government
How to Use an Amer Center in Dubai
How Amer service centers work in Dubai — how to book, what documents to bring, and what to expect at the counter for residency transactions.
Gov. fee
Service fee + applicable UAE government fee per transaction. Total varies by service — see the guide for your specific procedure.
Timeline
1–5 working days. Walk-in: 30–90 min wait; appointment: 10–20 min.
For
Residents and visa applicants completing a personal residency or visa transaction at…
Steps
4
Start
Book an appointment via amer.
Last updated: April 2026
- 1Book Your Appointment
- 2Gather Your Documents
- 3Visit the Amer Center
- 4Collect Your Outcome
Step by step
Book Your Appointment
Book an appointment via amer.ae or the GDRFA Dubai app to reduce counter wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all branches, but peak-hour wait can reach 60–90 minutes.
Where to go
amer.ae (online booking) or GDRFA Dubai app
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai — select nearest when booking at amer.ae
Est. cost
No booking fee
Est. time
Appointments typically available within 1–3 working days
Advice
Multiple Amer branches operate across Dubai including Al Barsha, Bur Dubai, and Deira. If your nearest branch has no availability, check other branches. Walk-in is the fastest option if you need to visit the same day.
Gather Your Documents
Prepare originals and photocopies of all required documents before your visit. The standard set for most Amer transactions: valid passport (original and copy), Emirates ID (original and copy), one recent passport photo (white background, 35x45mm), and the sponsor's passport and Emirates ID where applicable.
Where to go
Your own records
Address / portal
Prepare at home before your visit. Amer centers have on-site photocopy counters if needed.
Est. cost
AED 2–5 per page for photocopies at Amer, if needed
Est. time
15–30 minutes to prepare
Advice
Transaction-specific documents vary. Dependent visa applications require the marriage or birth certificate (attested if foreign-issued). Status changes require the current visa page and relevant employment documents. Check the guide for your specific transaction for a complete document list.
Note
Missing documents result in an incomplete application. Amer staff will return it without processing. Confirm exact requirements for your transaction before visiting.
Visit the Amer Center
Take a queue ticket and wait to be called. The counter staff enter your application into the GDRFA or ICA system, confirm the total fee, collect payment, and issue a reference number and receipt.
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai. Major branches: Al Barsha (near Mall of the Emirates), Bur Dubai, and Deira.
Est. cost
Amer typing fee plus applicable UAE government fees. Staff confirm the total before payment. See the guide for your specific transaction for a detailed fee breakdown.
Est. time
Counter transaction 15–30 minutes once called. Total branch time 30–90 minutes including wait (less with appointment).
Advice
Most Amer branches accept card payment. Bring cash as a backup — some counters are cash-only.
Collect Your Outcome
After submission, GDRFA or ICA processes the application within 1–5 working days. Return to the same Amer branch to collect the visa stamp once approved (Emirates ID is mailed separately by ICA and requires no return visit).
Where to go
Amer center (visa stamp collection) or post delivery (Emirates ID)
Address / portal
Same Amer branch used for submission, or the branch noted on your receipt
Est. cost
No additional fee
Est. time
1–5 working days for most transactions. Emirates ID takes an additional 5–10 working days after residence visa approval and is delivered by post.
Advice
Track your application status using the reference number from step 3. Check via the ICA app, ica.gov.ae, or by calling the Amer center directly.
Overview
Amer is a network of service centers operated by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. Amer centers handle personal residency and immigration transactions: new and renewed residence visas, Emirates ID, entry permits, status changes, and family file updates. Employer-side labor transactions (work permits, labor contracts, offer letter submissions) go through Tasheel, not Amer.
Transactions are processed by GDRFA or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). Amer charges a service fee per transaction in addition to the applicable UAE government fee. Most applications are processed within 1–5 working days. Appointments are available online; walk-ins are accepted at all branches.
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