What do you need to do?
Pick your task to see where it is done and the official government fee. The centre’s service charge is extra.
| Task | Where | Official fee |
|---|---|---|
| New residence visa (Dubai) | Amer centre | AED 200 + AED 20 dirham fees (+ AED 500 if inside the UAE) |
| Renew a residence visa (Dubai) | Amer centre | AED 200 + AED 20 dirham fees |
| Cancel a visa (Dubai) | Amer centre | AED 100 residence · AED 50 entry permit (+ AED 20) |
| Residence visa outside Dubai | ICP centre or typing centre | AED 100 + AED 100 per year + AED 100 smart fee |
| New or renewed Emirates ID | ICP online, ICP centre or typing centre | AED 100 per year + AED 100 smart fee |
| Visa medical test | Dubai Health or EHS centre | From AED 250 (EHS) / AED 270 (Dubai Health) |
| Work permit or labour contract | Tasheel centre (MOHRE) | AED 250 to AED 3,450 by company category |
| Maid or domestic worker visa | Tadbeer centre (MOHRE) | Shown by the centre or the MOHRE app |
| Tourist visa (Dubai) | Accredited tourism agency | AED 200 (30 days) · AED 300 (60 days) + 5% VAT |
| Golden visa (investor, Dubai) | Amer centre or GDRFA | AED 1,100 + extras |
Which centre do you need?
Find the nearest Amer centre
Use your location to see the closest of the 76 Amer and GDRFA centres with official map coordinates. Your location stays on your device.
Typing centres by emirate
Amer centres exist only in Dubai. In the other emirates, visas and Emirates ID go through ICP, and work permits through MOHRE-approved Tasheel centres.
Typing and Amer centres in Dubai by area
How typing centres work in the UAE
Most government transactions for residents in the UAE can be done online, but many people still use a typing centre: a private business that prepares, types and submits the application for you and pays the government fee on your behalf. You pay the official fee plus the centre’s service charge.
Some typing centres hold an official authorisation. In Dubai, Amer centres are authorised by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for residence visas, entry permits, renewals and cancellations. Across the UAE, Tasheel business service centres and Tawjeeh guidance centres are approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for work permits, employment contracts and labour services. Tadbeer centres, also approved by MOHRE, handle domestic workers.
Outside Dubai, residency and Emirates ID are the responsibility of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). There are no Amer centres in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or the northern emirates; applications go through the ICP app, ICP customer happiness centres or typing centres that file ICP applications.
Before you go
- Check which authority handles your case: GDRFA for Dubai visas, ICP for Emirates ID and other emirates, MOHRE for work permits.
- Know the official fee. Use the fee calculator or the service guides so you can compare it with the total the centre quotes.
- Ask for the total with the government fee and the service charge shown separately, and keep the official receipt.
- Bring originals and copies: passport, photo, Emirates ID or entry permit, and the sponsor’s documents.
- Call the centre first: timings vary and many centres do not publish them on the official lists.
Official helplines
| Authority | Phone | For |
|---|---|---|
| GDRFA Dubai (Amer) | 800 5111 | Dubai visas, residency and Amer centres |
| ICP | 600 522222 | Emirates ID and residency outside Dubai |
| MOHRE | 600 590000 | Work permits, contracts, Tasheel, Tawjeeh and Tadbeer |
Visa, Emirates ID and work permit guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a typing centre, Amer and Tasheel?
A typing centre is a private business that fills in and submits government applications for you. Amer centres are typing centres authorised by GDRFA Dubai for visas and residency; Tasheel centres are authorised by MOHRE for work permits and labour contracts. What a typing centre does.
Where is the nearest Amer centre?
There are 85 Amer centres in Dubai. The areas with the most are Bur Dubai (15), Deira (6), Al Karama (4), Al Qusais (4). Use the location finder on this page or see all Amer centres by area.
Is there an Amer centre in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi or Ajman?
No. Amer centres only exist in Dubai because they work for GDRFA Dubai. In the other emirates, visas and Emirates ID are handled by ICP, through its app, its customer happiness centres and typing centres. Centres in Sharjah · Abu Dhabi · Ajman.
How much does a typing centre charge?
You pay the official government fee, which is the same at every centre, plus the centre’s own service or typing charge. There is no single official tariff for that charge, so ask for the total with both parts separated before paying, and keep the government receipt. Calculate the government fees.
What is the Amer call centre number?
GDRFA Dubai answers questions about Amer services on 800 5111. For Emirates ID call ICP on 600 522222, and for work permits and Tasheel call MOHRE on 600 590000. Each centre also has its own phone number on its page.
Can I apply without going to a typing centre?
Yes, for many services. GDRFA, ICP and MOHRE all have websites and apps where you can apply and pay yourself. Typing centres are useful when you are not sure which application to choose, need documents typed or translated, or the online system rejects your request.
What documents should I take to a typing centre?
Usually your passport, a recent photo, your Emirates ID or entry permit, and the sponsor’s documents (employer, spouse or parent). Each service guide lists the official requirements. Bring originals and copies, and check the list on the official page for your exact case.
Where do I renew my Emirates ID?
Online through ICP or at a typing centre; ICP customer happiness centres handle biometrics and special cases. The fee for residents is AED 100 per year of residence plus AED 100. Emirates ID fees.
Is this an official government website?
No. TypingCentres is an independent guide. Applications and payments are made only through GDRFA, ICP, MOHRE and the centres they authorise.
Find your nearest centre
Search by area (Al Qusais, Deira, Al Nahda…), centre name or service, or use your location.
Sources: official centre lists of GDRFA Dubai, ICP, MOHRE, Dubai Health and EHS, and the official fee pages of each authority. Checked on 29 October 2026. Independent guide, not a government website.