What is GDRFA Dubai: An Overview of Its Role and Services

What is GDRFA Dubai: An Overview of Its Role and Services

GDRFA Dubai

As we know Dubai is a global hub for business and known for its tourism. Moreover, this beautiful city attracts millions of visitors every year due to attractive landmarks and innovations. Whether you are a tourist or a business investor in Dubai, it is vital for you to know about legal and Residency requirements. In this vibrant city, one of the main entities responsible for these processes is the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. In this detailed blog, we will discuss the functions and services of GDRFA in Dubai.

What is GDRFA Dubai

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs is the government agency that manages issues related to residency and immigration services. Moreover, it also handles visa applications, Residency permits, and more. The ultimate responsibility of GDRFA is to provide services to all residents and visitors according to the UAE's regulations. 

Key functions of GDRFA Dubai

In Dubai, GDRFA offers an extensive range of functions related to immigration and border control. Here are some of the key functions:

Visa issuance and renewal

One of the main responsibilities of GDRFA is to issue visas to all foreign nationals who want to enter Dubai. Whether you want a short-term tourist visa or a long-term residency visa, GDRFA offers it after completing the paperwork. Moreover, if you are willing to renew your visa, GDRFA provides a comfortable and reliable process. It allows you to work legally in this vibrant city.

Residency Permits

If you are a visitor and aiming to live in Dubai for work then it is important for you to obtain a Residency permit. Moreover, whether you are an employee or an investor, GDRFA accepts your application. 

Entry Permits

GDRFA Dubai also provides you entry permits for various purposes like medical treatment or study. Moreover, these permits allow you to enter Dubai and you're able to fulfill your specific purpose.

Visa Cancellation

If someone leaves Dubai permanently and changes his visa status then GDRFA will cancel his visa. Furthermore, this process ensures that the record of that specific person is updated and he is not under this sponsorship of his sponsor.

Must Read: How to Access Federal Bank Services in Dubai With Great Dubai

Services Provided by GDRFA Dubai

Service

Service Type

Price (AED)

Processing Time

Comments

Visit Visa

30-Day Tourist Visa

300 - 500

3-5 working days

Price varies depending on the type of visa and urgency.

Visit Visa Extension

30-Day Visa Extension

600 - 800

1-2 working days

Extension after the initial visa period ends.

Residency Visa

2-Year Residency Visa

1,100 - 1,200

5-7 working days

Includes medical tests and Emirates ID fees.

Residency Visa Renewal

2-Year Renewal

1,000 - 1,100

3-5 working days

Fee includes Emirates ID renewal.

Emirates ID

Emirates ID Issuance (Adult)

270 - 370

1-3 working days

270 AED for 1 year; 370 AED for 2 years.

Emirates ID Renewal

Renewal (Adult)

270 - 370

1-3 working days

Fees vary depending on the validity period.

Golden Visa

10-Year Residency Visa

4,000 - 5,000

5-7 working days

Includes medical tests and Emirates ID fees.

Entry Permit

Short-Term Entry Permit

200 - 400

1-2 working days

For short-term visits, price depends on visa type.

Overstay Fine

Daily Overstay Fine

100 - 200

Immediate

Per day after visa expiry.

Urgent Processing

Express Visa Processing

Additional 100-200 AED

24 hours

Expedited service for faster processing.

Visa Cancellation

Residency Visa Cancellation

100 - 200

1-2 working days

Required before leaving the UAE permanently.

Visa Transfer

Transfer from One Sponsor to Another

500 - 1,000

5-7 working days

Fees depend on visa type and sponsor.

GDRFA Dubai provides a wide range of services like:

Visa Services

In the UAE, if you choose GDRFA then avail of visa services like Short-term visas (Tourist visa) and long-term visas (Visit visa). Moreover, this government agency also allows you to get Employment Visas, Investor Visas, and Student Visas in this country.

