Status Change
We assist with seamless in-country visa status changes – no exit required. Ideal for job switch, new residency, or student-to-work transitions.
Change your UAE visa status legally without exiting the country.
Status Change is the legal process of updating your visa category or residency permit while remaining inside the UAE. Whether you're shifting from a tourist visa to an employment visa, investor to family sponsor, or completing residency issuance after entry permit approval, we handle every step with accuracy and speed.
Service Types:
New Status Change
Applicable when converting a visit or tourist visa to a residence visa (employment, family, golden, etc.) without leaving the country.
Renewal Status Change
In cases where visa renewal involves status amendments – like change of employer or residency type – a formal status update is required.
Transfer / Employer Change
For professionals changing jobs, this allows legal transfer of visa sponsorship within the UAE under the new employer.
Overstay Regularization
Support for individuals who have overstayed and need to regularize their status before visa issuance, avoiding fines or blacklisting.
When You Need a Status Change
- Tourist/Visit Visa to Residence Visa Convert your current visit or tourist visa to a valid UAE residence visa without exiting the country.
- Change of Employer or Sponsor If you're switching jobs or sponsors (family to employer or vice versa), a status update is required before new visa issuance.
- Entry Permit to Residency After your entry permit is issued, status change completes the process for getting your Emirates ID and visa stamped.
- Student Visa to Employment Visa Graduates and interns switching to full-time employment can change visa status without travel or exit.
Documents Required for Status Change
- Passport Copy: Must be valid for at least six months at the time of application.
- Entry Permit or Tourist Visa Copy: Your current UAE visa or entry status must be documented to initiate the change.
- New Visa Approval / Offer Letter: A job offer, entry permit, or visa approval form is needed to validate the change.
- Old Emirates ID (if applicable): If previously issued, this helps in updating records and processing cancellation.
- Photograph: Passport-sized color photo with white background, as per UAE standards.
Status Change Fees & Timelines
- Government Fees: Status change fees typically range between AED 600 to AED 1,300 depending on category and emirate.
- Service Typing Fees: Additional AED 100 to AED 200 for form typing, documentation, and processing through authorized centers.
- Processing Time: Usually 2–5 working days after entry permit issuance or document submission.
- Penalty Waiver Support (if applicable): We assist in clearing overstay fines or applying for penalty waivers before final status change.
Other Services
Frequently Asked Questions
- A status change allows individuals to legally change their visa type inside the UAE without leaving the country. It is typically used when converting a tourist visa to a residence visa or switching between visa sponsors.
- Yes, most visa types (employment, family, golden, investor, student) allow for in-country status change without needing to travel or exit.
- It usually takes 2–5 working days, depending on the visa type, document accuracy, and government approval times.
- Overstayers can still complete status change after paying fines or requesting a waiver. Our team can help with this process to avoid complications.
- Yes. If you're in the UAE on a tourist or visit visa, and you’re issued a new residence entry permit, you must complete status change before final visa stamping.
