This blog is created to help readers understand the differences between Amer, Tasheel, and GDRFA services in Dubai. Many residents and expats search for these terms while managing visas, renewals, and government services. Our aim is to simplify the process and guide you toward the right service for your needs.
Confused about when to visit an Amer center, file a request through Tasheel, or head straight to GDRFA Dubai? You are not alone. Dubai’s government service ecosystem has grown rapidly, and while the variety of portals and counters speeds up paperwork, it also creates uncertainty. This 2025 guide clarifies the purpose of Amer, Tasheel, and GDRFA, shows how they interact, and helps you choose the right channel for every visa, labour, or residency need. At Arabian Business Center, we simplify this process for you by guiding and assisting with the right service at the right place.Many residents often wonder about the difference between Amer and Tasheel, but both are designed to simplify and speed up official processes in the UAE
Why Three Different Service Channels Exist
Dubai aims to make all core government services paperless and “20-minute ready” by 2026, according to the Digital Dubai Authority. Rather than run every transaction at a single mega-counter, the UAE delegated front-office tasks to specialized, semi-private service centers that plug into secure government back-ends:
- Amer handles residency and entry permit use requests on behalf of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Before moving for work or visiting family, securing an entry permit UAE is one of the first and most important steps
- Tasheel processes labour and work-permit transactions for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Applying for a work permit in the UAE is essential for employees, as it officially allows them to live and work in the country
- GDRFA remains the underlying government authority for Dubai residency rules, border control, and certain special or exceptional cases.
The result is faster processing, longer customer-service hours, and competition that improves service quality. Understanding the scope of each channel prevents wasted trips and duplicate fees.
Amer: Your Gateway to Most Visa and Residency Transactions
Amer centers are fully licensed outlets that connect directly to GDRFA’s e-services. Whether you are a tourist wishing to extend your stay, a resident’s Emirates ID renewal, or a company sponsoring employees, Amer services at Arabian Business Center is the first stop you can choose. Every resident must complete their Emirates ID renewal on time to avoid fines and ensure uninterrupted access to government services
Key services in 2025:
- New entry permits and status change inside the UAE
- Family, investor, and domestic worker residence visas
- Renewal, cancellation, or transfer of existing visas
- Emirates ID typing and biometric appointment scheduling
- Overstay fine payments and “exit permit” issuance
- VIP fast-track options such as the Amer VIP Visa Assistance Service
Recent update: Since January 2025, medical-fitness test bookings can be made within the same Amer application, eliminating a separate Dubai Health Authority portal login.
Tasheel: One-Stop Shop for Work Permits and Labour Contracts
Tasheel is not a separate government authority. It is a service platform authorised by MOHRE to handle UAE Labour Law transactions for mainland companies. Think of it as the equivalent of Amer for anything related to employment.A labour contract in the UAE clearly defines the terms of employment, including salary, working hours, and rights, ensuring transparency between employer and employee
Typical Tasheel tasks:
- New work-permit applications and renewals
- Quota or company file updates
- Labour contract creation, amendments, and attestations
- E-signature card issuance and cancellations
- Salary complaints and WPS (Wage Protection System) queries
Digital 2025 highlight: MOHRE’s Smart Tasheel app now lets HR managers upload batch files for multiple employee renewals and track them in real time- ideal for firms with large workforces.
GDRFA Dubai: The Authority Behind Residence and Border Rules
GDRFA is the actual government department that defines policy, operates immigration counters, and issues the final electronic visas and IDs. While Amer does the front-end data entry, GDRFA handles:
- Security approvals and background checks
- Appeals, waivers, and fines above AED 50,000
- Sale or lease of property related to investor visas
- Residency cases that require legal opinions or exemptions
When must you visit GDRFA headquarters directly?
- Complex fine disputes
- Manual visa transfers between passports for diplomatic staff
- Legalisation of exit bans or circulars
- Emergency humanitarian visas approved by higher authorities
In day-to-day scenarios, Amer will be enough, but knowing GDRFA’s ultimate authority helps manage expectations.
Amer vs Tasheel vs GDRFA at a Glance
Feature / Task | Amer Centre | Tasheel Centre | GDRFA Dubai HQ |
Governing body | GDRFA | MOHRE | Government (GDRFA) |
Primary focus | Entry permits, residency, Emirates ID | Work permits, labour contracts, WPS | Policy, exceptions, border control |
Customer type | Individuals, families, companies | Mainland companies, PROs, HR | Individuals with special cases |
Typical processing time | 30 min to 3 days | 1 day to 5 days | Depends on case |
Location convenience | 80+ centres across Dubai | 40+ centres across UAE | Al Jafiliya HQ + smart kiosks |
Availability | 8 am–10 pm, some 24/7 | 8 am–8 pm | Sun–Thu working hours |
Which Service Should You Use? Real-World Scenarios
- Tourists want to extend their stay by 30 days → Amer.
- The company needs to onboard 20 technicians → Tasheel for work permits, then Amer for residency stamping.
- Employee fine dispute for AED 60,000 overstay → Start at Amer, expect to be referred to GDRFA.
- Entrepreneurs applying for a 10-year Golden Visa → Amer can complete documentation; see our detailed Golden Visa guide.
- HR wants to update salary details in all labour contracts → Tasheel batch amendment.
Cost, Speed, and Compliance Considerations for 2025
- Fee transparency All centres must display MOHRE or GDRFA-approved fee lists. Avoid agents who promise “special rates” without official receipts.
- e-Dirham phase-out From March 2025, payments shift completely to the UAE Pass and credit-card gateways. Plan your corporate payment cards accordingly.
- Processing time SLAs MOHRE has capped standard work-permit processing to 48 business hours, while GDRFA targets 24 hours for visa renewals submitted through licensed Amer partners.
How Arabian Business Center Simplifies the Choice
Arabian Business Center is an authorised Amer, Tasheel, and GDRFA service partner under one roof on Sheikh Zayed Road. Instead of shuttling between multiple counters, residents and businesses can:
- Submit visa, labour, or Emirates ID requests at a single reception desk.
- Use free courier pick-up and delivery for passports and original documents.
- Track every application online, 24/7.
- Lean on dedicated account managers who know when a case must be escalated to GDRFA.
This integrated model removes the guesswork and delivers the speed promised by Dubai’s smart-government agenda.
Pro Tips to Avoid Delays from Arabian Business Center
- Create a UAE Pass account before visiting any center; it cuts data entry time in half.
- Carry high-resolution PDF scans of passports (colored, 300 dpi) on a USB or cloud link.
- Double-check passport validity-residence visas require at least six months remaining.
- For corporate batches, prepare an Excel roster of employee details to speed Tasheel uploads.
- If you fall under special visa categories (Golden Visa, Blue Visa, or Retirement Visa), request a pre-eligibility review at the Arabian Business Center to avoid rejection fees.
Conclusion
Amer, Tasheel, and GDRFA serve distinct but complementary roles in Dubai’s immigration and labour landscape. When you know which office owns which process, you save time, avoid penalties, and stay compliant with the latest 2025 regulations. For residents who prefer a one-stop solution, Arabian Business Center combines all three services with transparent pricing and round-the-clock support. Reach out today and let our specialists handle the paperwork while you focus on your life or business in the UAE
