How long does the 2026 amnesty last?

The current window runs from 1 February to 30 April 2026; verify exact dates on the ICP website before travelling.

Can I apply for amnesty online?

No. You must attend an ICP or GDRFA centre in person for biometrics and to sign the undertaking.

Do I still pay overstay fines during amnesty?

Fines are waived or heavily reduced; confirm the exact amount on the ICP portal for your case.

What happens if I miss the amnesty deadline?

Normal overstay fines resume and exit bans may be applied until all dues are settled.

Can my employer sponsor me after amnesty?

Yes, provided you regularise your status first and your new visa application is approved by MOHRE or the free zone.

How to Apply for Amnesty in UAE 2026

Quick answer

If you are an overstayer or have an irregular status in the UAE, the 2026 amnesty allows you to regularise your situation without fines or exit bans. You must apply in person at an approved ICP or GDRFA centre before the deadline, bring a valid passport and Emirates ID (if held), pay any reduced fees, and leave or correct your status within the grace period.

Who can apply for the 2026 UAE amnesty?

The amnesty covers foreign nationals whose visit, residence, or work visas have expired. It also includes people who entered without a visa or whose residency was cancelled. Citizens of countries that require a visa on arrival, GCC nationals, and holders of valid residency visas are not eligible. Domestic workers whose employers failed to renew their permits may also qualify if the sponsor agrees to regularise or cancel the visa.

Step-by-step: how to apply for amnesty in UAE

1. Check your eligibility on the ICP website

Visit the ICP portal or the GDRFA Dubai portal and enter your passport number. The system will tell you if you are on the overstayer list and show the reduced penalty (if any) for the current amnesty window.

2. Gather the required documents

Original passport valid for at least six months
Two recent passport-size photos (white background)
Emirates ID (if you still have it)
Proof of address in the UAE (Ejari tenancy contract or hotel booking)
Medical fitness certificate from an approved centre (only if you plan to apply for a new visa immediately)
Sponsor’s passport copy and signature on the amnesty form (for sponsored visas)

3. Book an appointment

Use the ICP app or GDRFA website to select “Amnesty Application”. Slots fill quickly, so book at least three days ahead. Centres in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman operate seven days a week during amnesty periods.

4. Attend the biometrics and submission

Arrive 30 minutes early. You will give fingerprints, sign the amnesty undertaking, and receive a temporary clearance paper. The officer will stamp your passport with the amnesty approval and the date by which you must depart or regularise.

5. Pay the reduced fee

The amnesty fee is set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Verify the current fee with ICP before you travel; payment is accepted by card or cash at the centre.

6. Decide: leave or apply for a new visa

Within the grace period printed on your clearance (usually 30–60 days) you must either exit the country or submit a new visa application at Amer or typing centres. Many people choose to leave and re-enter on a fresh tourist visa.

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting until the final week — appointments run out and queues become long.
Using an expired passport — the system will reject it.
Forgetting to cancel an existing visa before applying for a new one, which can trigger another overstay fine later.
Paying unofficial “agents” who promise faster processing; only ICP and GDRFA handle amnesty.

Amnesty vs regular overstay fines — a quick comparison

Aspect	During amnesty	Outside amnesty
Fine per day	Waived or reduced	AED 50 per day, capped at AED 5,000+
Exit ban	Lifted after approval	May remain until full payment
Re-entry ban	None	Possible 6–12 months if unpaid
Medical test	Required only if applying for new visa	Same

After amnesty: next steps for expats

Once your status is regularised you can open a bank account, get a new SIM, or apply for jobs. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, start the residency visa process through your employer or free-zone sponsor. Keep digital copies of every ICP receipt in case you need to prove your status later.

Tips from people who used the last amnesty

Carry both printed and digital copies of your clearance paper when travelling within the UAE.
Book your onward flight before the appointment so you can show proof of exit at the centre.
If you have unpaid traffic fines, settle them online via the RTA app beforehand; they can block your exit.
Children under 18 must attend with a parent; bring their birth certificates.

Key takeaway

The 2026 UAE amnesty gives overstayers a clean slate if you act before the deadline. Check eligibility today on the ICP portal, book your slot, and prepare the documents listed above. Once approved, decide quickly whether to exit or start a fresh visa so you can enjoy the UAE without legal worries.