Residency Services

GDRFA offers you a wide range of services like issuance of Residency Permits to employees and investors. You can avail of the option of services for Residency Permits renewal in this bustling country. Moreover, you can also experience services like family sponsorship and residency cancellation.

Application Tracking

If you choose GDRFA in the UAE then you can easily access online services like tracking the status of your visa or residency application. Moreover, if you face any issue you can contact the customer support center for assistance or help.

Methods to Access GDRFA Dubai Services

Method

Type

Cost (AED)

Processing Time

Additional Info

Online Portal

Website

None

Varies by service

Accessible 24/7; convenient for most services.

Mobile App

Smartphone App

None

Varies by service

Available on iOS and Android; easy tracking.

Service Centers

In-Person Assistance

100 - 300

Immediate to 7 days

Additional fees may apply; ideal for complex cases.

Typing Centers

In-Person Assistance

100 - 300

Immediate to 7 days

Professional help with form filling and submission.

Customer Support

Phone/Email/Chat

None

Immediate

Ideal for inquiries and troubleshooting.

Online Portal

One of the reliable and easier ways to access GDRFA Dubai services is their official website in the UAE.

Steps to Access Services Online:

Visit the Website: To access services it is vital for you to visit the official website of GDRFA Dubai.

Create an Account: After accessing the GDRFA website, you have to enter your credentials to log in. Moreover, if you are a first-time user then you must have to register yourself by following all the on-screen instructions.

Select the Service: After logging In,  you have to choose the service that you need like visa applications and residency renewals.

Submit the Application: After that, you have to fill out the online application form and submit it. 

Payment: Now you have to pay the required fees through the secure payment gateway.

Track Application: At last, after payment use the application tracking feature to monitor the progress of your application.

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GDRFA Dubai Mobile App

If you are aiming to access GDRFA Dubai services then their Mobile App offers a reliable way. Moreover, you can download it from both iOS and Android platforms.

Steps to Use the Mobile App:

Download the App: To access GDRFA Dubai services, you can use their mobile app after downloading it from the Apple App or Google Play Store

Register: After downloading, you have to choose “ Register” and provide your important verification details which you will ask for.

Login: Then you have to provide your credentials to log in.

Select the Service: After logging In,  you have to select the service that you need like visa renewal and application status checking.

Complete the Application: After choosing a service, you have to fill out the application form and submit your request. 

Track Status: At last, you are able to track the status of your application through the app.

Must Read: How to Check Your DU Balance Easily With Great Dubai

Service Centers

Service Center

Location

City

Working Hours

Al Manara Center

Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa

Dubai

Sun-Thu: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Al Twar Center

Al Twar 2, Near Al Nahda Metro

Dubai

Sun-Thu: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Dubai Festival City Mall Center

Festival City, Ground Floor

Dubai

Sun-Thu: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Amer Center - Al Quoz Mall

Al Quoz, Near Al Khail Road

Dubai

Sat-Thu: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Amer Center - Al Muhaisnah

Al Muhaisnah 4, Industrial Area

Dubai

Sat-Thu: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Al Rashidiya Center

Near Al Rashidiya Metro Station

Dubai

Sun-Thu: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Ibn Battuta Mall Center

Ibn Battuta Mall, China Court

Dubai

Sun-Thu: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Terminal 3

Dubai

24/7

If you are looking to access GDRFA services in the UAE, you can avail of this process by visiting different service centers. Furthermore, this in-person interaction offers you comfort and peace of mind.

Steps to Access Services at a Service Center:

Visit a Branch: To access GDRFA services, you have to visit the nearest service center during working hours.

Meet a Representative: Now you have to speak with the representative, I am willing for GDRFA services.

Submit Your Request: Now you have to provide all required documents, fill out the application form, and process your request. 

Payment: Always remember to pay the required fee at the service center.

Collect Documents: At last, after payment, you have to return to the center to collect any issued documents like residency permits