Dubai's GDRFA launches ‘all-in-one’ residency service for government and free zone entities

Dubai: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) has introduced a new integrated service aimed at streamlining residency procedures for government, semi-government, and free zone entities.

On Wednesday, January 29, GDRFA announced the launch of an ‘all-in-one solution’ designed to handle residency services for establishments in these sectors through the dedicated platform bundle.gdrfad.gov.ae. This initiative seeks to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and expedite the residency process for companies operating within these sectors.

What services are available?

To utilise the platform, free zone, semi-government, and government employees must have their company registered with an ‘establishment’ account at GDRFA. A valid establishment card is essential, as it serves as the company’s official identification when dealing with immigration authorities and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

The platform facilitates a range of key residency services, including:

• Entry Permit

• Change of Status

• Residency Visa Issuance and Renewal

• Emirates ID Application

• Medical Fitness Test

UAE Work Bundle Service

In 2024, the UAE government launched the ‘Work Bundle’ initiative to streamline employee residency and work permit procedures for private sector companies. This comprehensive service simplifies business operations by integrating multiple processes into a single platform, eliminating the need to navigate multiple government portals.

For private sector businesses in Dubai, the ‘Work Bundle’ (workinuae.ae) is accessible via the Invest in Dubai platform (app.invest.dubai.ae).

In other emirates - Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah - the service is available through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) smart services portal (smartservices.icp.gov.ae).

What are the benefits of the Work Bundle?

The Work Bundle significantly reduces processing time and administrative requirements for businesses in the UAE. Key services and benefits include:

Hiring a new employee in a company:

• Issuing a new work permit

• Requesting a status adjustment

• Issuing a visa

• Issuing employment contract

• Issuing Emirates ID and residency

• Medical examination services

Renewing work contract:

• Renewing worker's employment contract

• Renewing Emirates ID and residency

• Medical examination services

Cancelling worker's employment:

• Cancelling work permit

• Cancelling residency

Benefits for companies:

• Processing time reduced from 30 days to just five days.

• Single platform access instead of multiple government websites.

• Required documents reduced from 16 to five.

• Fewer visits to government departments cut from seven to two.