Amer — GDRFA's residency channel.
The Dubai-side counterpart to Tasheel. Where every entry permit, visa stamping, and residency amendment for Dubai-based applicants gets processed — typing centres, PRO access, and the GDRFA portal.
What Amer is, in one paragraph.
Amer is the public-facing residency-services delivery channel of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai. Operating alongside Tasheel (which handles MOHRE labour services), Amer processes the residency side of UAE setup for Dubai-based applicants: employment entry permits, investor entry permits, visa stamping, family-sponsorship applications, status amendments (visa-to-residency, in-country status changes), residency cancellations, and out-of-country transactions for Dubai-issued visas. Amer typing centres, accredited PRO firms holding Amer access, and the GDRFA Dubai smart-services portal at gdrfad.gov.ae jointly form the channel.
Common Dubai residency filings.
- Employment entry permit: issued after MOHRE work permit (Tasheel). Allows the foreign hire to enter the UAE legally.
- Visa stamping: after medical fitness and Emirates ID biometrics, residency stamped in the passport (or e-visa).
- Family sponsorship application:spouse, children, parents — sponsored against income thresholds and Ejari-confirmed accommodation.
- Residency cancellation:on resignation, termination, or visa transfer between sponsors.
- Status change applications:visit-visa to residency, sponsor-to-sponsor transfer.
- Visa renewal: employment, investor, family — all processed via Amer for Dubai-based residents.
Where this comes up.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amer?
Amer is the public-facing residency-services delivery channel of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai. Amer typing centres, accredited PRO firms, and the GDRFA smart-services portal jointly process entry permits, residency visa stamping, visa cancellations, status amendments, family-sponsorship applications, and out-of-country visa transactions for Dubai-based applicants.
What is the difference between Amer and Tasheel?
Tasheel handles the labour side (MOHRE work permits, employment contracts, quotas). Amer handles the residency side (GDRFA Dubai entry permits, visa stamping, EID coordination). Both must complete sequentially for a typical employment-visa hire — Tasheel first for the work permit, then Amer for the entry permit and stamping.
Does Amer cover Abu Dhabi?
No. Amer is the Dubai-specific GDRFA channel. Abu Dhabi residency applications go through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) Smart Services portal at smartservices.icp.gov.ae. Other emirates also use ICP. Cross-emirate residents typically use ICP rather than Amer.
How long does an Amer entry permit take?
Standard entry permit via Amer: 3–7 working days from submission to approval, provided the work permit (Tasheel) is already issued and documents are in order. Express service available for an additional fee — typically 1–2 working days for emergency cases.
Don't queue at Amer typing centres
YABS holds Amer access. Entry permits, stamping, family sponsorship — handled in your portal.
This page was last reviewed by the YABS compliance team in Q2 2026 and reflects current Dubai DED, Dubai Municipality, DHA, MOHRE, FTA, and DLD requirements.