Dubai Begins Mandatory Online Filing for Employment Entry and Residence Permit Applications

All new and renewal Employment Entry and Residence Permit applications from companies with more than five employees will soon have to be filed online using Dubai Immigration’s eDNRD e-services platform. Paper applications submitted at Dubai Immigration counters will no longer be accepted. The online filing requirement applies to entities operating in mainland Dubai only; there are no changes for filing in Free Trade Zones. 

The exact implementation date for the e-filing mandate has not been confirmed. However, Dubai officials had previously indicated that employers had to register for the new system by May 18, and employers are advised to register and start using the system by that date. 

Employers must register and create an account before they can file applications in the online system. The following documents/requirements are necessary to create an eDNRD account: 

• A copy of the sponsoring entity’s Trade License and Immigration Establishment Card, 
• A copy of the entity’s authorized signatory’s passport information page and Emirates ID card, 
• An application completed in English and Arabic, and 
• An authorization letter.

Employers may also require a valid e-wallet (Noqodi) account for payment of processing fees. Fragomen is obtaining additional clarification about whether an e-wallet account is required. 

The online filing system allows for employers to create multiple user accounts that are authorized to login and create applications in the system. 

What This Means for Employers 

Employers should register to use Dubai Immigration e-services as quickly as possible to avoid application delays. 

In the short term, the new online filing system may create some administrative burdens for employers, who will have to register for the online portal and set up an appropriate payment system to allow them to submit applications online. In the long term, however, an online filing system is expected to help application processing become more efficient and minimize time spent by the authorized representatives at government offices. 

How Fragomen Can Assist 

Fragomen can assist clients with registering for the new e-services system and setting up appropriate user accounts to allow for the filing of applications. Fragomen is also working with clients to develop new procedures that incorporate online filing. 

This newsflash is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your Fragomen immigration professional or send an email to [email protected].

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