asked per-nationality questions.
- UAE family visa salary requirement 2026
- How to sponsor parents for a UAE visa
- Visa-free countries for UAE residents
- UAE visa on arrival for Indian passport holders
- UAE student visa 2026
Many visa steps run alongside an employment change. When yours does, our UAE work and labour guide covers the MOHRE side, work permits, contracts, and what your employer must do, including cancelling your visa when you leave.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues UAE visas?
Two authorities handle visas and residency. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) operates nationwide through its smart services and app. In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) handles residency and visa matters. Which one you use depends on the emirate your visa is tied to.
What is the UAE overstay fine in 2026?
Since 11 February 2026, the overstay fine is a unified AED 50 per day, applied across all visa types, tourist, visit, and residence. This replaced the older system of different rates for different visas. A grace period applies to some categories before the fine starts, which our overstay fine guide explains in detail.
What changed for UAE visas in 2026?
The headline changes are the unified AED 50-a-day overstay fine from February 2026, a standard 60-day single-entry visit visa replacing the old 30-day option for most nationalities, and an expanded Golden Visa that now welcomes new categories alongside investors and specialists. Several status checks and processes also moved fully onto the ICP and GDRFA apps.
Last verified: July 2026
Reviewed by: UAEexplained editorial team
Source: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP); GDRFA