UAE Residence Visa Transfer to New Passport (2026): Step-by-Step Guide, Fees, Documents & FAQs

30-Sep-2025 0 Comments
uae residence visa transfer 2026 - move your visa to a new passport dubai | gdrfa & icp

Upgraded your passport or changed your personal details? In 2026, UAE residents must transfer their valid residence visa and records from the old passport to the new passport so immigration systems, airlines, and smart gates recognise you correctly. This guide explains when you need a transfer, the exact documents, Dubai GDRFA vs ICP steps, fees, timelines, travel rules, and fixes for common issues—plus how our team can complete it for you with zero stress.

When Do You Need to Transfer Your UAE Residence Visa?

You should transfer your residency to a new passport if any of the below applies:

  • Passport renewal (expiry or low validity).

  • Name or nationality change (e.g., after marriage or naturalisation).

  • Lost or damaged passport (once the new passport is issued).

  • Child received a new passport (growth/age updates).

  • Data corrections (spelling/date-of-birth corrections).

Common Scenarios: Passport Renewal, Name/Nationality Change, Lost/Damaged Passport

  • Renewed passport: transfer ensures your Emirates ID and e-visa reflect the new number.

  • Name change: update civil records first; then transfer so tickets/immigration match.

  • Lost/Damaged: file as per authority guidance, issue a new passport, then transfer.

Who Handles Your Transfer: Dubai (GDRFA) vs Other Emirates (ICP/Former ICA)

  • Dubai-issued residence → GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs).

  • Other emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, UAQ, RAK, Fujairah) → ICP Smart Services (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security).

Tip: Check your last visa/employer sponsor. If your residence file is Dubai-based, use GDRFA. Otherwise, use ICP.

Required Documents for 2026

Prepare clear colour scans (PDF/JPG) and originals when visiting a typing center:

  • Old passport (even if expired; if lost, provide police report/reference where applicable).

  • New passport (minimum 6 months validity recommended).

  • Current Emirates ID (front & back).

  • Passport-size photo (white background, recent).

  • Residence page/e-residency document (if applicable).

  • Sponsor details (individual/company):

    • For employees: company trade licence, establishment card, and PRO authorisation (as requested).

    • For family sponsorship: sponsor’s passport, residence, Emirates ID, and relationship proof.

    • For investors/partners: licence, MOA/partners list, establishment card.

Extra Documents by Sponsorship Type (Worker / Family / Investor)

  • Worker (company-sponsored): labour contract/offer (if requested), company e-channel printouts (as needed).

  • Family (spouse/children): marriage/birth certificates (attested), tenancy/title deed, salary certificate/IBAN (if asked).

  • Investor/Partner: immigration file copy, capital proof (if asked).

Step-by-Step: Transfer Your Visa to a New Passport (2026)

Online via Smart Services (GDRFA/ICP)

  1. Create/Log in to your GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other emirates) account.

  2. Select “Transfer Residence Visa to New Passport / Update Passport Details.”

  3. Enter data exactly as in the new passport (watch name order & MRZ line).

  4. Upload documents (old & new passport, Emirates ID, sponsor/company docs).

  5. Pay fees online by card.

  6. Receive approval and the updated e-document (or instructions for courier/collection if any physical handling is required).

Typing Center / PRO Submission

Prefer assisted filing? Visit an authorised typing center. They’ll fill the form, scan your documents, and submit to GDRFA/ICP. Your company PRO can also complete it.

Courier & Stamping / E-Document Issuance

Since UAE has shifted to e-residency linked to Emirates ID, many cases issue updated e-records rather than a physical residence sticker. If any courier step is triggered, you’ll receive an AWB/tracking for pickups/returns.

Fees, Timelines & Delivery (2026)

  • Government fee: varies by emirate/channel; expect a modest service fee plus typing/PRO charges where applicable.

  • Timeline: many straightforward transfers are completed within 1–5 working days after successful submission; complex cases may take longer.

  • Delivery: outcomes are typically e-documents/portal updates; keep copies for airline/HR.

Note: Fees and processing times can change by emirate, channel (online vs typing center), and case complexity.

Travel Rules During & After Transfer

  • Avoid international travel while the transfer is in process—airlines and smart gates must see new passport + valid residence.

  • After approval, travel with:

    • New passport (primary)

    • Old passport (recommended if it carries any previous exit/entry history)

    • Emirates ID (active)

    • Printed e-residency/approval (for airline check-in if requested)

Tip: Re-entering residents should ensure airline PNR matches the new passport number/name.

Link Your Emirates ID & Records

Your Emirates ID is the primary proof of residency. After passport transfer:

  • Verify your Emirates ID profile shows the new passport number.

  • Update HR/Payroll, bank, mobile operator, insurance, and tenancy with the new passport details.

  • For Smart Gates/e-Gates, ensure biometrics/passport data are current.

Common Reasons for Delays or Rejections — and How to Fix Them

  • Mismatched names / spelling errors → Align with passport MRZ; upload a name change certificate where applicable.

  • Expired/near-expiry visas or passports → Renew first, then transfer.

  • Unpaid fines/violations → Clear fines before submission.

  • Blurry scans / wrong file types → Re-scan in colour, high resolution; use PDF/JPG.

  • Wrong channel (GDRFA vs ICP) → Submit to the correct authority based on your sponsor/emirate.

  • Missing sponsor/company docs → Obtain latest trade licence/establishment card/authorisation.

Risk Alert: Pitfalls of DIY Applications & Unverified Agents

  • Incorrect data entry can lock your profile or trigger agency reviews.

  • Outdated “sticker-only” advice leads to airport issues—Emirates ID and e-records are key in 2026.

  • Unlicensed agents may use risky shortcuts, causing rejections, fines or travel disruptions.

Why Apply with Our Professional Team

At DubaiVisitVisa.online, we:

  • Audit your documents to prevent rejections.

  • Submit via the correct authority (GDRFA/ICP) and right category.

  • Track your case and handle clarifications instantly.

  • Guide you on travel readiness (new passport linkage, airline PNR updates).

CTA: Start your UAE residence visa transfer now—our experts handle everything end-to-end.

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Avoid errors, delays, and travel headaches.
👉 Apply or speak to an expert at Dubai Visit Visa Online for a fast, compliant residence visa transfer to your new passport in 2026.

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

The process of transferring the residency visa takes 3 to 7 business days, depending on the workload of the immigration authorities and the completeness of all the required documents. In order to avoid delays, submit complete paperwork.

Of course, the process generally involves the following documents:

  • Your old passport with the existing residence visa.
  • Your new passport.
  • Copy of Emirates ID.
  • Passport photograph of yourself (only if necessary).
  • Proof of your legal status in the UAE

Yes, there is often a small cost involved in transferring a residency visa to a new passport. In most cases, the charge is dependent upon your type of visa and the service you use, for example, GDRFA or ICA - but be prepared to pay when you lodge an application.

You should go to one of two authorities: the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). If you are sponsored, you can submit your papers in person, while your employer submits them on your behalf. Some applications are possible online or in person at typing centers authorized by the authorities.

Yes, you can transfer your UAE residency visa from an old passport to a new passport, and this process is done by submitting the necessary documents to the UAE immigration authorities for updating your records.

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