It is important for foreigners sponsoring a visa to the UAE for their relatives to know when and how the deposit can be returned. Learn about the conditions, deadlines, required documents and the refund procedure

If you have applied for a visa for a family member to Dubai, you may have noticed that a refundable security deposit is usually added to the total application fee. This deposit can be refunded after the person leaves the country or changes their visa status. However, you can only get the funds within a certain period of time and according to a certain procedure.

In this article, we will tell you who can return the deposit for a visa to Dubai, what is the application procedure and what deadlines must be met?

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When can you request a refund for a visa to Dubai?

It is possible to apply for a refund of the security deposit after the family member leaves the UAE or changes their visa status.

In addition, it is worth adhering to a clear deadline for submission - the application must be submitted within 30 days from the date of the person's departure from the country.

How much money can be returned for a visa to Dubai: the amount of the deposit and additional fees

According to GDRFAD, the following amounts are paid when issuing a security deposit:

- Financial security deposit: 1000 dirhams.

- Deposit service fee: 20 dirhams.

- Collection and refund fee: 40 dirhams.

Who is responsible for returning the security deposit for a visa to Dubai?

In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners (GDRFAD – Dubai) is responsible for the refund process, so it is with this institution that you need to cooperate if you want to get your money.

Package of documents for the return of the deposit for a visa to Dubai

To receive a refund, you need to confirm that the passenger has actually left the UAE. To do this, submit:

- Scan or screenshot of the exit stamp in the passport, or

- Travel Report from GDRFAD indicating the date of departure, entry and passport number. You can get the report through the official GDRFAD website or the Dubai Now application.

- A copy of the passenger's passport and visa.

- Original receipt for payment of the deposit

In some cases, confirmation of departure may not be required - the GDRFAD system updates the status automatically as soon as the passenger leaves the country.

How to apply for a refund of the deposit in the UAE online?

If the visitor has already left the UAE or changed sponsorship, a refund request can be submitted online or through the Amer center in Dubai.

Step-by-step instructions for submitting an online application:

Step 1 – Go to the official website www.gdrfad.gov.ae.

Step 2 – Click on the login icon and log in using your UAE Pass.

Step 3 – On the main page, select the “Existing Applications and Dependents” section.

Step 4 – Enter the visa application or transaction number, as well as the visa validity period.

Step 5 – Find the desired application and click “Refund”.

Step 6 – Check the details – amount, refund method, mobile phone number – and click “Process Refund”.

Step 7 – After sending the request, the system will provide a tracking number by which you can check the status of the application.

Usually, according to GDRFAD, the funds are returned to the bank account within two working days.

Returning the security deposit for a visa to Dubai is an official but quite understandable procedure if all requirements are met. The main thing is to submit the application on time, within 30 days after the passenger's departure, and prepare a complete package of documents.

GDRFAD provides a convenient online service that allows you to return the funds in just a few days, without the need for personal visits to the institution. Thus, you can quickly and without unnecessary hassle get your deposit back, adhering to the rules and deadlines set by the UAE authorities.

Planning to apply for a visa, move or reunite with your family in the UAE?

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Reminder! Are you planning to move or are you simply interested in the legal ways to get a UAE passport - this review will provide clear, practical steps and explanations of what you need to know in 2025. Read in this article how to obtain UAE citizenship in 2025: standard ways (birth, marriage, descent, naturalization) and new opportunities for investors and talented specialists, including conditions, requirements, application procedure, etc.

Photo – Freepik

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