All you need to know about GDRFA, Dubai
GDRFA or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, is a Dubai-based government entity that regulates international travellers’ entry and exit and foreign nationals’ residency. Each year the organisation processes applications from thousands of visitors to the UAE and is ranked amongst the world’s top ports and border directorates.
All about the GDRFA
GDRFA’s services are directly related to tourists and expats in Dubai. Hence, the entity plays a pivotal role in assisting and facilitating the entry and exit (clearance) of people who visit or live in Dubai. Moreover, it allows talented individuals to join organisations in the UAE and sponsor their families. The economic contributions of these tourists and professionals settling in the emirate are substantial, fueling Dubai’s growth. All this won’t be possible without highly efficient GDRFA services.
Over the years, the regulatory authority has streamlined its processes, resulting in quick, prompt responses. You can request services online via the official GDRFA website or visit service centres located across the city.
What services does GDRFA Dubai offer?
Here’s an overview of the most popular GDRFA Dubai services.
Entry Permits Services
The scope of GDRFA entry permit services includes requests for:
- Issuance of visa (work/residency/green/visit)
- Extensions or cancellations of a visit visa
- Visa status adjustment
- Adding quotas for Tourist Establishments
- Sponsor file registration (resident, UAE and GCC citizen)
- Refund of fees and financial guarantees for rejected applications
Residency Services
Residency services are also part of GDRFA’s domain. Hence, you can reach out to GDRFA for a new visa, visa renewal or a Residency Permit update. If you recently renewed your passport, you can also review the complete process for transferring your UAE residence visa to a new passport, which is an essential step for all expats living in Dubai.
Similarly, the addition or removal of escort services, changes in status, residency permit transfers and cancellations are also handled by the GDRFA. One of the GDRFA online services includes checking your visa status in the UAE.
GDRFA Inquiry Service also allows users to find their Unified Number.
Entry & Exit Services
All entries through the land, air or marine ports are monitored and registered by GDRFA.
Establishment Support Services
Establishment Support Services at the GDRFA include processing requests for corporate entities. These cover managing a company’s electronic services portal, restricting or banning access and handling enterprise representative accounts.
- Issuance, renewal and cancellation of Establishment and Representative Card
- Data amendment
- Lifting a ban on individual/establishment file
Legal Services
Legal services by GDRFA include:
- Conciliation and reconciliation
- Legal advice
- Judicial authorities inquiry
Violator Follow-up
The Violation Control department ensures the system is not misused and everyone in Dubai follows the established legal procedures
- Temporary closure of the file of companies or individuals
- Fine collections
- Issuance of departure permit
- Raising a circular regarding a person (sponsored in the administrative list)
- Issuance of statements (exit and entry movement)
Passport and Citizenship Status
This GDRFA Dubai service offers:
- Family book services include modification/replacement of the book linked to marriage or separation, adding a newborn child to the books, replacing a damaged or lost book, terminating a registration and other services.
- Passport services include replacing a damaged/lost passport, issuing a passport for a foreign wife (husband dependent), issuing a passport for a newborn child and issuing an electronic passport. Moreover, passport renewals are part of their services.
Other GDRFA Dubai services include:
- Fines Inquiry
- Check job application and GDRFA Dubai visa status
- Find my Unified Number
- Schengen citizen visa calculator
- Schedule a Golden Visa UAE appointment
- Smart Gate registration inquiry
- Open new Amer Centre (only for investors)
- AlSaada Card (loyalty concessions program launched by the GDRFA)
Where are the GDRFA Service Centres located?
To request any of the above services, visit one of GDRFA’s Customer Service Centres.
- GDRFA Head quarters, Al Jaffilya
- Al Awir Centre (Public service section)
- Hatta Section
- Free Zone Section, Dubai International Airport
- Airport Services Center
- Almanara Center Section
- Alissely section
- Dubai International Financial
Amer Centres in Dubai also offer these services. Visit the official website for GDRFA online services.
FAQS
How can I contact GDRFA Dubai?
For any assistance related to GDRFA services, call +800-5111 or email amer@gdrfad.gov.ae. Alternatively, you can use the Amer E-chat facility to ask questions.
How can I check my GDRFA visa status?
You can check your GDRFA visa status online within seconds through the official website or app. Simply enter your order number, transaction number and application payment date to view your visa details.
This completes our review of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs services. The institution maintains law and order and regulates individuals visiting, living and working in Dubai. You can visit the official website to create a GDRFA login and use the services. Alternatively, you could also download the GDRFA app for a hassle-free experience.
So, now you know where to head whether you are sponsoring a family member, inviting a professional for your business or planning to renew an official document. Read up on the different types of visas before you start the process. For example, you could look at an investor visa in Dubai or a Dubai tourist visa. You can learn all about Dubai family visa price in our blog.
Have you moved recently to the UAE? Visit MyBayut to learn more about life in the UAE.
