What Is Work to Residence Visa Status Change in the UAE
Amendment of Visa Type Without Leaving the Country
A work-to-residence visa status change is a service of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. It allows the visa type of a sponsored person to be amended inside the UAE without the need to exit the country. The status amendment activates the new entry permit, enabling the continuation of the residency process.
This procedure is required in all cases where a person remains in the UAE, previous permit has been cancelled, and a new entry permit has been issued but not yet activated. If the new entry permit has already been electronically stamped and activated, or if the individual has exited and re-entered the UAE on the new entry permit, a status amendment is not required. In such cases, activation occurs automatically upon entry or electronic stamping.
As a government-authorised AMER Centre, EGSH verifies your documents and submits the application through official GDRFA systems. Clients receive personalised support throughout the process to ensure that the visa status change is finalised without delay.
Change Your Work Visa Status to Residence
Officially regulated fees
No hidden charges
Queue-free service
VIP support at no extra cost
From AED 673
How to Change from a Work Visa to Residence Visa in Dubai
Status Amendment Procedure in Four Steps
01
Visit Our Centre
Meet with an EGSH specialist to start the status amendment process.
02
Submit the Documents
Provide the passport copies, the sponsor’s residence permit, the cancelled permit, and the new entry permit.
03
Pay Service Fees
Settle the official GDRFA fees, including the status amendment fee and applicable charges.
04
Receive the Amended Visa
The amended visa status is issued within two working days through the GDRFA systems.
Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues
You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.
Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai
Operating hours
Monday–Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
Documents Required for Work to Residence Visa Status Change
Official Documents to Submit with the Application
Sponsored Person’s Passport
Copy of the valid passport of the sponsored individual.
Sponsor’s Passport & Residence Permit
Copy of the sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa.
Cancelled Entry or Residence Permit
Copy of the cancelled entry permit or residence visa.
New Entry Permit
Copy of the new entry permit issued by the GDRFA.
About EGSH
Your Legal Expert in Immigration Transitions in Dubai
EGSH is the first VIP government services hub in the UAE, licensed as an official AMER Centre under the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai. The centre unites the services of more than 10 government authorities under one roof, enabling clients to complete most procedures in a single visit.
For visa status changes, EGSH ensures direct processing through GDRFA systems, full compliance with UAE immigration regulations, and support from a dedicated consultant. This ensures that visa amendments are completed legally and without the need to leave the country.

Why EGSH
EGSH makes all public services available in one place—fast, transparent, and compliant. We deliver convenience, personalised support, and priority processing for every client, focusing on innovation and sustainability.
Our Mission
To simplify life in Dubai by providing secure, seamless access to all government and real estate services from a single centre.
Our Vision
To set the benchmark for integrated government solutions, delivering efficiency and exceptional client care across the UAE.
Our Values
Transparency, efficiency, innovation, and complete client satisfaction.
Who needs to apply for a change of work visa to a residence visa in Dubai?
A work-to-residence visa status change is required in cases where a foreign national already in the UAE obtains a new sponsorship (for example, employer-sponsored residence visa). Also, when an entry or residence permit has been issued for the new sponsor and the old permit has been cancelled (or will be cancelled) before the residence visa stamping. The change is formally known as a status amendment under GDRFA Dubai.
Can a work visa be converted to a residence visa in the UAE without leaving the country?
The UAE allows «status amendment» procedures, which enable a visa holder to convert from one visa category (such as a work entry permit or a cancelled permit) to a residence visa under the new sponsor without having to exit the country. For the conversion of a work permit to a residence visa in the UAE, applicants must apply through official channels, ensure all required documents, such as passport, entry permit, and sponsor’s residence permit are ready, and complete any additional formalities, such as medical fitness, Emirates ID registration, and insurance, as required.
How long does it take to change a visa status in the UAE?
The processing time for changing a work visa to a residence visa status in Dubai typically ranges from one to two working days, provided that all required documents are submitted correctly, relevant medical and insurance requirements are met, and there are no delays in sponsor or government verification. However, times can vary depending on the category, the completeness of the paperwork, and whether any issues require correction.
EGSH specialists provide personalised assistance with preparing and submitting your application and verifying your documents to avoid mistakes and delays.
What are the official fees for a work visa status change in the UAE?
Fees for status amendment vary by case and emirate. In Dubai (GDRFA), applicants generally need to pay the amendment/status change fee, plus applicable Dirham fees such as the Knowledge Dirham and Innovation Dirham. Additional costs may include medical fitness examination fees, Emirates ID issuance, insurance, and service charges if applying via AMER/typing centres. As government fees are subject to change, it is recommended to confirm the latest amounts with the GDRFA website or through EGSH before submission.
Can I change my visa status online in the UAE?
Applications for a change of visa status in the UAE can be submitted through the GDRFA digital channels, including its official website and smart application. Applicants must log in using the UAE Pass, complete the form and pay the required fees.
However, online applications carry the risk of errors in data entry or incomplete document submission, which may lead to delays or rejection. When applying through EGSH, a licensed AMER Centre, all documents are verified and submitted directly to GDRFA systems, reducing the risk of mistakes and ensuring the status amendment is completed within the official timeframe.
Do I need to change my employment visa status in Dubai after my previous work permit is cancelled?
After a previous work permit and the associated residence visa are cancelled, the new entry permit issued under employer sponsorship must be activated by changing the work visa status to a residence visa. This step is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence visa stamp and is processed by the GDRFA Dubai. At EGSH, our professional advisors will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring full legal compliance with UAE immigration regulations. Sponsored visits may transition into employment through a visa status change.
Still have any questions?
Why Change Your Visa Status with EGSH
Reliable, Compliant and Hassle-Free Visa Status Change Services
What Our Clients Say About Us
Visit Our Centre
Phone
Working Hours




































































