Emergency Visa Situations
Visa Expiring Soon
- Visit Tasheel center ASAP (AED 500-1,000 penalty fees)
- Call: +971 600 590 000 (MOHRE hotline)
Lost Passport with Visa
- Report to police first (get report copy)
- Visit your embassy immediately
- Contact Tasheel for visa transfer process
Employment Issues
- Labor complaint hotline: 800-665
- Free legal consultation: Abu Dhabi Legal Affairs
- Emergency: Contact your embassy
Most Common Services & Where to Go
| Service Needed | Best Place | Cost Range | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates ID | ICP Center or Typing Center | AED 100-170 | 3-5 days |
| Work Permit | Tasheel Center | AED 300-600 | 2-3 days |
| Family Visa | Typing Center | AED 1,000-2,500 | 1-2 weeks |
| Document Translation | Typing Center | AED 50-150 per page | Same day |
| Medical Fitness | Typing Center + Clinic | AED 150-300 total | 1-2 days |
| Visa Renewal | Tasheel or Typing | AED 500-1,500 | 3-7 days |
Best Typing Centers in Abu Dhabi
Central Abu Dhabi (Downtown)
Al Manhal Typing Center -- Electra Street
- Address: Electra Street, near Khalidiya Palace
- Phone: +971 2 627 8888
- Hours: 8 AM - 10 PM daily
- Languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi
- Specializes: Emirates ID, family visas, translations
- Parking: Street parking available
- Why choose: Fast service, experienced staff, central location
Emirates Typing Center -- Hamdan Street
- Address: Hamdan Street, near Central Mall
- Phone: +971 2 632 1234
- Hours: 8 AM - 9 PM (Sat-Thu), 2 PM - 9 PM (Fri)
- Best for: Work permits, contract typing, attestations
- Languages: Arabic, English, Bengali, Malayalam
- Special: Same-day rush service available (extra AED 50)
Mussafah Industrial Area
Landmark Typing Center
- Address: Mussafah M-14 area
- Phone: +971 2 550 4007
- Hours: 7 AM - 9 PM daily
- Best for: Labor-related documents, competitive pricing
- Languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali
- Popular with: Blue-collar workers, factory employees
- Tip: Lowest prices in Abu Dhabi for basic services
Professional Typing Center -- Mussafah
- Address: Musaffah Shabia 09
- Phone: +971 2 555 7733
- Hours: 8 AM - 9:30 PM daily
- Rating: 4.8 (1,200+ reviews)
- Best for: Efficient service, timely completion
- Special services: Insurance, driving license applications
Madinat Zayed Area
Nepal Community Typing Center
- Address: Madinat Zayed, near Gold Souk
- Phone: +971 2 633 0688
- Hours: 8 AM - 9 PM daily
- Specializes: Nepal passport renewals, visa services for Nepali nationals
- Languages: Nepali, Hindi, English, Arabic
- Community focus: Popular among South Asian expats
Official Tasheel Centers
What is Tasheel?
