UAE residence visas for dependents over 18 can now be renewed

UAE residents can now renew the residency visas of their 18-year-old dependents for up to two consecutive years, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has announced.

The residence permit is valid for a year and can be renewed for an additional year, the ICA said.

The visa will be available from the date of completion of secondary education of dependents, or for those who have just graduated university, or for those who reach the age of 18 years.

Parents will no longer be required to apply for the visa under humanitarian appeals, which required a deposit of Dhs5,000, ICA clarified.

Applicants can apply through any of the residency and naturalisation offices or other government-approved outlets for a fee of Dhs100 for residency permits or their renewal for a year.

The ICA has also announced that the tourist visa fee has been waived for children under 18 who accompany their parents to the UAE.

The scheme is available from July 15 until September 15 every year, and will apply regardless of the length of the validity of the parent’s visa, the ICA said.

The new waivers can be obtained through ICA’s website.