If you have a Dubai visa, either as a tourist or resident, it’s important to know the type of fines you can get and the penalties associated with it. The GDRFA manages the issuance and payments of fines in Dubai. 

In this blog, we will cover the common types of GDRFA fines, how to do a GDRFA fine check, and how to pay your fines. 

Overview of the GDRFA

The General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is one of the main regulatory bodies in Dubai. The institution mainly handles: 

• Immigration and residency including entry and exit permits, issuing, renewing and cancelling residence permits.
• Corporate support including issuing establishment cards and providing support services for Dubai businesses.
• Fines and compliance including monitoring compliance with residency laws, managing and regulating fines for overstaying a visa, late renewal of residency visas or Emirates IDs, and breaches of employment-related regulations.
  
• Citizen services including issuing and renewing passports and managing citizenship matters for UAE citizens.
  
• Enforcement including inspections, follow-ups, and regulatory actions for violators and foreign residents.

All the GDRFA Fines 

Some of the most common GDRFA fines are overstay fines, late renewal and document fines, employer and labor violations, and administrative and system violations. 

How to Check Overstay Fines in the UAE?

There are four ways you can check your fines in the UAE: on the GDRFA website, through the GDRFA mobile app, calling their helpline, or visiting a typing center. 

Visa Fine Check on the GDRFA Website

1. Go to the GDRFA website.
2. Select “Fines inquiry service.”
3. You can search by fine number, unified number, Emirates ID, or your passport number. 
4. Fill in your personal details (nationality, file type, place of issue, file number, date of birth, gender). 
5. Complete the security check and submit your application.

Overstay Fine Check on Mobile Application 

• You can check your fines on the GDRFA mobile app or the DubaiNow app.
• On the GDRFA app, just open the fine inquiry feature, and enter your details to check your fine. 
• On the DubaiNow app, go to “Residency Services” and select “Fines Inquiry.”

GDRFA Fine Check Through the Helpline

• You can check the fine by calling 8005111.

GDRFA Fine Check Through a Typing Center 

• You can go to an accredited typing center, and the staff will help you check your fine.

Can I Get a Waiver on My GDRFA Fines?

You can request a waiver or a reduction on your GDRFA fines if you have a valid justification for the violation. The process is a little complicated, so hiring PRO services in Sharjah or wherever you are based, can make it easier. Here’s how you can get a waiver: 

1. Prepare Documents 

• You will need your passport copy and documents related to your fine plea. If the reason for your request is medical, you’ll need a doctor’s report or certificate to support your case.
• You will also need a letter in Arabic formally explaining the reason for your fine and making a request for a waiver.

2. Submit Application 

• You can complete the application at an Amer center or at the GDRFA office. It has to be submitted in-person.
• If you’re sponsored by an individual, there might be an AED 15.75 service fee.

3. Wait for a Decision 

• There is no guaranteed waiting period to hear back from the GDRFA as it depends on how complex your case is.
• Your waiver can be granted fully or partially, or the authorities may reject your decision. 

How to Pay an Overstay Fine

You can pay an overstay fine online or in-person. Pay online on the GDRFA website or mobile app by selecting the payment service (“Fine Collection for Violators of Residency Law” or “fine collection service”). If you prefer to pay in-person after an overstay fine check, you can visit an Amer center or a GDRFA-accredited typing center.

Conclusion 

Helen and Sons provides expert PRO services, handling all government-related processes for both businesses and individuals. Our team helps you stay compliant with local laws, streamlines your operations (including trade license approvals, document attestation, and visa processing), and helps you avoid fines. 

FAQs

1.Can I check my UAE visa fines online?

You can check your fines online on the official GDRFA website by selecting the “Fines inquiry service” or by using the GDRFA mobile app or the Dubai Now app.

2. Can I avoid GDRFA fines? 

You can avoid GDRFA fines by staying on top of your residency and immigration status. You should also renew your visa and Emirates ID on time, and perform a visa fine check regularly to make sure you don’t miss any fines.

3. Can an overstay be forgiven?

You can request a waiver or a reduction on your GDRFA fines if you have a valid justification for the violation. You have to prepare the relevant documents, including a formal letter in Arabic, and submit the application in person.

4. Where can I pay my GDRFA fine? 

You can pay your GDRFA fine online through the GDRFA website or mobile app by selecting the payment service. Alternatively, you can pay in-person at an Amer center or a GDRFA-accredited typing center.

5. What happens if I don’t pay UAE fines? 

If you don’t pay your GDRFA fines on time, you could face extra penalties, delays or rejections in future visa applications, and even a travel ban to the UAE.

6. Where can I do a fine check on a Dubai visa?

You can check a fine on your Dubai visa using four main methods: on the GDRFA website, through the GDRFA mobile app or the DubaiNow app, by calling the GDRFA helpline (8005111), or by visiting an accredited typing center.