Immigration Lawyers in Dubai

The UAE's immigration system is structured, efficient, and rule-bound — but it is also complex. Visa categories, sponsorship requirements, quota rules, and compliance obligations change frequently, and a single procedural error can result in fines, visa cancellation, or entry bans. AMCO Law Firm's immigration practice helps individuals and businesses navigate every stage of the immigration process with legal precision.

Our immigration lawyers handle the full spectrum of UAE immigration matters — from Golden Visa applications and family visa sponsorship to work permit disputes, visa ban resolution, and deportation defence. Led by Hesham Salama (Legal Consultant) and Marwa Abdalrahzig (Associate), the team combines deep knowledge of UAE immigration regulations with practical experience handling complex cases involving GDRFA, ICP, and MOHRE.

100+Immigration Cases
Golden VisaApplications
Visa BanLifts & Appeals
MultilingualLegal Team

Our Immigration Legal Services

Golden Visa Applications

The UAE Golden Visa offers 10-year renewable residency to investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, researchers, and outstanding students. The application process involves specific documentation requirements, eligibility verification, and coordination with multiple government entities. Our team handles the entire Golden Visa application process — from eligibility assessment and document preparation to submission and follow-up with the relevant authorities.

Family Visa & Sponsorship

Sponsoring family members for UAE residency involves meeting income thresholds, accommodation requirements, and documentation standards. We assist with spouse visas, dependent children visas, parent sponsorship, and family joining permits. Where applications are rejected or delayed, we handle appeals and representations to the relevant immigration authorities.

Work Permits & Employment Visas

Employment visas require coordination between MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) and GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs). We advise employers on work permit quota compliance, labour card issuance, and employment visa processing. For employees, we handle visa transfers, status changes, and disputes arising from employer-sponsored visa arrangements — working alongside our employment and labour law team.

Investor & Business Visas

Setting up a business in the UAE requires an appropriate visa category — mainland investor visas, free zone visas, or partner visas each have different requirements and limitations. We coordinate visa applications with company formation processes to ensure seamless business establishment and residency.

Visa Ban Resolution

Employment visa bans, immigration violations, and overstay penalties can prevent re-entry to the UAE or restrict future visa applications. Our immigration lawyers have experience resolving visa bans through legal channels — including applications to lift labour bans, clearing immigration violations, and negotiating with MOHRE and GDRFA to restore visa eligibility.

Deportation Defence

Deportation orders can be issued for criminal convictions, immigration violations, or administrative decisions. We represent individuals facing deportation proceedings, challenging unlawful orders, seeking stays of deportation pending appeals, and exploring alternative resolutions where possible.

Visa Overstay & Fine Resolution

Overstaying a UAE visa results in daily fines that accumulate rapidly. We assist individuals with overstay situations — negotiating fine reductions where applicable, arranging voluntary departure procedures, and handling cases where overstay has led to detention or additional legal complications.

Corporate Immigration Compliance

Businesses employing foreign nationals must maintain compliance with Emiratisation quotas, work permit regulations, and visa sponsorship obligations. We provide ongoing advisory services to corporate clients, including compliance audits, policy reviews, and representation in MOHRE inspections or investigations.

How We Handle Your Immigration Matter

Eligibility Assessment — We review your situation, documentation, and immigration history to determine the best visa category and strategy.
Document Preparation — We prepare and authenticate all required documents, including attestations, translations, and government forms.
Application Filing — We file your application with the relevant authority (GDRFA, ICP, MOHRE) and manage the submission process.
Follow-Up & Resolution — We track your application, respond to any queries from immigration authorities, and resolve any issues that arise during processing.
Post-Approval Compliance — We advise on ongoing obligations including renewal timelines, status change requirements, and compliance with visa conditions.

Who Needs Immigration Legal Support

Investors and entrepreneurs seeking Golden Visa or investor visa residency
Employees facing work permit disputes, visa transfers, or sponsor-related issues
Families applying for dependent visas, spouse sponsorship, or parent residency
Individuals with visa bans, overstay fines, or deportation orders
Businesses needing corporate immigration compliance and MOHRE coordination
Expatriates changing visa status, switching employers, or transitioning between free zone and mainland

Immigration Case Results

Obtained an urgent labour ban lift and work permit clearance through MOHRE, enabling a foreign employee to transition to a new employer despite contested termination proceedings.
Successfully resolved a complex visa overstay situation involving multiple family members, negotiating fine reductions and securing exit permits while preserving future re-entry eligibility.
Assisted a high-net-worth investor in obtaining Golden Visa residency for the principal applicant and extended family members, coordinating documentation across multiple jurisdictions.
Represented a corporate client in a MOHRE investigation concerning Emiratisation compliance, achieving resolution without penalties and implementing a compliant workforce planning framework.

Frequently Asked Questions — UAE Immigration

The Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residency visa for investors (AED 2 million+ in property or business), entrepreneurs, specialised professionals (salary AED 30,000+/month or equivalent), scientists, outstanding students, and humanitarian pioneers. Each category has specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.

Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks from submission of a complete application, though timelines vary depending on the category and the applicant's documentation. Our team ensures applications are complete at submission to avoid delays from document requests.

Yes, UAE residents meeting minimum income and accommodation requirements can sponsor parents for renewable residency visas. The specific requirements vary by emirate and visa category. Health insurance for sponsored parents is mandatory.

You typically have 30 days (grace period) to either find a new sponsor, change your visa status, or exit the UAE. If you have an employment dispute, you may be eligible for a temporary work permit while the dispute is resolved through MOHRE. Our team can advise on options to protect your residency status.

Visa bans can result from employment disputes, immigration violations, or criminal matters. Resolution depends on the type and reason for the ban. Labour bans can be challenged through MOHRE, while immigration bans may require legal representation before GDRFA or the relevant court. We assess the specific ban and advise on the fastest resolution path.

In many cases, yes. The UAE allows in-country status changes for certain visa categories, including switching from a visit visa to an employment visa or an investor visa. The specific process depends on the current visa type and the target category. Our team handles the application to avoid processing errors that could affect your immigration record.

Related Practice Areas

Employment & Labour Law — work permit disputes and MOHRE matters
Company Formation — business visa and investor visa coordination
Criminal Law — immigration violations with criminal implications

Navigate UAE Immigration with Confidence

Whether you need a Golden Visa, face a visa ban, or require corporate immigration compliance — AMCO's immigration lawyers provide clear, practical guidance at every step.

Book an Immigration Consultation +971 56 369 9034