Changing the Name on Your UAE Visa or Permit
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, legal reasons, or any other circumstance, you will need to update the information on your UAE visa or residence permit to ensure it matches your passport and other official documents. The process for changing your name can vary depending on your visa type and your location (whether you are inside or outside the UAE).
Important: It is crucial to update your visa/permit information as soon as your name officially changes. Discrepancies between your documents can lead to travel issues or complications with legal and administrative processes in the UAE.
General Steps for Changing Your Name (This is a General Guide):
While the exact procedure may differ, here are the general steps involved in changing the name on your UAE visa or permit. Given that you are likely accessing this information from India, the initial steps might involve contacting the relevant authorities in India or your sponsor in the UAE.
- Obtain Official Name Change Documents: First, you will need official documentation that legally confirms your name change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, legal name change certificate, or a gazette notification, depending on the reason for the change and the regulations in India. Ensure these documents are attested as required for use in the UAE (this often involves attestation by the Ministry of External Affairs in India and the UAE Embassy/Consulate in India).
- Contact Your Sponsor (if applicable): If you have a residence visa sponsored by an employer or a family member in the UAE, you will need to inform your sponsor about the name change. They will likely be responsible for initiating the process within the UAE.
- Gather Required Documents: You will typically need the following documents (ensure you have originals and copies as required):
- Original and copy of your passport (with the old name).
- Official name change document (attested as required).
- Copy of your existing UAE visa or residence permit.
- New passport (if you have already obtained one with your new name).
- Passport-sized photographs with a white background.
- Application form (which you will obtain from the relevant authority in the UAE).
- Emirates ID (if you have one).
- Other supporting documents as may be required by the specific authority.
- Visit the Relevant Authority in the UAE (or through your sponsor): The primary authority for visa and residency matters in the UAE is the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Your sponsor will likely need to visit one of their offices or use their online services. If you are outside the UAE, you might need to work through your sponsor or a designated application center.
- Submit the Application and Documents: Follow the instructions provided by the ICP or the relevant application center to submit your application and all required documents.
- Pay the Applicable Fees: There will be fees associated with the name change process.
- Biometric Data Update (if required): You might need to undergo biometric data collection (fingerprints, etc.) again if your residence permit is being updated.
- Receive Your Updated Visa/Permit: Once the process is complete and approved, you will receive your updated visa or residence permit with your new name. Ensure all details are correct. If your Emirates ID also needs updating, follow the separate procedures for that.
Important Considerations for Residents in the UAE:
- If you are already a resident in the UAE, your sponsor will play a key role in this process.
- You will likely need to visit an ICP office or use their online services.
- Updating your Emirates ID is a separate but essential step after your visa/permit is updated.
If You Are Outside the UAE (e.g., in India):
- If your UAE visa was issued recently and your name has changed before your first entry, you should contact the issuing authority (e.g., the airline or travel agency that facilitated the visa) for guidance. They might advise you to apply for a new visa with your correct name.
- If you are a resident whose name has changed while in India, contact your sponsor in the UAE immediately to understand the required steps. You might need to get your name change documents attested and then follow their instructions for initiating the process in the UAE. You might need to apply for a new visa with the correct details before returning.
Disclaimer: This page provides general guidance on changing the name on your UAE visa or permit. The exact procedures and required documents can vary significantly based on your visa type, current location, and the latest regulations of the UAE government. It is essential to consult the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or contact the UAE Embassy/Consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information relevant to your specific situation.
