Check Overstay Fine in UAE: A Complete Guide in 2025

The UAE government is quite strict on residents for not following the country’s visa regulations. If you are a resident or a visitor, it’s important to remember your visa’s expiry date, as failing to renew on time may lead to unexpected fines.

If, for any reason, you have overstayed and missed renewing your visa, this article will guide you on how to check overstay fine in UAE with a step-by-step process to help you understand what to expect and how to resolve it.

Check Overstay Fine in UAE Via GDRFA website

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is Dubai’s government official institute which deals with the residency and citizenship services in the emirate. Among other services available on its website, you can check overstay fine through the following four ways.

Check Fine Using your Emirates ID

Here is a step by step guide:

Visit the GDRFA-Dubai official website
Select “Fines Inquiry Service” on the homepage
Select “Emirates ID” in the search type section
Enter your Emirates ID Number in the required field
Select your Date of birth
Choose your Gender
Complete the security check by filling the reCAPTCHA and click on the Submit button.

a screenshot showing steps to emirates id fine check using emirates id

The fine on your visa will be shown on the screen.

Pro Tip: If you’re interested in learning more about checking fines specific to your Emirates ID, read our detailed guide on Emirates ID Fine Check.

Using your Passport Number

If you have passport in your hand, or remember your passport number, you can follow these steps:

a screenshot showing steps checking overstay fine in the uae by passport number

Choose the “Passport Number” in the search type after visiting GDRFA website.
Enter your passport number in the required field.
Select your nationality from the drop down menu.
Enter your date of birth and gender.
Complete the security check and submit.

check-overstay-fine-result — A Screenshot when I checked my fine.

Check Overstay Fine in UAE Using the File Number

A unique file number is assigned to each individual who has ever got a visa in the UAE. It is written on the visa sticker.

Select the “File Number” method once you visit the GDRFA website.
Tick “Resident” if you are living in the UAE on a Visa, or “Permit” if you are a visitor.
Select one of the seven emirates that issued your visa from the drop down menu.
Enter the file number in the required field.
Confirm your date of birth and then choose your gender.
Finally, complete the reCAPTCHA by ticking the “I am not a robot” box and click submit.

The amount of your fine will be shown on the screen. To pay your fine, read our step by step guide on how to pay overstay fine in UAE.

Using the UDB/UID Number

To check if you have an overstay fine on your visa, follow these steps:

Select UDB number in the search type once you visit GDRFA Website.
Enter your UDB Number in the required field.
Select your date of birth and gender.
Complete the reCaptcha by filling the box.
Click on the submit button.

The fine on your visa will be shown on the screen if you have any, Otherwise, you will see the message: ‘No fines have been found.

What is UDB Number in the UAE and How to Find it?

UDB or UID is a unique number assigned to tourists and residents of the UAE when they are first issued a visa. It serves as an identifier that helps the government maintain individual records. The UDB or UID number doesn’t change, meaning once you enter the UAE for the first time, you are assigned this number. If you leave and return on another visit visa after a few months or years, the number remains the same. Similarly, if you convert your visa to an employment visa or partner visa, the UDB number will remain unchanged.

To find out your UDB/UID number, follow these steps:

Visit the Unified Number Inquiry Service on the GDRFA website.
Enter your passport number and nationality in the required fields.
Select your date of birth and gender.
Complete the security check by filling out the reCAPTCHA and click the submit button.
Your UID/UDB number will be displayed on the screen.

a screenshot showing uid-number-result — My UDB Number

a screenshot showing steps-to-find-uid-number

Exemption from fines for violations of Residence Law

You can also apply for a fee waiver if you are unable to pay the amount under some circumstances. The UAE government may waive the fine amount, if they are presented with valid reasons and your inability to pay.

You can either apply online to submit the request for fine exemption or visit any nearest customer happiness centers.

To apply online, follow these steps:

Visit exemptions from fines for violators on GDRFA website.
Click on start service option.
Select individuals, register by entering your UID number, nationality, date of birth through your emails, or log in with your UAE pass.
Fill the required form.
Attached the required documents such as your passport and a letter stating the reasons for the violations and your inability to pay it.
Pay 15.75/- AED and submit your application.

You will be informed within a few days whether your application is approved or not.

To Apply through Customer Happiness Centre, follow these steps:

Visit any of your nearest customer happiness centres.
Obtain a ticket from the automatic machine, and wait for your turn.
Submit your application along with the required documents to the customer support representative.
Pay the amount.

FAQs

To check your overstay fine online, simply visit the “Fines Inquiry Service” on the GDRFA website. Enter your Emirates ID or passport number, select your date of birth and gender, complete the reCAPTCHA, and click submit. Your fine details, if applicable, will be displayed.

The fine for overstaying in the UAE is 50 AED per day, starting after the grace period has ended.

Yes, you can resolve your overstay fine in the UAE by paying the required amount to the government. The payment can be made online via the GDRFA portal or at immigration offices.

Yes, overstaying in the UAE is a legal violation. The UAE government enforces strict visa regulations, and overstaying without valid permission can lead to fines and potential legal consequences.

The UAE offers a grace period of approximately one month (30 days) after a visa expires. During this time, you can renew or exit the country without penalty. After the grace period, the daily overstay fine will begin.

Yes, an overstay fine in the UAE can be forgiven under some circumstances if you have valid reasons for your overstaying and or unable to pay the full amount.

This article provided a comprehensive guide on how to check overstay fines in the UAE online by visiting GDRFA website using multiple methods such as your Emirates ID, passport number, file number and UBD number. It also covered how to apply for a waiver or reduction of fines in cases of financial difficulty or valid reasons.

As a UAE resident myself, I would suggest that you stay informed and proactive about visa regulations so that you can manage your stay in the UAE smoothly and avoid penalties.

Check Overstay Fine in UAE: A Complete Guide in 2025