
Country / Territory
Related offices
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) has introduced a new electronic system for submission of visa applications which requires the foreign employee to appear at one of approximately 600 approved typing centers in Dubai, but eliminates the need for multiple appearances at a GDRFA branch. Most entry permits for visitors and residents will be issued electronically and emailed to the applicant, allowing the foreign national to carry the emailed copy instead of the original entry permit.
Immigration applications for dependents of employees in free zones or mainland UAE may also be submitted through the new system. Companies must continue to use their respective online portals for employment-related applications.
Applicants in Emirates other than Dubai are currently not eligible for the system and must continue to visit a GDRFA branch to process their visa applications.
Documents to Present at the Typing Center
Some of the key original documents the applicant must present at a typing center for visa processing include the following:
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID Card;
- Sponsor’s International Bank Account number;
- Passport; and
- Supporting certificates (e.g. marriage or birth certificates).
Sponsors or their representatives will not need to appear personally for visa applications processed at a typing center since the applicant must present original documents, as noted above.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Employees under visitor visas or residency permits in Dubai can now submit their applications at an approved typing center instead of visiting a GDRFA branch. A personal appearance by the employee at a GDRFA office will be required only for the residence permit endorsement process (but this can be arranged through a courier service) and in exceptional cases.
Sponsors should benefit from the elimination of an appearance requirement for visa applications submitted at a typing center.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Country / Territory
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Media mentions
Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Blog post
Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Video
Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Blog post
Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Media mentions
Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Blog post
Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Fragomen news
Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Blog post
Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Media mentions
UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Media mentions
Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.

Blog post
Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Media mentions
Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Blog post
Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Video
Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Video
Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Blog post
Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Media mentions
Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Blog post
Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Fragomen news
Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Blog post
Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Media mentions
UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Media mentions
Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.