Since 11 February 2026, the UAE applies a single, unified overstay fine of AED 50 per day across all emirates and most visa categories, replacing the older tiered fine schedule that varied by visa type and duration overstayed.
What changed
Before this update, overstay fines varied by visa category and sometimes escalated in tiers the longer someone overstayed. The new unified AED 50/day rate simplifies this into one flat, predictable rate applied consistently by ICP, regardless of which emirate issued the original visa.
When the fine actually starts
The fine applies only after your specific grace period ends, not from the moment your visa technically expires — and grace periods themselves vary by category, covered in more depth in this site's dedicated grace-period guide. Standard employment visas are commonly cited around 30 days, some categories around 60, and golden or green visa holders can get up to 180 days — check your exact window directly through ICP Smart Services or the GDRFA app rather than assuming a fixed universal number.
What to do if you are already overstaying
The fine keeps accruing daily at this flat rate until you either renew your status or exit the country, so acting sooner rather than later keeps the total lower. If your overstay has gone on for a long period, additional consequences beyond the daily fine — including potential re-entry restrictions — can apply, so treat this as a genuine priority rather than something to resolve at your own pace.