An employee's 2-year employment visa is expiring in six weeks, and they want to know the full renewal cost before their employer's PRO processes it.
The Walkthrough
- Start with the base visa renewal fee
This is the headline figure most people expect, and it's the starting point for the full calculation, not the total. - Add the medical fitness test fee
A renewed medical test is typically required as part of visa renewal — this is a separate line item often left out of initial quotes. - Add the Emirates ID renewal fee
The Emirates ID needs renewing alongside the visa, at its own separate cost that's easy to overlook if only the visa fee was quoted. - Add the typing centre service charge
Processing through a typing centre carries its own service fee on top of the government fees — small individually, but part of the real total. - Total all four components together
Adding the base fee, medical test, Emirates ID and typing centre charge gives the true renewal cost — often meaningfully higher than the headline visa fee alone suggested.
The Takeaway
The 'visa renewal fee' quoted casually is usually just one of four components — medical test, Emirates ID and typing centre charges add up alongside it, and knowing the full total in advance avoids being caught short when the actual bill arrives.
Try It With Your Own Numbers
This example used specific figures to make the process concrete, but the same steps apply whatever your actual numbers are. Run the Visa Renewal Cost Calculator with your own details — free, in under a minute, no sign-up required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the medical test required every renewal, or only sometimes?
Requirements can vary by visa type and current regulations — check whether your specific renewal requires a fresh medical test.
Does the employer or employee usually pay for renewal?
This depends on the specific employment contract — check your agreement, since practices vary by employer regarding which renewal costs are covered.
Can renewal be started before the visa actually expires?
Yes — starting the process a few weeks ahead of expiry, as in this example, is generally advisable to avoid any gap or last-minute rush.
Does a missed renewal deadline trigger overstay fines immediately?
Fines typically apply once the visa has actually expired — check the overstay fine calculator if a renewal deadline has already passed.
Is the total renewal cost the same for every employment visa?
It can vary based on visa type, sponsor category and any specific requirements — the itemized calculator reflects standard current fees, but always confirm for your specific case.