Procedure per ICP (icp.gov.ae) / GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae). Fees and timelines change — check the authority's website. We don't invent numbers.
The path to residency, step by step
- 1
Confirm you qualify for a residence visa
A UAE residence visa is issued through recognised sponsorship routes. According to recent changes, a residence visa can also be issued for 5 and 10 years, subject to certain conditions. Check which category fits your situation before you apply, since the conditions and any fees are set by the authority.
Documents:PassportProof of eligibility - 2
Pass the medical fitness test
A residence visa requires applicants who are 18 and above to undergo a medical test to prove that they are medically fit. Book this test through an approved health centre once your application reaches that stage.
Documents:Medical fitness certificate - 3
Clear the security check and get your Emirates ID
You must also pass a security check and apply for an Emirates ID card from Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. The Emirates ID is your official proof of residency and is needed for most services in the country.
Documents:Emirates ID application - 4
Renew before your visa expires
Renewing your residence visa is your sponsor's responsibility: your sponsor must renew your residence visa before it expires. Keep track of the expiry date and start the renewal early so your status never lapses.
- 5
Know the rules for dependents
If you sponsor family members, remember that the expiry date of the dependent's residence visa will not exceed that of the sponsor. Renewing your own visa on time keeps your dependents covered too.
- 6
Understand grace periods and re-entry
UAE residents are granted longer flexible grace periods that reach up to 6 months (according to resident category) to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expired. Separately, an entry permit for residents staying outside the UAE for over 6 months applies to UAE residents whose residence visa expired as a result of staying outside the country for more than six months for study, work or treatment — they can apply for a permit to enter the UAE.
Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.
Who provides this service in Dubai
Real companies from Google Maps — live ratings and reviews.
ACCESS POINT TYPING SERVICES- EMIRATES ID-MEDICAL- (IMPZ)
4.9(67)Mango Hyper Market First Entry Mall - Me'aisem First - Dubai Production City - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
NUMBER ONE TYPING CENTER SHARJAH - Sharjah Dubai Family Visa Typing - Emirates ID Typing - Medical Typing
4.8(99)King Abdul Aziz St - Al Mahatta - Hay Al Qasimiah - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
NEW ID CENTRE DOCUMENT CLEARING SERVICES
4.2(11)|Deira | Dubai - 8th St - near Westzone Super Market - Al Rigga - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Typing Center - Emirates ID & Medical (Quality Government Service Center)
4.3(35)Main Office - 1 - next to DIP - Dubai Investment Park First - Green Community Village - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Emirates ID & Medical Fitness Typing Center Al-quoz
4.8(8)Shop Number 3 - 23rd St - Al Qouz Ind.third - Al Quoz - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Alpha Point Typing Services ( Emirates ID , DHA Medical & OHC Typing Center)
4.5(48)AL QUSAIS IND 2 - OPPOSITE TO DUBAI CATTLE MARKET - WARE HOUSE 1 - شارع حلب - Al Qusais Ind. Second - القصيص الصناعية الثانية - دبي - United Arab Emirates
Let our relocation team handle the paperwork
From choosing the right visa category to the medical test, security check and Emirates ID, our relocation team guides you through every step so nothing gets missed or delayed. Tell us your situation and we'll map out your route to Dubai residency.
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