Tasheel = Official MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources) authorized centers for employment-related services
Main Tasheel Locations in Abu Dhabi
Tasheel Abu Dhabi -- Muroor Road
- Address: Muroor Road, near ADNOC headquarters
- Phone: +971 2 444 8000
- Hours: 8 AM - 8 PM (Sat-Thu), 2 PM - 8 PM (Fri)
- Services: All employment visa services, work permits, labor contracts
- Parking: Large parking area available
- Tip: Less crowded early morning (8-10 AM)
Tasheel Mussafah
- Address: Mussafah Industrial City
- Phone: +971 2 550 9000
- Hours: 7 AM - 9 PM daily
- Best for: Industrial workers, company PRO services
- Languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu
Al Ain Tasheel Center
- Address: Al Ain Industrial Area
- Phone: +971 3 702 8000
- Hours: 8 AM - 6 PM (Sat-Thu)
- Serves: Al Ain and surrounding areas
Tasheel-Only Services (Cannot be done at typing centers)
- New work permit applications
- Labor contract modifications
- Employment dispute resolution
- Company labor file management
- Work permit cancellations
Emirates ID Services
Application Process
- Online application at ICP website or typing center
- Document preparation (passport, visa, photos)
- Biometric appointment at ICP center
- Card collection (5-10 working days)
ICP Official Centers
ICP Main Center -- Muroor Road
- Address: Near ADNOC HQ, Muroor Road
- Phone: +971 600 522 222
- Hours: 8 AM - 8 PM (Sat-Thu)
- Services: New applications, renewals, replacements
- Appointment: Required for biometrics
ICP Al Wahda Mall Branch
- Address: Al Wahda Mall, Level 2
- Phone: +971 600 522 222
- Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM daily
- Best for: Convenient mall location, parking available
Typing Center Emirates ID Service
Cost breakdown:
- Government fee: AED 100
- Typing center service: AED 50-70
- Photos (if needed): AED 20
- Total: AED 170-190
Document Translation & Attestation
Certified Translation Rates
- Birth certificate: AED 75-100
- Marriage certificate: AED 100-125
- Educational certificates: AED 100-150
- Medical reports: AED 75-125
- Legal contracts: AED 150-300
Best Translation Centers
Professional Translation Center -- Downtown
- Phone: +971 2 626 7777
- Languages: 25+ languages available
- Certification: MOHRE and court-approved
- Rush service: Same day (+50% fee)
Al Thuraya Translation Services
- Phone: +971 2 635 8888
- Specializes: Legal and medical documents
- Popular for: Court-approved translations
Attestation Process
- Translation (if document is not in Arabic/English)
- MOFA attestation in your home country
- UAE consulate attestation in home country
- MOFA attestation in UAE
- Ministry attestation (if required)
Attestation Summary
Total time: 2-4 weeks. Total cost: AED 500-1,500 depending on document type.
Family Visa Services
Required Documents
- Sponsor's Emirates ID and passport
- Marriage certificate (attested)
- Birth certificates for children (attested)
- Salary certificate (minimum AED 4,000 + accommodation)
- Medical insurance coverage proof
- Tenancy contract
Complete Family Visa Costs
| Family Member | Visa Fee | Medical Test | Emirates ID | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse | AED 1,200 | AED 300 | AED 170 | AED 1,670 |
| Child (under 18) | AED 1,200 | AED 250 | AED 170 | AED 1,620 |
| Family of 4 total | ~AED 6,500 | ~AED 6,500 | ||
Family Visa Timeline
- Document preparation: 2-3 days
- Application submission: 1 day
- Approval waiting: 3-7 working days
- Entry permit: 1-2 days
- Medical tests: 1-2 days (after arrival)
- Emirates ID: 5-10 days after medical clearance
Employment Visa & Work Permits
New Employment Visa Process
Step 1: Work Permit (by employer)
- MOHRE approval required
- Labor contract preparation
- Cost: AED 300-600
- Time: 2-3 working days
Step 2: Entry Permit
- After work permit approval
- Cost: AED 500-800
- Valid: 60 days for entry
Step 3: Medical Fitness
- After arrival in UAE
- Cost: AED 150-300
- Takes: 1-2 days
Step 4: Residence Visa
- After medical clearance
- Cost: AED 1,200 (2 years) or AED 2,200 (3 years)
- Emirates ID included
Employment Visa Renewal Penalties
- Before expiry: No penalties
- 1-30 days late: AED 200 daily fine
- 30+ days late: AED 200 daily + AED 1,000 penalty
- 6 months overdue: Cancellation and deportation risk
Legal Support & Consultation
