A faster, smarter way to renew visas

Renewing a UAE residence visa has always meant dealing with medical screening, paperwork, multiple digital platforms, and long processing times. That’s changing. Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has launched Salama, a new AI-powered platform designed to cut out delays and streamline the entire process.

With Salama, residents can renew visas in seconds. The system automatically retrieves user data upon login through UAE PASS, eliminating the need for manual entry, form-filling, or document uploads. Once logged in, users can review their visa details, select a renewal duration, complete payment, and receive their updated visa by email—all within a matter of seconds.

The platform also provides real-time updates on dependents’ residency statuses, displaying the number of days left before expiration and offering a one-stop solution for renewals or cancellations.

Salama is part of a broader effort to modernize government services using AI and automation, supporting the UAE’s Vision 2071 and Dubai’s Digital Transformation Strategy. By reducing the need for in-person visits and simplifying approvals, the platform makes visa renewals faster, easier, and completely online.

How Salama works

Salama simplifies visa renewals into three quick steps:

1. Login – Users authenticate their identity through UAE PASS.
2. Selection & payment – The platform automatically displays visa details, renewal options, and allows users to complete payment within the system.
3. Instant issuance – The renewed visa is emailed directly to the applicant.

The system also allows users to:

• Cancel visas without visiting a service centre.
• Manage dependents’ visas—renew or cancel them in one place.
• Receive instant updates on visa validity and renewal deadlines.

Salama is not yet live, and officials have not disclosed an exact launch date. However, when it does roll out, it is expected to significantly reduce waiting times for renewals—from hours to seconds—as long as all required documents, including medical screening, are in order.

What sets Salama apart?

Unlike the traditional renewal process, which could take hours or even days, Salama automates approvals, eliminating unnecessary steps. It features an integrated payment system, so users don’t have to switch between platforms or visit service centres to complete transactions.

For dependents, Salama streamlines visa management, allowing sponsors to renew or cancel multiple visas at once, without having to submit separate applications. The system is multilingual, supporting over 40 languages, with plans to expand further.

A live demonstration during the Fourth Annual Media Council in Dubai showed just how fast it works—one applicant completed their visa renewal in just a few seconds.

Who can use Salama?

Salama is currently being developed for individual visa renewals and dependent visa management. The first phase is focused on residents, with features like renewals, cancellations, and general visa inquiries.

In the next phase, the platform will expand to businesses, allowing corporate entities to renew employee visas through the system. Once implemented, this will streamline bulk renewals, cutting down the time and administrative burden for companies managing large workforces.

The bigger picture: Dubai’s smart government vision

Salama is not just a one-off project—it’s part of a broader strategy to digitize and automate government services across the UAE. In recent years, Dubai has been rolling out AI-powered platforms to simplify everything from company licensing to employment permits.

In January 2025, the GDRFA announced plans to introduce a single platform to manage all residency procedures for government, semi-government, and free zone entities. Meanwhile, the UAE’s Work Bundle initiative, launched in June 2024, has already cut processing times for residency visas and work permits from 30 days to just five.

The goal is clear—faster approvals, less paperwork, and more efficient public services.

What’s next for Salama?

Salama is set to expand in the coming months, with planned upgrades that include:

• Business visa renewals, allowing companies to manage employee visas.
• More advanced AI capabilities, improving processing accuracy and response times.
• Integration with Dubai’s wider smart government ecosystem, making residency services even more accessible.

As Dubai continues moving toward fully digital governance, platforms like Salama are expected to become the new standard for managing residency services—instant, efficient, and entirely online.

How can Sovereign PPG help?

Sovereign PPG has extensive experience in company setup, visa processing, and corporate structuring across the UAE and the wider Gulf region. Our team works closely with government departments and free zone authorities to ensure a smooth and compliant process for businesses and individuals.

Whether you need assistance with visa renewals, PRO services, local partnerships, or corporate setup in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, or Saudi Arabia, we can guide you through every step.

To learn more, contact us at +971 (0)4 456 1761 for Dubai or +971 (0)2 448 5120 for Abu Dhabi, email info@sovereigngroup.com, or fill out the contact form below. Our team is ready to assist you.