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Updated September 2024
Key takeaways
GDRFA provides immigration services, including entry permits, visas, and residency options like Golden and Green residencies.
GDRFA’s smart services allow users to manage visas, check fines, and track visa applications.
To access GDRFA services, users must register and log in to the smart services platform.
Table of Contents
What does GDRFA refer to?
According to the Government of Dubai and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, GDRFA refers to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. GDRFA works to provide proactive and advanced services that are efficient, effective and flexible to all visitors and residents on its territories.
GDRFAD, or General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai, is commonly called GDRFA. For the sake of convenience of the readers, we will hereby refer to GDRFAD as GDRFA.
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What are the visa services offered by GDRFA?
The GDRFA Dubai website provides various administrative services related to immigration.
Some of the services include the following:
Entry permits
The GDRFA smart services for the UAE provide crucial services related to the country’s entry permits. Services include visa extension, visa cancellation, issuance of a work visa, visit visa, residency visa, green visa and registration of a sponsorship file.
Dubai residency
The GDRFA services can help you apply for special resident permits, if you are applicable, like the following:
Golden residency
Golden residency is a permit given to exceptional individuals who have excelled in fields significant to the country.
Green residency
Green residency is a kind of residency visa that is eligible for applicants capable of sponsoring themselves, whether as contractors or self-employed individuals.
Fines inquiry
Using the GDRFA smart services, you can learn about any fines you may have acquired and get more details about them. Check out our dedicated article to learn how to manage overstaying fines using the GDRFA smart services.
Visa check
You can check the status of your visa application or entry permit through the GDRFA website.
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.
In case of any queries, you can contact GDRFA at the toll-free number 8005111 (domestic) or +971 4 313 9999 (international). Alternatively, you can email them at [email protected].
What is the GDRFA smart services platform?
The GDRFA smart service platform is an online portal launched by the GDRFA that tends to and caters to immigration administrative services, entry permits, residence permit 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.
To avail of the services, you must register with the GDRFA smart service portal and log in using your ID. Please check out our dedicated article about GDRFA smart services to learn more about this process.
