How to Convert Tourist Residence to Permanent Status in the UAE

In line with its commitment to simplifying life for residents and visitors by removing barriers, the UAE government has streamlined all procedures and transactions, including modifying tourist visa status to residency. This allows sponsors to carry out their duties without needing to renew visas. Therefore, we have dedicated this article to explaining the process of converting a tourist visa into a residency permit, covering fees, required documents, and other relevant details.

What is the Service for Converting a Tourist Visa to Permanent Residency?

The Dubai government and other UAE authorities provide comprehensive services for all individuals, both citizens and residents. All government transactions are governed by regulations set by the relevant authority, including the conversion of a tourist visa to residency. This service enables applicants to change their status from a visa holder to a new legal standing that allows them to apply for residency within the country.

How to Apply for Converting a Tourist Visa to Residency

One of the most common questions among tourists and residents is how to convert a tourist visa into a residency status. Below, we outline the required documents, procedures, and associated fees for this service:

Required Documents

Individuals wishing to convert a tourist visa to residency must submit the following documents. Note that mandatory and optional documents may vary depending on the information provided in the application:

• Copy of the sponsor’s and sponsored person’s passport, and a copy of the sponsor’s residence permit
• Copy of the canceled entry permit (or current residence permit) and the new entry permit

Conversion Steps (With or Without Leaving the Country)

When it comes to changing visa status in the UAE, applicants must choose the most suitable method and follow the steps below, which typically take two working days:

Digital Channels (Website / Mobile App)

1. Access the smart services system using digital identity or username
2. Search for the desired service
3. Fill out the application form where applicable
4. Pay the service fee

Amr Service Center

1. Visit the nearest Amr Service Center in Dubai
2. Obtain an automated queue ticket and wait
3. Submit the completed application with all required documents to a customer service officer
4. Pay the service fee

Tem

1. Submit the application via the Tem Abu Dhabi platform or mobile app
2. Fill in the application details
3. Upload the required documents
4. Pay the prescribed fees
5. Receive the updated status

Conversion Fees

As with other services, applicants must pay the fees for converting a visit visa to residency during the process. These fees may vary based on the data entered in the application and include:

• Status modification fee: 500 AED
• Knowledge fee: 10 AED
• Innovation fee: 10 AED
• Individual applications: 15 AED
• Organization applications: 50 AED

Conditions for Visa Conversion

To successfully convert a tourist visa to residency, certain conditions must be met. Please note these conditions may change without prior notice as per the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners – Dubai:

• A new entry permit must be available
• The previous residence permit must be canceled

Additionally, there are important points regarding fees and documentation as stated by Tem:

• The system automatically rejects the application after 30 days if the application is returned due to missing data or incomplete documents
• The system automatically rejects the application if returned three times due to missing data or incomplete documents
• Only the issuance fees and financial guarantees (if any) will be refunded in case of rejection
• Refunds will be processed through the original credit card within six months of the application date, or via check or bank transfer (for banks located within the UAE) within five years

Penalty for Late Residency Renewal in the UAE

According to the official UAE government portal, the validity period of a UAE residence visa varies by type—ranging from one year to two, three, five, or even ten years, as in the case of the Golden Residence Visa. However, staying in the country beyond the visa's expiration or exceeding the allowed grace period incurs a penalty of 50 AED per day. It is worth noting that the UAE national ID expires simultaneously with the visa, so renewal should be initiated before applying for residency renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we provide answers to the most common inquiries about UAE residency rules and status changes, aiming to save you time and effort:

What is the grace period after status change?

Residents are granted a 30-day grace period to either adjust their status and secure a new sponsor or leave the country.

Which channels can be used to submit the application?

• Digital channels (website/mobile app): Available 24/7 daily
• Amr Service Center: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (daily except Sunday)

How long does it take to complete the process?

The process is typically completed within approximately 48 hours.

Where are the government centers for residency status change located in the UAE?

• The Creek – Government Services Hub
• Bab Al Falah – Application Tracking Services
• Tawar Center – Government Services
• Al Nazeeya – Government Services
• Immigration – Business Services
• Smart Vision – Government Transactions
• Dubai National – Government Services

What is the difference between a tourist visa and a residence visa?

Item	Tourist Visa	Residence Visa
Item Purpose	Tourist Visa Short-term visit	Residence Visa Long-term stay (work or family)
Item Validity	Tourist Visa 30 to 90 days	Residence Visa One to three years (up to ten years in some cases)
Item Work Authorization	Tourist Visa Not permitted	Residence Visa Permitted upon issuance of a work permit
Item Issuing Authority	Tourist Visa Travel agencies or airlines	Residence Visa Official sponsor within the country

How long is the validity of residency after visa conversion?

Validity depends on the type of residency obtained after conversion—typically one, two, or three years—and can be renewed based on the visa type and sponsor.

Is it necessary to leave the country to convert the visa?

No, UAE authorities allow visa status changes within the country without requiring departure, provided all conditions are met and all required documents are submitted.

What is the cost of converting a visit visa to residency?

The total cost includes a status modification fee of 500 AED, plus additional fees for the new residence permit, which vary depending on the visa type (work, family, study, etc.).

Does the process include a work visa?

Yes, if the applicant receives a formal job offer and a work entry permit is issued by the employer, their status can be changed from visitor to work resident without leaving the country.

We conclude this article with a comprehensive guide on converting a tourist visa to residency, detailing requirements, procedures, fees, documents, and other essential information. If you're interested in related topics, explore our guides on Residency Renewal Conditions in the UAE and penalties for visa expiry. You can also learn how to renew your residency online in the UAE with clear, simple steps. For those seeking work residency, we recommend reviewing how to obtain a work visa in Dubai and its eligibility criteria.

We encourage you to follow the MyBayt blog—the leading Arabic-language real estate blog in the UAE—for insightful and useful daily content. Feel free to reach out anytime by leaving your questions in the comments section below. Don’t forget to subscribe to the MyBayt Newsletter to receive weekly updates on topics that matter to you.