The Dubai emigration office — officially the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) — is the government authority responsible for every immigration, residency, and visa matter in Dubai. Whether you need a new residence visa, a Golden Visa appointment, or help clearing an overstay fine, GDRFA Dubai is your starting point. This 2026 guide covers every service, all major centre locations, how to book an appointment online, and what you can handle remotely — so you never waste a trip.
What Is GDRFA Dubai?
GDRFA stands for General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. It is Dubai’s official immigration authority, operating under the UAE Ministry of Interior. Unlike ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security), which handles national-level services, GDRFA is specific to Dubai and manages all entry, exit, residency permits, and visa enforcement within the emirate.
Official website: gdrfad.gov.ae | App: GDRFA Dubai (iOS & Android)
GDRFA Dubai Head Office Location
The GDRFA Dubai headquarters is located in Al Jafliya, next to Bur Dubai Police Station and directly opposite the Jafliya Metro Station (Red Line). This is the main office for complex or escalated immigration cases.
- Address: GDRFA Building, Al Jafliya, Dubai
- Nearest Metro: Al Jafliya (Red Line, Exit 2)
- Working Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM (main counter); selected services extended to 7:00 PM
- Phone: 800 5111 (free call from UAE)
- Email: info@gdrfad.gov.ae
GDRFA Customer Happiness Centres — All Locations
As of 2026, GDRFA Dubai operates 67 Amer Centres, 9 Customer Service Centres, and 7 Partner Service Centres across the emirate. Here are the key locations:
| Centre / Location | Area | Nearest Metro | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDRFA Headquarters | Al Jafliya | Al Jafliya (Red Line) | All services |
| GDRFA Jebel Ali (JAFZA) | Jebel Ali Free Zone, Block 14 | Jebel Ali | Free zone residency, investor visa |
| Amer Centre Deira | Deira | Union / Baniyas Square | Visa, residency, entry permit |
| Amer Centre Bur Dubai | Bur Dubai | Al Fahidi | Visa, residency, fine clearance |
| Amer Centre Al Karama | Al Karama | ADCB | Full visa range |
| Amer Centre Al Quoz | Al Quoz | Dubai Internet City | Residency, Golden Visa typing |
| Amer Centre Umm Suqeim | Umm Suqeim | Mall of the Emirates | Visa, status check, fine payment |
| Amer Centre Ras Al Khor | Ras Al Khor | Creek (Green Line) | Residency, entry permit |
| Amer Centre Al Garhoud | Al Garhoud | Airport Terminal 1/3 | Visa, residency |
| Amer Centre Zabeel | Zabeel | Al Jafliya | All standard services |
Tip: Find your nearest Amer Centre at gdrfad.gov.ae/en/amer. Most are open Sunday–Thursday 8 AM–8 PM and some until 10 PM.
All GDRFA Dubai Services in 2026
The Dubai emigration office handles the following categories of services:
Residency & Visa Services
- New residency permit (employment, investor, family, domestic worker)
- Residency permit renewal
- Adding or removing family members from a residency file
- Residency permit cancellation
- Emirates ID linking to residency
- Green Visa — freelancer, skilled employee, investor
- Golden Visa — appointment, biometrics, issuance
Entry Permit & Visit Visa Services
- Tourist visit visa (30-day, 60-day, multi-entry)
- Employment entry permit
- Mission/work permit
- Transit visa
- Extension of entry permit or visit visa
Fine & Overstay Services
- Overstay fine check and payment
- Visa violation clearance
- Absconding report (employer filed)
- Deportation case status check
Establishment & Business Services
- Establishment card renewal
- Company immigration file
- Domestic worker permit (maid, nanny, driver)
- Quota increase for work permits
Online vs In-Person: What You Can Do Remotely
GDRFA has significantly expanded its smart services since 2024. Most routine services no longer require an in-person visit to the Dubai emigration office:
| Service | Online (gdrfad.gov.ae) | In-Person Required |
|---|---|---|
| Visa status check | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Overstay fine payment | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Visit visa extension | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Tourist visa application (sponsored) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Residency renewal (employer) | ✅ Yes (via Tas’heel) | ❌ No (except biometrics) |
| New residency (biometrics) | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ Yes (for fingerprints/photo) |
| Golden Visa initial appointment | ✅ Book online | ✅ Attendance required |
| Cancellation of residency | ✅ Employer-initiated online | ❌ No |
How to Book a GDRFA Appointment — Step by Step
- Go to smart.gdrfad.gov.ae or download the GDRFA Dubai app
- Select “Book Appointment” from the main menu
- Choose the service category (residency, entry permit, fine, etc.)
