Dubai’s Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) processes millions of visas every year, but 2025 brings important policy tweaks that visitors, residents, and HR teams cannot ignore. Whether you are flying in on a two-month visit, switching from tourist status to employment without leaving the country, or trying to calculate the daily overstay penalty, understanding what is GDRFA in Dubai will save you time, money, and frustration.
What is GDRFA in Dubai and Why Does It Matter?
What is a GDRFA in Dubai is a common question that every UAE citizen has.DRFA Dubai is the emirate-level authority responsible for entry permits, residency visas, Emirates ID fingerprinting, and immigration compliance. While the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) handles most northern emirates, Dubai maintains its own portal, smart app, and Amer typing centers to deliver faster, Dubai-specific services.
Key functions in 2025 include:
- Issuing entry permits (tourist, transit, visit, work mission, medical treatment, study, Green and Golden Visa entry permits).
- Approving in-country status changes so applicants can obtain a new visa without exiting the UAE.
Monitoring overstay days and collecting fines at land, sea, and airport counters.
Entry Permits Available Through GDRFA
| Permit Type | Validity Before Entry | Duration Inside UAE | Sponsorship Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa (Single Entry) | 60 days | 30 or 60 days | No |
| Tourist e-Visa (Multiple Entry) | 60 days | 30 or 60 days (per entry) | No |
| 96-Hour Transit Visa | 30 days | 4 days | Airline Sponsor |
| Medical Treatment Visa | 90 days | 90 days (extendable) | Hospital Sponsor |
| Jobseeker / Explore Visa | 90 days | 60, 90, or 120 days | No |
| Family Visit Visa | 60 days | 30, 60, or 90 days | UAE Resident Sponsor |
| Green Visa Entry Permit | 60 days | 90 days | No (Self-Sponsored) |
| Golden Visa Entry Permit | 60 days | 180 days | No (Self-Sponsored) |
What is GDRFA and how to apply
You have three official channels:
- GDRFA smart app or website (requires UAE Pass).
- Any of the 70+ Amer centers across Dubai, including Arabian Business Center on Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Approved airlines or hotel partners for tourist visas.
Applying via a typing center remains the fastest option if you lack UAE Pass or need document translation. Centers can usually lodge an application in under 15 minutes once documents are complete.
Required documents (digital copies):
- Passport valid for at least six months.
- Passport-sized photo (white background).
- Return ticket or onward itinerary (tourist and transit only).
- UAE health insurance (mandatory for all new entry permits since Oct 2024).
- Additional papers for specialized permits (jobseeker, medical treatment, escort letters, etc.).
Processing times range from 48 hours for standard tourist visas to five working days for Green and Golden entry permits. Urgent service routinely halves the timeline.
In-Country Status Change: Convert Your Visa Without Exiting
Flying to Oman for a quick “visa run” is largely a relic of the past. In 2025, GDRFA lets most visitors convert to residence, employment, or investor status entirely inside the UAE, provided the new sponsor submits a status-change application before the current permit expires.
Common scenarios:
- Tourist → Employment residence visa.
- Investor/Partner → Golden Visa.
- Student → Green Visa.
Step-by-Step Process
- New sponsor (employer, free zone, or self) obtains electronic work permit or initial approval.
- Amer typing center lodges Status Change request on GDRFA portal.
- Applicant pays status-change fee plus typing, ICP update fee, and health insurance if not yet purchased.
- GDRFA issues e-sticker confirming the new status. Applicants remain legally in the UAE.
- Complete medical fitness test and biometrics for Emirates ID.
Processing time: 1-3 working days.
Important: Overstaying voids the ability to perform an internal status change, triggering exit penalties and a mandatory departure.
How Arabian Business Center Simplifies GDRFA Procedures
Navigating multiple portals and last-minute rule changes can overwhelm even seasoned PROs. Arabian Business Center is an Amer-approved typing center that offers:
- Same-day entry permit typing, including Golden and Green Visa applications.
- Dedicated account managers for corporate bulk processing.
- In-house legal team to verify compliance with the latest GDRFA circulars.
- Free courier pick-up and delivery of original passports for residence visa stamping.
- Helpline to track applications and resolve portal errors.
For step-by-step guides on long-term residency options, explore our in-depth resources:
Ready to start? Visit our Amer center on Sheikh Zayed Road or call to book a consultation.
