DUBAI: Dubai issued more than one million new residency permits during the first six months of 2026, according to figures released by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.
From January to June, GDRFA Dubai processed more than seven million entry and residency-related transactions.
The authority issued 1,051,978 new residency permits, renewed 910,552 existing permits, and completed 5,078,078 entry permit transactions.
More Than 66,000 Golden Visas Granted
Dubai also granted 66,078 Golden Visas during the reporting period.
Golden Residency is available to approved groups such as investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, specialised professionals, talented individuals, athletes, and outstanding students or graduates.
Depending on the approved category, the residence permit may remain valid for up to 10 years and can be renewed when its conditions continue to be met.
The figures show Dubai’s continued appeal to people seeking long-term opportunities for work, investment, education, and family residence.
Applications Completed in Under Four Minutes
GDRFA Dubai reported a 100% completion rate for its services during the first half of the year.
Standard applications took less than four minutes to process on average, while customer satisfaction reached 95%.
The results reflect Dubai’s wider use of online platforms to reduce paperwork and make government transactions easier to complete remotely.
Work Bundles Combine Several Procedures
The Work Bundle recorded 521,216 transactions, while the Domestic Worker Work Bundle handled 11,323.
These digital systems bring several employment and residency procedures into one process instead of requiring customers to apply through different platforms.
Domestic worker services are available through the DubaiNow app, while company employment procedures can be completed through the Invest in Dubai platform.
Video Calls Reduce Service Centre Visits
GDRFA Dubai’s video call service handled 19,507 customer transactions.
The remote service recorded a technical efficiency rate of 97.93%, with customers waiting an average of 5.38 minutes before receiving assistance.
Residents and visa applicants should still check the official GDRFA Dubai website before applying, as requirements, fees, processing periods, and eligibility rules may vary by service and applicant category.
