Employment Visa Stamping in Dubai – Fast & GDRFA-Compliant Processing

All foreign employees in Dubai are required to complete the residence visa process, which includes medical testing, Emirates ID registration, and final confirmation of residency through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Residency status is recorded electronically in the Emirates ID. EGSH ensures that all applications are processed strictly in accordance with GDRFA regulations.

The employment visa in Dubai is issued with a validity period of one, two, or three years, depending on the employer type and the conditions of the labour contract. Renewal must be completed before the date of expiry to maintain legal residency and the right to work in the UAE.

Employment visa stamping in Dubai is generally completed within 48 hours after submission, provided that all required documents and medical results are accurate and complete. Processing times may vary depending on the workload of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). EGSH supervises the submission process to ensure compliance and minimise the risk of delays.

All applicants aged 18 years and above must undergo a medical fitness test at a Dubai Health Authority (DHA)-approved centre as part of the residence visa application. EGSH arranges this requirement through Smart Salem, an authorised medical facility, where the examination is completed within 10–30 minutes and the results are issued electronically on the same day.

Since 2022, residence visa stamping in Dubai has been carried out digitally by the GDRFA. The traditional visa sticker in the passport has been replaced with the Emirates ID, which contains all residency information electronically. The Emirates ID now serves as the official proof of residency and work authorisation in the UAE. Visa details can be verified through the UAEICP application or the ICP website.