GDRFA

GDRFA — the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs — is Dubai's immigration authority. It issues all entry permits, residency visas, and exit-related documents for Dubai-licensed entities and Dubai-based residents. GDRFA partners with MOHRE on the labour-side of work permits and with ICP on federal coordination. Service centres include Amer (community service points), authorised typing centres, and the GDRFA mobile app and Smart portal.

The process of obtaining a visa from GDRFA typically involves several steps: 1. Visa Application: Submit an application with the required documents, including passport, visa application form, and supporting documents. 2. Document Verification: GDRFA verifies the submitted documents for authenticity and completeness. 3. Medical Examination: Applicants may need to undergo a medical examination. 4. Visa Stamping: The visa is stamped in the passport. 5. Residency Permit (if applicable): For residency visas, a residency permit is issued after the visa is granted. 6. ICP Processing: For visas requiring ICP processing (e.g., employment visas), the application is submitted to ICP for verification and approval.

A company establishing operations in Dubai will need to obtain an Employment Visa for its employees, which is processed through GDRFA. Individuals seeking to live and work in the UAE will apply for a Residency Visa, which requires approval from GDRFA. Families of UAE residents can apply for Dependent Residency Visas through GDRFA. The process involves submitting the required documents, including the sponsor's Emirates ID and passport, along with the applicant's passport and other supporting documents.

Every Dubai-residency-related transaction flows through GDRFA. Knowing the authority and its channels speeds up problem-solving when applications stall.