Dubai's General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has reported a significant increase in entry and residency permits processed during the first six months of 2026. According to the authority's mid-year report, a total of 7 million entry and residency permits were processed between January and June 2026. This includes 1,051,978 new residence permits issued during the period. The GDRFA also renewed 910,552 existing permits.
The GDRFA processed 5,078,078 entry permits across the same six months, with an average handling time of under four minutes per application. The authority reported a customer satisfaction score of 95%. The efficiency in processing applications reflects the authority's capacity to handle high volumes within tight processing windows. This development is significant, given the large number of individuals traveling to Dubai for various purposes.
Among the categories covered in the report, the GDRFA issued 73,551 entry visas to nationals of certain countries who are currently residing outside their home countries. This move is part of Dubai's efforts to attract visitors and residents from around the world. The authority also granted 29,456 visas to individuals traveling to visit relatives or friends. These permits offer stays of 30, 60, or 90 days for single or multiple entries, extendable to a maximum of 120 days.
The GDRFA's Events Visa, designed for conference attendees, exhibition participants, and visitors arriving for organized activities, remained available throughout the period. This category offers stays of either 30 or 60 days, with the option to extend up to 120 days. Additionally, Dubai's five-year multiple-entry tourist visa continued to be active during the first half of the year, with no changes to its terms reported.
The figures underline the scale of movement through Dubai's immigration infrastructure and the authority's capacity to handle high application volumes. Dubai's immigration authority has demonstrated its ability to process a large number of applications efficiently. The authority's performance is a testament to its efforts to streamline the application process and improve customer satisfaction.
The UAE has also introduced other initiatives aimed at attracting foreign nationals, including the Golden Visa program. The scheme focuses on individuals with exceptional talent or rare specializations across a broad range of sectors, including medicine, science, and invention. This program offers a ten-year residency permit to eligible individuals.
The developments in Dubai's visa policies reflect the city's efforts to maintain its position as a major hub for business, tourism, and residency. With its efficient immigration infrastructure and attractive visa options, Dubai continues to attract visitors and residents from around the world. The city's ability to process large volumes of applications efficiently is likely to contribute to its continued growth and popularity.
Key points
- Dubai's GDRFA processed over 7 million entry and residency permits between January and June 2026.
- The authority issued 73,551 entry visas to nationals of certain countries residing outside their home countries.
- Dubai's Events Visa and five-year multiple-entry tourist visa remained available throughout the first half of 2026.
