GDRFA Dubai processes over 7 million entry and residency permits in H1 2026

Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs has reported strong growth in entry and residency services during the first half of 2026.

The authority issued more than one million new residence permits, renewed 910,552 permits, and processed over 5 million entry permits during the period.

A total of 66,000 Golden Visas were also granted during the first six months of 2026.

GDRFA Dubai said transactions were processed in an average of four minutes, while customer satisfaction reached 95 per cent, reflecting the authority’s focus on speed, efficiency and enhancing the customer experience.

The authority also continued expanding its visa services, including five-year multiple-entry tourist visas, event visas and visas for retirees.

Integrated service platforms also saw strong demand, with more than 521,000 transactions completed through the Work Bundle, which combines several employment-related procedures into one streamlined process.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the GDRFA Dubai said the results reflect its continued efforts to enhance smart government services and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global destination for living, working, and investing.

• GDRFA Dubai continues to offer the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, while issuing 29,456 visas for visiting relatives or friends. These visas provide stay options of 30, 60, or 90 days, for single or multiple entries, with extensions available up to a maximum of 120 days.
• The Directorate also issued 73,551 entry visas for nationals of certain countries residing outside their home countries, reflecting the flexibility of the system and its ability to keep pace with the rapid growth in travel and visitation to Dubai.
  • Entry visas for nationals of certain countries residing outside their home countries offer stay options of 14 days, extendable for a similar period, or 60 days, through streamlined digital procedures.
• The Events Visa is designed for those travelling to the UAE to attend events, conferences, exhibitions and related activities.
  • The visa provides stay options of 30 or 60 days, for single or multiple entries, with extensions available up to a maximum of 120 days.
• GDRFA Dubai's Golden Residency services cater to investors, artistic and sports talents, scientists and specialists, outstanding students and graduates, entrepreneurs, and humanitarian pioneers.
  • The programme helps attract expertise, talent and investment, while offering beneficiaries a range of advantages, including renewable long-term residency, sponsorship of spouses and children, self-sponsorship, and the continued residency of family members in the event of the sponsor’s death.

General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
During the First Half of 2026

5,078,078
Entry Permits

1,051,978
New Residence Permits

910,552
Residence Permits Renewed

66,000
Golden Visas

95%
Customer Happiness Rate

100% of Services Completed within 4 Minutes… pic.twitter.com/EJCSJc4GBl

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 15, 2026