GCC Residents Visit Visa Extension in Dubai

A visit visa extension for Gulf residents in Dubai may be requested by:

Expatriates holding a valid residence permit from a GCC country (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman), provided that:
— The residence permit is valid for at least one year at the time of application.
— The profession stated on the residence permit is recognised by the competent UAE authority and has not been changed after the permit was issued.
— The passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Dependents and companions of GCC citizens, such as spouses, children, or sponsored relatives, are required to provide proof of relationship and sponsorship.

The application must be submitted while the visa holder is legally present in the UAE and before the current visa expires. According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai), a visit visa for GCC residents is initially granted for a period of 30 days. It can be extended once for another 30 days. For companions of GCC citizens, the initial entry permit may be issued for 60 days, with the possibility of extending it for an additional 60 days.

Through EGSH, an authorised AMER Centre, applicants receive full assistance with eligibility checks, document verification, and submission through official GDRFA channels.

Under UAE immigration rules, a visit visa issued to residents of GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) may be extended only once, and always for the same duration as the original visa. For example, a 30-day entry permit can be prolonged for an additional 30 days.

For escorts and dependents of GCC citizens, the rules differ. Their entry permits are typically issued for 60 days and can be extended for an additional 60 days. In some cases, GDRFA allows companions of GCC nationals to extend their stay more than once, but the total permitted stay cannot exceed 120 days.

To extend a visit visa for GCC residents in Dubai, the minimum required document is a valid copy of the passport. In addition, applicants must meet several conditions set by the UAE authorities:

— The GCC residence permit must be valid for at least one year from the date of arrival in the UAE.
— The passport must have at least six months' validity.
— The profession listed on the GCC residence permit must be recognised by the UAE and must not have been changed since the entry permit was issued.

For dependents and companions of GCC citizens, additional proof may be requested, such as evidence that the GCC sponsor is travelling and proof of relationship (for example, a marriage or birth certificate).

In practice, applicants should be prepared to provide the following documents:
— A passport copy with sufficient validity.
— A copy of the GCC residence permit showing the profession and remaining validity.
— A copy of the current UAE visit visa or entry permit (if applicable).
— For companions of GCC citizens: supporting documents proving sponsorship and family relationship.

Through EGSH, an authorised AMER Centre, these documents are reviewed in advance to ensure compliance, and the complete application is submitted to GDRFA.

The standard processing time for a GDRFA visit visa extension is 48 hours from the time of submission, provided that all the necessary documents have been provided and the relevant fees have been paid. EGSH ensures that applications are filed correctly to avoid procedural delays.

The government’s standard fee is AED 600 plus 5% VAT. Additional fees apply if the applicant is located within the country: AED 10 for the Knowledge and Innovation Dirhams, plus an in-country service charge of AED 500. EGSH provides clients with a full breakdown of the applicable fees before submission.

A GCC Residents Visit Visa extension can be applied for through official digital channels — the GDRFA Dubai website, the GDRFA smart application, or using UAE Pass. The service is available to residents of GCC countries and may also be granted to companions of GCC citizens. For companions, approval is subject to GDRFA rules and requires submission of valid proof of relationship (such as a marriage or birth certificate).

Processing usually takes 48 hours. However, applications are frequently delayed or rejected due to incomplete information, expired residency permits, or unrecognised professions. To avoid these issues, applicants can use EGSH, an authorised AMER Centre, where advisors review documents, confirm eligibility, and submit the request directly through the GDRFA system.

The Dubai visit visa for GCC residents is available to those residing in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. Travellers holding a Dubai visa based on Saudi or Omani residency, for example, can request an extension under the same rules.