So, you’ve landed a new job or decided to switch from a tourist visa to a residence visa in the UAE. In the past, this often meant a mandatory trip out of the country—a “visa run” to a neighboring country and back again. This was not only inconvenient but also added extra costs for flights and travel.
The great news is that for the past few years, and continuing in 2025, you can change your visa status from directly inside the UAE without needing to exit at all.
This process is officially known as a “status adjustment” or “in-country status change.” But let’s be clear about one common point of confusion: while this process helps you avoid the cost and hassle of exiting, it is not free. There is a specific government fee for this convenience.
This guide will break down how the process works, what fees to expect, and why it’s the preferred option for most people.
(Image Alt Text: A person applying to change their UAE visa status from inside the country on a laptop, illustrating the convenience of avoiding an exit.)
What Does “Changing Visa Status Without Exit” Mean?
It means you can seamlessly transition from one visa type to another while remaining within the UAE. The most common scenarios include:
- Tourist Visa to Residence Visa: You came to the UAE on a visit visa, found a job, and now your new employer is sponsoring your residence visa.
- Cancelled Residence Visa to New Residence Visa: You’ve switched jobs. Your old company has cancelled your visa, and your new company is applying for a new one.
- Cancelled Residence Visa to Tourist Visa: Your employment has ended, and you want to stay in the country legally to search for a new job.
Instead of having to fly out of the UAE and wait for your new visa to be issued before you can fly back in, you simply pay a fee to have your status changed internally by the immigration authorities.
Is There a “Without Exit Fee”? Let’s Clarify the Cost
This is the most important part to understand. There isn’t a fee you pay to avoid exiting. Instead, you pay a specific government fee for the service of changing your status while inside the country.
This is called the “Status Adjustment” or “Status Amendment” fee.
As of 2025, this fee is generally in the range of AED 550 to AED 650, though the exact amount can vary slightly depending on the specific Emirate and the service provider (typing center) processing your application.
Think of it this way:
- Old Method: Cost of a round-trip flight + time spent traveling + uncertainty.
- New Method (In-Country): A fixed government fee for the Status Adjustment service.
When you compare the cost of a flight to the status change fee, the in-country option is almost always cheaper, faster, and far more convenient.
The Step-by-Step Process for an In-Country Visa Change
While your new sponsor, employer, or a typing center (Amer/Tasheel) will handle the specifics, the general process looks like this:
- Application for New Visa: Your new sponsor (e.g., your employer) applies for your new entry permit or residence visa while you are still in the UAE.
- Approval is Granted: Once the new visa is approved by the immigration authorities (ICP or GDRFA), you are ready for the status change.
- Pay the Status Adjustment Fee: This is the crucial step. Your sponsor or agent will submit the application for the in-country status change and pay the required fee. This request informs the immigration system that you will not be exiting the country.
- Status is Changed: The system officially changes your status from your old visa (e.g., tourist) to your new visa (e.g., residence permit). You are now legally under the new visa without having moved an inch.
- Complete Formalities: You can now proceed with the remaining steps of your residence visa process, such as the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics, from within the UAE.
Who Handles the Process? ICP vs. GDRFA
Like all visa services in the UAE, the authority you deal with depends on where your visa is being processed:
- GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs): Handles all visas issued in Dubai. The process can be done through Amer service centers.
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security): Manages visas for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. The process is done via ICP-approved typing centers.
Your new employer’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) or the typing center you hire will know exactly which authority to deal with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I change my visa status myself? A: Generally, this process is handled by a sponsor (like your employer) or an authorized typing center. It is not something individuals typically do on their own, as it is part of a larger visa application process.
Q: Is the status adjustment fee refundable if my visa is rejected? A: Government fees, including the status adjustment fee, are typically non-refundable.
Q: How long does the in-country status change take? A: Once the new visa is approved, the status adjustment itself is very fast and often reflects in the system within 1-2 working days.
Q: What happens if I don’t change my status and my old visa expires? A: You will start accumulating overstay fines for every day you remain in the country after your visa or grace period expires. It is crucial to complete the status change before your current visa runs out.
The Bottom Line: Convenience Has a Price, and It’s Worth It
The ability to change your visa status without exiting the UAE is one of the most convenient updates to the country’s immigration rules. While it’s not “free,” the fixed Status Adjustment fee saves you from the much higher costs and stress of international travel. It’s a streamlined, efficient process that makes life much easier for residents and newcomers alike.
