United Arab Emirates: Electronic Issuance of Residence Permits Implemented in Dubai International Financial Center

Effective June 13, 2022, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) will be issuing electronic residence permits instead of endorsing foreign nationals' passports with a residence visa stamp. Therefore, DIFC will not collect original passports under the standard protocol, except employment visa amendments concerning changes of nationality. Previously, the Emirate of Dubai, excluding Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), had chosen not to follow this new process as reported in May.

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].