CHANGE STATUS IN DUBAI
Changing your visa status in Dubai typically involves modifying your current visa to another type without needing to leave the country. This process is convenient for individuals who receive new employment offers, change their visa sponsor, or move from one visa category to another, such as from a tourist visa to an employment visa.
Determine Eligibility: Ensure you are eligible for the new visa type you wish to obtain. Common reasons for changing visa status include:
1 :Receiving a new job offer.
2 :Shifting from a tourist or visit visa to an employment visa.
3 :Switching sponsors (e.g., from a spouse's sponsorship to employer sponsorship).
4 :Changing to an investor or partner visa.
Gather Required Documents: The documents required vary based on the new visa type but generally include:
1 :Passport (valid for at least six months).
2 :Current visa copy.
3 :Passport-sized photographs.
4 :New sponsor’s documents (e.g., trade license for companies).
5 :Offer letter or employment contract (for employment visas).
6 :Medical fitness test results (for residence and employment visas).
Submit Application for Change of Status:The process involves applying for an “in-country status change” with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. Here are the steps:
1.Employment Visa
Employer Application: Your new employer applies for an employment entry permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and GDRFA.
Status Change Request: After the entry permit is issued, your employer submits a status change request to GDRFA.
Pay Fees: Your employer pays the status change fees.
2.Family/Residence Visa
Sponsor Application: Your sponsor (family member) applies for a residence entry permit through GDRFA.
Status Change Request: Your sponsor submits a status change request to GDRFA.
Pay Fees: The sponsor pays the necessary fees.
3.Investor/Partner Visa
Application: You or your business partner applies for an investor/partner entry permit through GDRFA.
Status Change Request: Submit the status change request to GDRFA.
Pay Fees: Pay the required fees.
Medical Test and Emirates ID: For residence and employment visas, you must undergo a medical test and apply for an Emirates ID after your status is changed:
Medical Test : Visit an authorized medical center for the mandatory health checkup.
Emirates ID :Submit your application for an Emirates ID at an authorized typing center or online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
Complete Visa Stamping: After passing the medical test and submitting your Emirates ID application:
Visa Stamping :Submit your passport to GDRFA for visa stamping.
Receive Your New Visa
Once your passport is stamped with the new visa, you will receive your updated visa, and your legal status in Dubai will be officially changed.
FeesStatus Change Fee:Approximately AED 675 to AED 1,200, depending on the visa type and urgency of processing.
Medical Test Fee: AED 320 to AED 700, depending on the type of test and center.
Emirates ID Fee: AED 170 to AED 370, depending on the validity period (1-3 years).
Tips
Start Early:Initiate the status change process well before your current visa expires to avoid fines.
Authorized Centers: Use authorized typing centers and GDRFA offices for submitting applications.
Stay Updated: Visa rules and regulations can change, so keep abreast of the latest updates through official channels.
For detailed and personalized assistance, consulting with a visa processing service or an authorized PRO (Public Relations Officer) can be beneficial.
Here's what our
customers have said.
Arnold Burner
Arnold Burner
Arnold Burner
Why Choose Us?
We provide A to Z Business Setup Services- We provide 100% confidentiality to all our clients.
- We provide a dedicated account manager.
- We provide bank account opening assistance through our well-established banking relationships.
- Drafting of MOUs and MOA/AOA