UAE overstay penalties were simplified in early 2026, and the change matters because the old tiered rates are still widely quoted. Here is the current position, how to check where you stand, and the rule that catches people after a visa cancellation rather than an expiry.
How to check your residence visa status by passport number
- Go to the GDRFA portal at gdrfad.gov.ae.
- Select the option to search by passport number.
- Enter your passport number, nationality and date of birth.
- Complete the captcha and submit.
Grace periods after cancellation
This is the part that surprises people. A cancelled residence visa does not start accruing fines immediately, but the window varies considerably depending on your visa type and job classification.
- Grace periods range from 30 to 180 days depending on visa type and job classification.
- Most standard employment visa holders receive 30 days.
- Fines accrue from the first day after the grace period ends, not from the cancellation date.
When an exit permit becomes necessary
Overstaying by more than 30 days changes the departure process itself. You will need an exit permit, sometimes called an out-pass, before you can leave, and it typically costs in the region of AED 250 to 300 on top of the accumulated fines.
How the arithmetic actually works out
At AED 50 a day, a month of overstay is AED 1,500 and three months is AED 4,500, before any exit permit cost. Unlike the Emirates ID late fee, there is no published cap that makes waiting a rational strategy. The cost of the delay is linear and open-ended.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the UAE overstay fine per day in 2026?
- AED 50 per day. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security standardised all visa overstay fines at this single rate effective 11 February 2026, covering tourist, visit and residence visas as well as cancelled residence permits.
- How do I check my UAE residence visa status with my passport number?
- Go to the GDRFA portal at gdrfad.gov.ae, choose the passport number option, then enter your passport number, nationality and date of birth, complete the captcha and submit.
- How long is the grace period after a UAE residence visa is cancelled?
- It ranges from 30 to 180 days depending on the visa type and the holder’s job classification. Most standard employment visa holders receive 30 days. Fines start accruing from the first day after the grace period ends.
- Do I need an exit permit if I have overstayed in the UAE?
- If you have overstayed by more than 30 days you will generally need an exit permit, or out-pass, before departing. It typically costs around AED 250 to 300 in addition to the accumulated fines.