Resource

Government Portals

Your digital gateway to UAE services. Visas, IDs, licenses, business setup, utilities - all official sources in one place.

4 min read • Updated December 2025

Pro Tip: Set up UAE Pass first. It's the universal login for all government services - one biometric verification unlocks everything.

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First 5 Portals to Bookmark

These cover 90% of what new residents need. Set up UAE Pass first - it's the master login.

1UAE Pass — Digital identity (set up first)→2Dubai Now — 130+ services in one app→3GDRFA — Visa & residency services→4RTA — Driving license & transport→5DEWA — Electricity & water setup→

🏛️ Complete Portal Directory

🏛️Core Government Portals4 portals
🇦🇪
UAE Government (u.ae)Start Here
Federal services hub. Visas, document attestation, fines, government news. Start here.
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🏙️
Dubai.ae
Official Dubai city portal. Access all local government services and information.
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📱
Dubai NowMust Have
130+ services in one app. Pay fines, renew licenses, check visa status, utility bills.
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🔐
UAE PassSet Up First
Digital identity for all government services. Biometric login. Your master key.
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🛂Visa & Residency3 portals
🛂
GDRFA DubaiEssential
Entry permits, residency visas, Golden Visa applications, overstay fines, status tracking.
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🆔
ICP (Federal Authority for Identity)
Emirates ID services. Applications, renewals, status tracking at federal level.
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👷
MOHRE
Ministry of Human Resources. Work permits, labor contracts, employment disputes, wage protection.
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Visa Renewals: Start the process 30 days before expiry. Medical fitness and Emirates ID can take 1-2 weeks.

💼Business & Licensing7 portals
🏢
DET (Economy & Tourism)
Trade licenses, mainland company setup, tourism permits, commercial registration.
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🌐
Invest in Dubai
Official business setup guide. Compare free zones, licensing costs, investor services.
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💎
DMCCFree Zone
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. Popular free zone at JLT. Company formation, flexi-desk.
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DIFCFree Zone
Dubai International Financial Centre. Financial free zone, international common law.
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Dubai Media CityFree Zone
Free zone for media, marketing, creative industries. Freelancer visas available.
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💻
Dubai Internet CityFree Zone
Tech and IT free zone. Major tech companies, startup ecosystem.
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🚀
IFZAFree Zone
International Free Zone Authority. Cost-effective, fast setup, 100% ownership.
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Free Zone vs Mainland: Free zones offer 100% ownership and tax benefits but limit UAE trading. Mainland allows full UAE market access. Compare at investindubai.gov.ae

🚗Transport & Driving3 portals
🚗
RTA DubaiEssential
Roads and Transport Authority. Driving license, vehicle registration, fines, public transport.
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🛣️
Salik
Toll gate system. Account management, top-up, trip history, vehicle registration.
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✈️
Dubai Airports
Flight info, terminal maps, Smart Gates registration, airport services.
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🏠Housing & Utilities4 portals
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DEWAEssential
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. Connections, bill payments, consumption tracking.
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📄
EjariRequired
Tenancy contract registration. Mandatory for visa, utilities, school enrollment.
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Dubai Land Department
Property registration, title deeds, rental disputes (RDC), real estate transactions.
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Dubai Municipality
Building permits, food safety, pest control, public health services.
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Ejari is Mandatory: You cannot connect DEWA, sponsor family visas, or enroll children in school without a registered Ejari contract.

🏥Healthcare & Education3 portals
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DHA (Dubai Health Authority)
Medical licenses, health cards, hospital directory, COVID services, medical fitness.
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KHDA
Knowledge and Human Development Authority. School ratings, education licenses, inspections.
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📜
Ministry of Education
Degree attestation, certificate equivalency, educational credential verification.
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💰Tax & Compliance2 portals
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Federal Tax Authority
VAT registration, corporate tax, excise tax, tax returns, refund claims.
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📊
Ministry of Finance
Federal financial policies, government procurement, economic reports.
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📋

Government Services Checklist

Step-by-step checklist for new residents. What to do in your first 30 days.

Plus visa renewal reminders and policy updates.

Last updated: December 2025. Portal URLs verified monthly.