- Select your preferred centre location and available date/time slot
- Enter your details: Emirates ID or passport number, mobile, email
- Confirm — you’ll receive an SMS + email confirmation with your appointment reference
- Arrive 10 minutes early with original documents + copies
Walk-ins are accepted at most Amer Centres but expect longer wait times, especially Sunday mornings and first/last week of the month.
GDRFA Dubai Contact Information & Working Hours
- Toll-free hotline: 800 5111 (Sunday–Thursday, 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM)
- WhatsApp service: Available via the GDRFA app
- Email: info@gdrfad.gov.ae
- Website: www.gdrfad.gov.ae
- Main HQ hours: Sunday–Thursday 7:30 AM–2:30 PM (extended counters to 7 PM)
- Amer Centres hours: Sunday–Thursday 8 AM–8 PM (some until 10 PM); select locations open Saturday
Setting Up a Company in Dubai? How Noble Core Can Help
If you’re applying for investor residency, a Golden Visa, or a Green Visa through your own business — you’ll need a licensed UAE company first. Noble Core Ventures helps entrepreneurs and investors set up mainland and free zone companies in Dubai, with full PRO and immigration support.
Need Help with UAE Residency or Business Setup?
Noble Core Ventures handles company formation, investor visa, Golden Visa, and PRO services — all in one place. We work directly with GDRFA and free zone authorities.
Get a Free ConsultationRelated Services You May Need
- UAE Golden Visa — Who Qualifies and How to Apply in 2026
- Free Zone Company Setup in Dubai — Full Cost Breakdown 2026
- Dubai Mainland Company Formation — Process, Cost & Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions — GDRFA Dubai
Where is the Dubai emigration office located?
The main GDRFA Dubai headquarters is at Al Jafliya, next to Bur Dubai Police Station and opposite the Jafliya Metro Station (Red Line). For most services, your nearest Amer Centre is more convenient — there are 67 across Dubai.
What services does GDRFA Dubai offer?
GDRFA Dubai handles all residency permits (new, renewal, cancellation), entry permits, tourist visas, Golden Visa, Green Visa, overstay fines, establishment cards, domestic worker permits, and immigration file management for businesses.
How do I book an appointment at GDRFA Dubai?
Book via smart.gdrfad.gov.ae or the GDRFA Dubai app. Choose your service, select a centre and time slot, enter your details, and confirm. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation. Walk-ins are also accepted at Amer Centres.
Can I check my visa status online without visiting GDRFA?
Yes. Visit gdrfad.gov.ae/en/check-visa-status and enter your passport number or UAE ID to check your current visa/residency status, validity date, and any fines.
What are GDRFA Dubai working hours?
The main HQ is open Sunday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–2:30 PM (some counters until 7 PM). Amer Centres are generally open Sunday–Thursday 8 AM–8 PM, with some locations open until 10 PM and on Saturdays.
How many Amer Centres are in Dubai?
As of 2026, there are 67 Amer Centres across Dubai, plus 9 Customer Service Centres and 7 Partner Service Centres. They handle most routine GDRFA services including visa typing, fine payment, and document submission.
What is the difference between GDRFA and ICP?
GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) is a Dubai-specific authority managing immigration within the emirate. ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) is a federal body handling services across all UAE emirates, including Emirates ID issuance. For Dubai residency matters, go to GDRFA. For Emirates ID, go to ICP.
How do I pay GDRFA fines online?
Go to gdrfad.gov.ae → Smart Services → Fine Payment. Enter your passport or Emirates ID number to check outstanding fines. Payment is accepted via credit/debit card. You can also pay at any Amer Centre or via the GDRFA Dubai app.
What is the GDRFA Dubai toll-free number?
The GDRFA Dubai helpline is 800 5111 — free from any UAE landline or mobile. Available Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM. WhatsApp support is also available via the official GDRFA app.
Can I apply for a Golden Visa through GDRFA Dubai?
Yes. The Golden Visa is processed through GDRFA Dubai for eligible applicants (investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, students). You can book your biometric appointment and track the status at smart.gdrfad.gov.ae. Noble Core Ventures also provides end-to-end Golden Visa support including company formation if required.
