Dubai

⚖️

Legal and Government Services

Sections

1. Visa and Residency Services

Dubai offers a range of visa and residency services for visitors, residents, and investors.

Key Services:

  • Tourist Visa: For short-term visits.
  • Residency Visa: For employment, family sponsorship, or investment.
  • Golden Visa: Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.
  • Visa Renewal and Cancellation: For existing residents.

Costs:

  • Tourist Visa: AED 300–600 (depending on duration).
  • Residency Visa: AED 4,000–6,000 (including medical tests, Emirates ID, and processing fees).
  • Golden Visa: AED 2,800–3,800 (5-year visa) or AED 3,800–4,800 (10-year visa).

Procedures:

  1. Tourist Visa:

    • Apply through airlines, travel agencies, or hotels.
    • Submit passport copy and photo.
    • Pay the visa fee.

  2. Residency Visa:

    • Obtain an entry permit (if outside the UAE).
    • Undergo a medical fitness test.
    • Apply for an Emirates ID.
    • Submit documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

  3. Golden Visa:

    • Apply through the GDRFA or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).
    • Provide proof of eligibility (e.g., investment documents, employment contracts).

Required Documentation:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
  • Passport-sized photos.
  • Proof of UAE health insurance.
  • Sponsor’s documents (for family visas).
  • Tenancy contract or utility bill (for residency).

Local Considerations:

  • Most visa services can be completed online via the GDRFA website or the DubaiNow app.
  • Medical fitness tests are conducted at approved health centers.

2. Emirates ID Services

The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents.

Key Services:

  • New Emirates ID application.
  • Renewal of Emirates ID.
  • Replacement of lost or damaged cards.

Costs:

  • AED 100–200 per year of validity (e.g., AED 300 for a 3-year card).
  • AED 150 for urgent service.

Procedures:

  1. Apply online via the ICP website or at an authorized typing center.
  2. Book an appointment for biometric data capture (fingerprints and photo).
  3. Collect the card from the designated post office.

Required Documentation:

  • Passport and visa copy.
  • Residency application or renewal receipt.
  • Passport-sized photo.

Local Considerations:

  • Always carry your Emirates ID, as it is required for most government and private transactions.

3. Driving License and Vehicle Registration

Driving in Dubai requires a valid UAE driving license.

Key Services:

  • Conversion of foreign driving license.
  • New driving license application.
  • Vehicle registration and renewal.

Costs:

  • Driving license conversion: AED 870–1,200.
  • New driving license: AED 4,500–7,000 (including driving lessons).
  • Vehicle registration: AED 350–450.

Procedures:

  1. Driving License Conversion:

    • Check if your home country’s license is eligible for conversion.
    • Submit documents to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
    • Pass an eye test.

  2. New Driving License:

    • Enroll in an RTA-approved driving school.
    • Complete theory and practical lessons.
    • Pass the RTA driving test.

  3. Vehicle Registration:

    • Obtain vehicle insurance.
    • Conduct a vehicle inspection.
    • Submit documents to the RTA.

Required Documentation:

  • Passport and visa copy.
  • Emirates ID.
  • Existing driving license (for conversion).
  • Vehicle insurance and inspection report (for registration).

Local Considerations:

  • Use the RTA website or the Dubai Drive app for online services.

4. Legal Services

Dubai’s legal system is based on civil law and Sharia law. Legal services are available for personal, business, and criminal matters.

Key Services:

  • Notary Public services.
  • Legal consultation and representation.
  • Dispute resolution and arbitration.

Costs:

  • Notary Public services: AED 100–500 (depending on the document type).
  • Legal consultation: AED 500–1,000 per hour (varies by law firm).
  • Court fees: AED 500–20,000 (depending on case type and court level).

Procedures:

  1. Notary Public Services:

    • Book an appointment online via the Dubai Courts website.
    • Submit documents for notarization.
    • Pay the fee and collect the notarized document.

  2. Legal Consultation:

    • Contact a licensed law firm or legal consultant.
    • Provide case details and supporting documents.

  3. Court Cases:

    • File a case through the Dubai Courts website or in person.
    • Attend hearings as scheduled.

Required Documentation:

  • Emirates ID.
  • Passport and visa copy.
  • Relevant contracts or agreements (for notarization or disputes).

Local Considerations:

  • Legal services are available in Arabic and English.
  • The Dubai Legal Affairs Department regulates legal consultants and law firms.

5. Health and Medical Services

Dubai provides high-quality healthcare services, and health insurance is mandatory for all residents.

Key Services:

  • Health insurance registration.
  • Medical fitness tests.
  • Licensing for healthcare professionals.

Costs:

  • Medical fitness test: AED 320–700.
  • Health insurance: AED 600–10,000 annually (depending on coverage).

Procedures:

  1. Health Insurance:

    • Obtain insurance through your employer or purchase a plan independently.
    • Submit your Emirates ID and passport copy.

  2. Medical Fitness Test:

    • Book an appointment at an approved health center.
    • Undergo blood tests and a chest X-ray.

Required Documentation:

  • Passport and visa copy.
  • Emirates ID or application receipt.

Local Considerations:

  • Use the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) website for appointments and information.

6. Business and Trade Services

Dubai is a global business hub, offering services for company registration, licensing, and permits.

Key Services:

  • Business registration.
  • Trade license issuance and renewal.
  • Free zone company setup.

Costs:

  • Trade license: AED 10,000–50,000 annually (varies by business type).
  • Free zone company setup: AED 15,000–30,000.

Procedures:

  1. Choose a business activity and legal structure.
  2. Reserve a trade name through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
  3. Apply for a trade license and register the company.

Required Documentation:

  • Passport copies of shareholders.
  • Business plan.
  • Office lease agreement.

Local Considerations:

  • Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits.

7. Online Portals and Apps

Dubai has several online platforms for accessing government services:

  • DubaiNow App: Centralized access to over 130 government services.
  • GDRFA Website: Visa and residency services.
  • RTA Website: Driving and vehicle services.
  • DHA Website: Health services.

Contact Points for Assistance

  • GDRFA Dubai: +971 4 313 9999
  • Dubai Courts: +971 4 334 7777
  • RTA: 800 9090
  • DHA: 800 342
  • DET: +971 600 555 555

By following these guidelines, you can efficiently navigate Dubai’s legal and government services. Always ensure your documents are up-to-date and consult official websites or authorized centers for the latest information.