Change Status

Change your UAE visa status without leaving the country. YABS handles all GDRFA change of status applications — from visit visa to employment visa, investor visa, family sponsorship, and more. Service from AED 100 with processing in 3–5 business days.

Duration : 3–5 Business Days

Price:

د.إ 100

Change of Status in UAE – Visa Status Change Service

Change of Status is the official process of changing a person’s UAE immigration status from one visa category to another without leaving the country. This service is processed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and is commonly used when a person in the UAE on a visit visa, tourist visa, or employment visa needs to switch to a different visa type. At YABS, we handle change of status applications professionally and efficiently.

Common Change of Status Scenarios in UAE

Visit Visa to Employment/Residence Visa: Converting a tourist or visit visa to an employment visa without departing UAE
Employment Visa to Investor/Partner Visa: Switching from employee status to business owner/investor residency
Student Visa to Employment Visa: Transitioning from student status to work authorization
Husband/Wife Sponsorship Change: Transferring sponsorship from employer to spouse or vice versa
Free Zone to Mainland Visa: Changing from free zone employer sponsorship to mainland company

Requirements for Change of Status

The applicant must be physically present in the UAE during the process
Current visa must be valid or within the grace period at the time of application
New sponsor (employer or family member) must have a valid license/residency
No outstanding immigration fines or overstay violations

Benefits of Change of Status

Avoid the cost and inconvenience of exit and re-entry to UAE
Seamless transition between visa categories
Saves time during urgent employment or business transitions

Why Choose YABS?

YABS specializes in UAE visa services including change of status applications. Our team ensures your application is filed correctly with GDRFA, monitors processing status, and handles any follow-up requirements — providing you with a smooth, error-free visa status change experience.

Who Is It For ?

Individuals in UAE on visit/tourist visas transitioning to employment, investors switching visa categories, and residents changing sponsorship without departing UAE

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a UAE change of status, the following requirements must be met:

Applicant must be physically present in UAE with a valid visa or within grace period

Emirates ID (if previously issued) and all previous visa documents

Current Passport (valid, with current UAE visa or entry stamp)

New sponsor’s trade license and establishment card (for employment) or Emirates ID and visa copy (for family sponsorship)

Documents Required for UAE Change of Status

For change of status application, provide: Applicant’s valid passport (all pages), current UAE visa copy, Emirates ID (if available), new sponsor’s trade license and establishment card (for employment change) or new sponsor’s passport, Emirates ID, and visa copy (for family change). No outstanding fines or overstay violations must be present.

How to Change Your Visa Status in UAE – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Eligibility & Timing Verification

We verify that your current visa is valid and confirm you meet all GDRFA requirements for a status change, including checking for any outstanding fines or immigration violations.

Step 2: Document Preparation

We prepare your complete change of status application package with all required documents from both the applicant and new sponsor.

Step 3: GDRFA Application Submission

We submit your change of status application through the official GDRFA/ICP online portal, ensuring accurate and complete information.

Step 4: Processing & Approval

GDRFA processes your application and issues the change of status approval. Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. Urgent options available.

Step 5: New Visa Stamping & Emirates ID Update

Once approved, we assist with the new visa stamping process and Emirates ID update to complete your UAE residency status change.

With Yabs, Say Goodbye to the Hassle of Business Setup!

Also called as onshore companies, mainland companies have access to the local market and businesses outside the UAE. Get a DED license for your Mainland company and spearhead your business in the right path.

Don’t take our word for it! Hear it from our Clients.

Ahmed Al Rashid

YABS made setting up my trading company in DMCC incredibly smooth. Their team handled everything from license registration to visa […]

Sarah Thompson

As a British expat, I was overwhelmed by the UAE business setup process. YABS guided me through every step — […]

Rajesh Patel

I needed to set up my IT consultancy in IFZA quickly. YABS delivered beyond expectations — my license was ready […]

Maria Gonzalez

YABS helped me with my Golden Visa application as a property investor. The entire process was hassle-free and completed faster […]

James Wilson

From Ejari registration to visa processing, YABS has been my go-to for all PRO services in Dubai. Their pricing is […]

Fatima Al Mansoori

YABS helped me navigate the complexities of setting up my mainland LLC in Dubai. Their understanding of DED requirements and […]

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