Dubai Visa Stamping and Entry Permit Guide

Understanding the distinction between an entry permit and a residence visa is fundamental to navigating the UAE immigration system. These are two different documents that serve different purposes in the visa process.

In simple terms, the entry permit gets you into the UAE, and the visa stamping process converts that entry into your formal residence or employment permission. The stamping process includes a medical fitness test, Emirates ID application, and the physical stamping of the residence visa in your passport.

The most common type of visa stamping in Dubai is the employment visa stamping process. After your employer obtains an entry permit on your behalf and you enter the UAE (or if you are already inside on a visit visa and completing a change of status), you must complete the following steps within 60 days to finalise your residence visa.

1. 1Enter the UAE on your employment entry permit — Present the printed entry permit at immigration upon arrival. The 60-day countdown to complete stamping begins from the date the entry permit is issued (not the date of entry).
2. 2Complete the medical fitness test — Visit a GDRFA-approved medical centre for a mandatory health check including blood test (for communicable diseases) and chest X-ray (for tuberculosis). Results are typically available within 2-3 working days.
3. 3Apply for Emirates ID — Submit your Emirates ID application at an ICP-approved service centre. You will need your passport, entry permit, photographs, and medical fitness results. Biometric data (fingerprints and facial photograph) will be captured at the centre.
4. 4Submit for visa stamping — Your employer or PRO (Public Relations Officer) submits the stamping application through the GDRFA portal with all completed documents including medical clearance and Emirates ID application confirmation.
5. 5Attend the GDRFA office (if required) — In some cases, you may need to visit the GDRFA office in person for a brief interview or to provide additional documentation. Your employer PRO will advise if this is necessary.
6. 6Receive your stamped residence visa — Once approved, your residence visa is stamped in your passport. This is now your official permission to live and work in the UAE for the duration stated on the visa.

Change of status is the process of converting from one visa type to another without leaving the UAE. The most common scenario is changing from a visit visa or tourist visa to an employment residence visa. Previously, this required exiting the UAE and re-entering on the new visa, but the change of status procedure now allows the entire process to be completed inside the country.

To complete a change of status, your new employer must first cancel any existing visa or entry permit (this is done automatically as part of the change of status application) and then issue a new entry permit under the change of status category. The medical test, Emirates ID application, and visa stamping then proceed as normal, following the same steps as a standard employment visa stamping.

The change of status process typically takes 10-14 working days from start to finish. During this time, your immigration status is in transition — your old visa is cancelled and your new visa is being processed. You should avoid international travel during this period, as re-entry may be complicated while the status change is in progress.

The medical fitness test is a mandatory step in the visa stamping process for all employment and residence visas. The test is designed to screen for communicable diseases and is conducted at GDRFA-approved health centres across Dubai.

• Blood test — Screens for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and syphilis
• Chest X-ray — Screens for tuberculosis (TB)
• No fasting required — You can eat and drink normally before the test
• Results available in 2-3 working days (standard) or same day (express, for additional fee)
• Approved centres are located throughout Dubai — your employer PRO will advise on the nearest centre
• Cost: Approximately AED 200-350 depending on the centre and processing speed

If the medical test identifies a positive result for any screened condition, the visa application process will be affected. Some conditions result in automatic visa denial, while others may require additional testing or treatment confirmation. In such cases, seeking legal advice from an immigration specialist is recommended.

The Emirates ID is your national identification document in the UAE and is issued as part of the visa stamping process. Since the UAE has moved to a digital residence visa system, the Emirates ID effectively serves as both your identification and your residence visa proof. The physical sticker in the passport is being phased out in favour of the digital Emirates ID-linked visa.

To apply for your Emirates ID, visit an ICP-approved service centre with your passport, entry permit copy, medical fitness results, and passport photographs. Your biometric data (fingerprints from all 10 fingers and a facial photograph) will be captured at the centre. The Emirates ID card is typically ready for collection within 5-7 working days after application.

The Emirates ID is essential for daily life in the UAE — you need it for opening a bank account, signing a tenancy contract, obtaining a mobile phone SIM card, and accessing government services. Keep it safe and carry it with you at all times as required by UAE law.

Standard visit visas and tourist visas do not require visa stamping in the traditional sense. When you enter the UAE on a visit or tourist visa, you receive an entry stamp at immigration, and the visa is activated electronically in the system. There is no additional stamping step required to validate your visit visa — your entry stamp and the approved e-visa constitute your legal permission to stay.

However, if you entered the UAE on a visit visa and your employer subsequently arranges an employment entry permit for you through the change of status process, you will then need to go through the full visa stamping procedure described above. The visit visa is cancelled as part of the change of status, and the employment visa stamping process begins.

The visa stamping process involves multiple steps, government agencies, and tight deadlines. Whether you are completing employment visa stamping for the first time or navigating a change of status, OraVisa can guide you through each step and ensure nothing is missed.