This article has been reviewed by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Updated August 2023
The GDRFA, or General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, is a Dubai-based government agency that diligently works to deliver forward-thinking, intelligent, and adaptable services to all individuals residing in or visiting its jurisdiction, earning recognition for offering some of the finest services not only locally but also regionally and globally.
Keep reading as Wego delves into everything you need to know about the GDRFA (الإدارة العامة للإقامة وشؤون الأجانب دبي)
Table of Contents
GDRFA Smart Services
Smart GDRFA is an online portal launched by the GDRFA that tends and caters to immigration administrative services, entry permits and residence permits services, and many others. In the process, the GDRFA Smart Services portal caters to the needs of all segments of society, including visitors and residents of the UAE.
The GDRFA Smart Services also offers a host of other services for individuals and companies. You can find the location of the Dubai Immigration (GDRFA) office locations, should you need it. You can also get answers to any legal concerns related to Dubai immigration rules and policies.
Book cheap flights on Wego
For more information, visit our dedicated article below:
GDRFA registration
You can register on the GDRFA platform by following the steps given below:
- visit the GDRFA website
- you can either enter your ‘EID Number’ (Emirates ID) or ‘Email’
- in case of entering EID Number:
- enter your ‘Nationality’ and ‘Year of Birth’
- click on the Captcha box
- select the ‘I accept the Terms and Conditions’ box and click on proceed
- in case of entering Email:
- enter your ‘Username,’ ‘First name,’ ‘Last name,’ ‘Email,’ and ‘Birth Date’
- enter your ‘Password’ and ‘Password Confirmation.’
- click on ‘Send OTP’ to receive an OTP in your email address
- click on the Captcha box
- select the ‘I accept the Terms and Conditions’ box and click on ‘Register.’
Please note that registering without Emirates ID (EID Number) will give you limited features of the GDRFA application.
GDRFA login
You can login on the GDRFA platform simply using your UAE pass. However, to login without the UAE pass, follow the steps given below:
- visit the GDRFA website
- select ‘Individuals’ or ‘Establishment/Typing Centres’
- enter your ‘Username’ and ‘Password’
- click on login, and you will be able to login to your registered GDRFA account
To login using your UAE Pass, simply click ‘Login with UAE PASS’.
GDRFA fine check
You can conveniently review your fines through GDRFA Smart Service’s Fine Inquiry service by following the steps given below:
- visit the GDRFA Smart Service website.
- enter your ‘Search Type’ from the options including ‘File Number,’ UDB Number,’ ‘Emirates ID,’ and ‘Passport Number.’
- enter the required details according to the type
- enter your ‘Date of Birth’ and ‘Gender’
- click on the Captcha box for the security check
- select ‘Submit’ to check your fines
GDRFA visa
Through the GDRFA Smart Services portal, you can apply for the Dubai visa online and/or entry permit.
Applying through GDRFA
You can apply for the Dubai visa online and/or entry permit by visiting the GDRFA Smart Services portal.
To apply for the visa and/or entry permit, simply provide the required information and documents and pay the visa fee online without having to send documents by email or visit the office in person. Once your visa application is approved, you will receive an approved e-visa copy via email.
Applying through offline channels
Typing centres
Offline visa applications can be made through licensed typing centres where the visa application is typed and processed through the GDRFA of the respective emirate. Upon approval, the sponsor will receive a message about the approval and the original entry permit.
Amer centres
Dubai Government stipulates that all entry permit and visa transactions must be carried out through its Amer centres. You can find your nearest Amer centres in Dubai here.
by simply providing the required information and documents and paying the visa fee online without having to send documents by email or visiting the office in person.
Once your visa application is approved, you will receive an approved e-visa copy via email.
For more information visit our dedicated Dubai visa article below:
GDRFA golden visa
Eligible applicants can apply for the Golden visa using the GDRFA website by following the steps given below:
- visit the GDRFA Dubai website.
- select your desired Golden visa service
- fill out the visa application form
- attach the required documents, and pay the required fees
- submit the visa application
Apart from this, eligible applicants can also apply for the Golden visa using the GDRFA Dubai Smart Application by following the steps given below:
- download the GDRFA-Dubai application (iOS, Android)
- applicants who do not have a registered account must register a new user account
- select the required service
- attach the required documents, and pay the required fees
- submit the visa request
Please note that eligible candidates can also apply for UAE’s Golden visa through AMER Center.
Alternatively, for more information, visit our dedicated Golden visa UAE article below:
GDRFA visa status check
The GDRFA Smart Services platform also allows applicants to check the status of their visa application or entry permits.
To check the status of your visa application through GDRFA, follow the steps given below:
- visit the GDFRA Dubai website
- click on the ‘Application’ option under ‘Search by.’
- enter your ‘Application Number,’ ‘Transaction Number,’ and ‘Payment Date.’
- click on the Captcha box, and select ‘Search’
You will now be able to check the status of your visa application.
GDRFA contact information
If you need to get in touch with the GDRFA, there are several convenient ways to do so:
- website: For inquiries and information, you can visit the official GDRFA website here
- toll-free number: To reach out to GDRFA, you can use the toll-free number: 8005111.
- international phone number: If you are reaching out from outside the U.A.E., you can contact GDRFA at +971 4 313 9999.
- email: For correspondence, you can send an email to [email protected].
- Amer chat: Engage in a 24/7 chat with GDRFA through their Amer Chat service.
- postal address: You can also send mail to the following postal address: General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai P.O. Box: 4333, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- headquarters location: The GDRFA Head Office is situated near Al Jaffliya, adjacent to the Bur Dubai Police Station and opposite the Jaffliya Metro station
