
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

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Blog post
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.

Media mentions
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.

Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.

Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.

Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.

Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.

Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.

Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Blog post
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.

Media mentions
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.

Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.

Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.

Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.

Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.

Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.

Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.

Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.