Convert Tourist Visa to Residence

About this service

Switching from a tourist or visit visa to a residence visa used to mean an exit-and-return trip. In-country status adjustment bundles the change, medical, Emirates ID and stamping into one flow.

What happens, step by step

• 1

  Status Adjustment Application

  General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

  Apply to change your status from visit/tourist to residence in-country.

  ~3 days AED 640
• 2

  Entry Permit / Status Change

  Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICP)

  Issue the residence entry permit and register the status change.

  ~2 days AED 500
• 3

  Medical Fitness Test

  Dubai Health Authority (DHA)

  Standard health screening required for residence.

  ~2 days AED 320
• 4

  Emirates ID Registration

  Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICP)

  Capture biometrics and issue your Emirates ID.

  ~3 days AED 370
• 5

  Residence Visa Stamping

  General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

  Final residence visa is issued and linked to your passport.

  ~3 days AED 460

Documents you'll need

• Passport
  Valid for at least 6 months
• Current Tourist / Visit Visa
  Your existing entry visa
• Passport-size Photo
  White background, recent
• Sponsor / Employment / Property Proof
  Job offer, contract, or title deed