GDRFA Dubai (immigration service)
GDRFA Dubai
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs of Dubai (GDRFA) handles the issuance and renewal of visas and residence permits, as well as visa-status checks.
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GDRFA is the key authority for everyone living in Dubai on a residence visa. People come here to issue and renew residence visas, obtain entry permits, sponsor family members, cancel visas, and check visa status and entry/exit records. If you are sponsoring a spouse, children or parents, changing employer, or arranging an investor visa or Golden Visa, all of these procedures go through GDRFA. The directorate also monitors stay in the country and imposes overstay fines, so it is worth keeping track of your status in advance.
Most operations today are done online without visiting an office: through the official GDRFA Dubai app (with UAE Pass login), the Smart Services section of the gdrfad.gov.ae portal, or the Dubai Now super-app. To renew a residence visa you usually need a copy of your passport, a photo, the result of a medical check-up and medical insurance — the documents are uploaded into the app, and the new visa arrives electronically. It is better to start the renewal early, without waiting for the expiry date, to avoid fines. For complex cases or when an in-person visit is required, Amer service centres can help; GDRFA's head office is located in the Al Jafiliya area, next to the metro station.
Working hours and services may change — check the official website or call the institution.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I extend a residence visa in Dubai through GDRFA?+
An extension application can be made online via the GDRFA Dubai app or the gdrfad.gov.ae portal by logging in with UAE Pass. Prepare a copy of your passport, a photo, valid health insurance and the results of a medical examination; it is advisable to start the process in advance, before your visa expires.
Can the visa be obtained entirely online?+
Yes, most GDRFA procedures can be done online via the GDRFA Dubai app, the gdrfad.gov.ae portal and the Dubai Now super app by logging in with UAE Pass. Once approved, the visa is issued digitally.
What is needed to sponsor a visa for family members?+
The sponsor submits the application through GDRFA (app, portal or Amer centers) and usually provides documents on income, employment contract/Emirates ID and housing (Ejari contract). The full document list and the income threshold vary depending on whom you are sponsoring (spouse, child, parent).