If you’ve sponsored a family member or friend on a visit visa to Dubai, you can get your refundable security deposit back once they’ve left the country or changed their visa status.
It is worth noting that the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) handles the refund process, and applicants must request it within 30 days of the visitor’s departure.
Who Can Apply and When
The refund is only available after the visitor has either exited the UAE or officially switched to another visa type. Requests made more than 30 days after their exit may not be accepted, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible.
You can submit your refund request online through the GDRFAD website or in person at any Amer Centre in Dubai.
How Much You Can Get Back
Here’s the breakdown of the visit visa deposit and related fees:
Type | Amount (AED) |
---|---|
Refundable security deposit | 1,000 |
Service fee | 20 |
Collection and reimbursement fee | 40 |
Once approved, the refund is usually credited to your bank account within two working days.
Documents You’ll Need
Before applying, make sure you have the following:
- Proof that the visitor has left the UAE, such as:
- A passport exit stamp (photo or scan), or
- A travel report from GDRFAD showing entry and exit dates.
- A copy of the visitor’s passport and a visit visa.
- The original payment receipt for the security deposit.
Sometimes, proof of exit isn’t required if the immigration system automatically updates the visitor’s departure status.
How to Apply for Visa Deposit Refunds Online
Here’s how to request your refund step by step:
- Go to the GDRFAD website (www.gdrfad.gov.ae) and log in using your UAE Pass.
- Click on ‘Existing Applications and Dependents’ from your dashboard.
- Enter the application or transaction number and the visa validity dates.
- Choose the relevant application and click ‘Refund’.
- Review the details and click ‘Process Refund’.
After submitting, you’ll get a tracking number to check your refund status online.
Why This Matters
The refund process gives peace of mind to Dubai residents who sponsor visitors, making it easier to recover deposits once guests have completed their stay or switched to another visa.
In short, apply within 30 days, keep your receipts ready, and the refund should be deposited into your account within a couple of days.
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