The General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) is now requiring foreign nationals in Dubai to use the new online UAE Vision system for all applications for dependent visas. This system replaces the previous manual process of typing the application at the authorized typing center and submitting the completed application along with required documents in-person at the Immigration Office.
Dependent visa applicants will still visit the typing center where their applications are entered, but then all
required documents will be scanned and uploaded into UAE Vision there. Applicants will then receive an SMS message of their case approval, modification, or rejection and their e-Visa delivered by email if approved. If applicants require a physical visa stamp, they may visit the Immigration Office after receiving SMS approval notification.
In addition to the change in application procedures, an additional document requirement has also been added to the dependent visa application process. Applicants must now provide the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) of their sponsor’s local bank account for automatic electronic return of the sponsor’s deposit upon cancelation of the residence permit. Previously, sponsors were required to visit the GDRFA office with their original receipt to receive the deposit.
