How to Change Your Visa Status in Dubai — Fees and Steps

Changing your visa status in Dubai used to mean flying to a neighbouring country and re-entering on a new visa. That is no longer necessary. GDRFA's status amendment service lets you switch from one visa type to another inside the UAE — no exit required. This article covers the exact fees, the documents you need, and how the 48-hour process works.

If you are switching jobs, moving from a visit visa to a residence visa, or changing sponsors, this is the process.

Eligibility — who qualifies for a status amendment

Two conditions must be met before you can apply:

1. You must have a new visa — The new entry permit or visa must already be issued before you apply for the status amendment 2. Your previous residence permit must be cancelled — The old visa cancellation must be completed first

Both conditions are mandatory. You cannot apply for a status amendment while your old visa is still active, and you cannot apply without a new visa already in hand.

Required documents

The document list for a status amendment is short and specific:

• Passport copy — A copy of the passport of both the sponsored person and the sponsor.
• Sponsor's residence permit — A copy of the new sponsor's residence permit, proving their valid status in the UAE.
• Cancelled entry or residence permit — Copy of the previous visa that has been cancelled. This proves the old status is cleared.
• New entry permit — The new entry permit that the person's status will be amended to.

All four documents are mandatory. No optional documents are listed for this service.

Fees and costs

The GDRFA status amendment fees are fully published:

Registering status amendment: AED 500 (government fee)

Knowledge Dirham: AED 10 (government fee)

Innovation Dirham: AED 10 (government fee)

Individual fee: AED 15 (government fee)

Establishment fee: AED 50 (government fee)

Individual path total: AED 535 Establishment path total: AED 570

The individual fee (AED 15) and establishment fee (AED 50) are alternatives — you pay one or the other depending on whether the application is for an individual or through an establishment.

These fees cover the status amendment only. They do not include:

• Typing centre service fees
• Costs of issuing the new entry permit (handled separately)
• Cancellation fees for the previous residence permit (handled separately)

Process and timeline

The status amendment can be completed at an Amer service centre. The expected completion time is 48 hours.

Step-by-step process

1. Cancel your old visa — Ensure the previous residence permit or entry permit is cancelled in the GDRFA system 2. Obtain your new visa — Have the new entry permit issued by the new sponsor or employer 3. Visit an Amer service centre — Obtain an automated turn ticket, submit your application, and pay the service fee 4. Submit all four documents — Passport copies (sponsored and sponsor), sponsor's residence permit, cancelled old permit, and new entry permit 5. Pay the fees — AED 535 (individual) or AED 570 (establishment) in government fees, plus typing centre service fees 6. Processing — GDRFA processes the status amendment within 48 hours 7. Status confirmed — Your status is updated to reflect the new visa

After the status amendment

Once the status is amended, you proceed with the standard residence visa process:

• Medical fitness test (if required for the new visa type)
• Emirates ID application or update
• Visa stamping in your passport

These steps are separate from the status amendment and have their own fees and timelines.

Common questions

Can I change my visa status inside the UAE without leaving?

Yes. GDRFA's status amendment service allows the sponsored person's status within the country to be amended without leaving the UAE.

How much does it cost to change my visa status in Dubai?

The main fee is AED 500 for registering the status amendment, plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 Innovation Dirham. There is also either an individual fee of AED 15 or an establishment fee of AED 50. The government fee total ranges from AED 535 to AED 570.

What do I need before applying for a status amendment?

Two things: a new visa must already be issued, and the cancellation of the previous residence permit must be completed. Both are prerequisites before you can apply.

How long does a status amendment take in Dubai?

The expected completion time for this service is 48 hours.

Can Amer centres process my status amendment?

Yes. You can visit the nearest Amer service centre, obtain an automated turn ticket, submit your application, and pay the service fee. Our Ras Al Khor centre handles this daily.