Dubai introduces in-person appointments for Golden Visa applicants
Face-to-face guidance now available from GDRFA
Golden Visa applicants in Dubai can now book in-person appointments with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA).
This service offers applicants the opportunity to meet immigration advisors directly for guidance on application status and procedural queries.
The GDRFA clarified that the service is available exclusively to individuals who submitted their applications through their portal and are residents of Dubai. "Once your email is verified, you will be required to provide basic details to secure your appointment," the GDRFA stated.
Booking the appointment
To book an appointment, applicants must:
- Visit the official website.
- Click on "Book Now" and verify their email via a one-time password.
- Enter their full name, mobile number, Emirates ID or passport number, and Golden Visa application number.
- Select a convenient appointment date and time.
Once the booking is confirmed, applicants are advised to carry all required documents to the GDRFA headquarters in Al Jaffiliya, Bur Dubai. The nearest metro station is Max Metro Station.
UAE Golden Visa
What is it?
The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year, long-term residency permit allowing individuals to live, work, or study in the country without requiring a sponsor. It is open to a diverse range of applicants, including investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, doctors, and athletes.
Key benefits
Golden Visa holders enjoy privileges such as:
- Staying outside the UAE for over six months without losing residency.
- Sponsoring family members with assurance that their visas remain valid even if the primary holder passes away.
- Renewing their residency every 10 years.
Applicants needing guidance on their Golden Visa application can contact the GDRFA via email or their toll-free number. The newly introduced in-person service, however, offers personalised support for those seeking immediate resolution to application-related concerns.
This development is expected to streamline the process for thousands of residents pursuing long-term stability in the UAE.
Alternative Visas
Apart from the Golden Visa, expatriates can consider other self-sponsored visa options like the five-year Green Visa or the Virtual Work Residence Visa.
For traditional residence visa holders, remaining outside the UAE for more than six months renders their visa invalid unless they hold a return permit. Golden Visa holders, however, are exempt from this restriction, making it a preferred choice for many expatriates.