Free Legal Consultation
Abu Dhabi Legal Affairs Department
- Phone: +971 2 813 4444
- Hours: 8 AM - 2:30 PM (Sun-Thu)
- Services: Basic legal advice, document review
- Languages: Arabic, English
- Requirement: UAE residents only
Labor Disputes Hotline
- Phone: 800-665 (toll-free)
- Hours: 24/7
- Services: Employment-related complaints
- Languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu
Paid Legal Services
Al Tamimi & Company -- Abu Dhabi
- Phone: +971 2 813 2444
- Specializes: Corporate, employment, family law
- Consultation: AED 500-1,000/hour
- Languages: Arabic, English
BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates
- Phone: +971 2 626 9999
- Specializes: Labor law, visa issues, family disputes
- Consultation: AED 300-800/hour
Money-Saving Tips & Shortcuts
Cost Optimization
- Group applications: Family visas processed together save AED 100-200
- Timing: Apply renewals 60 days before expiry (no rush fees)
- Documentation: Keep all originals organized to avoid re-attestation
- Medical packages: Some centers offer family medical packages
Time-Saving Tips
- Early morning visits: Less crowded, faster service
- Online pre-application: Complete forms online before visiting
- Document preparation: Have all papers ready and organized
- Peak times to avoid: Thursday afternoons, Sunday mornings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until visa expires (expensive penalties)
- Not keeping original attested documents safe
- Using unauthorized typing centers (delays and problems)
- Not updating address changes with authorities
Service Center Locations Map
Central Abu Dhabi
- Government services: Muroor Road corridor
- Typing centers: Electra Street, Hamdan Street
- Embassies: Diplomatic area near Marina Mall
Industrial Areas
- Mussafah: Multiple Tasheel and typing centers
- ICAD: Limited services, travel to Mussafah for most needs
Island Communities
- Al Reem Island: Limited services, use mainland centers
- Yas Island: Yas Mall has basic typing services
- Saadiyat: Travel to central Abu Dhabi for government services
Emergency Situations
Emergency Actions
- Document lost: Report immediately, start replacement process
- Visa expiring: Visit Tasheel within 24-48 hours
- Employment issues: Contact MOHRE and legal support
- Family emergencies: Contact embassy for expedited services
Remember: Keep digital and physical copies of ALL documents. Your phone photos can serve as emergency backups while you process official replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Emirates ID cost in Abu Dhabi in 2026?
Emirates ID total cost: AED 170-190. Breakdown: Government fee AED 100, typing center service AED 50-70, photos (if needed) AED 20. Processing takes 5-10 working days. You can apply online at ICP website or through any approved typing center.
What is the difference between Tasheel Abu Dhabi and typing centers?
Tasheel centers are official MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources) authorized centers for employment visa services only: work permits, labor contracts, employment disputes. Typing centers handle all other services: Emirates ID, family visas, translations, document attestation. For work-related visas, go to Tasheel. For family/personal documents, use typing centers.
How much does family visa sponsorship cost in Abu Dhabi?
Family of 4 total cost: ~AED 6,500. Per person: Spouse AED 1,670 (visa AED 1,200 + medical AED 300 + Emirates ID AED 170), Child AED 1,620 (visa AED 1,200 + medical AED 250 + Emirates ID AED 170). Requirements: minimum salary AED 4,000 + accommodation, attested marriage/birth certificates, tenancy contract, medical insurance.
What happens if my visa expires in Abu Dhabi?
Overstay penalties: 1-30 days late = AED 200 daily fine, 30+ days = AED 200 daily + AED 1,000 penalty, 6 months overdue = cancellation and deportation risk. Visit Tasheel center immediately if your visa is expiring. Call MOHRE hotline: +971 600 590 000 for urgent help. Renew 60 days before expiry to avoid penalties.
Where can I get free legal consultation in Abu Dhabi?
Free legal help: Abu Dhabi Legal Affairs Department (+971 2 813 4444, 8 AM - 2:30 PM Sun-Thu) provides basic legal advice and document review for UAE residents. Labor Disputes Hotline: 800-665 (24/7) for employment-related complaints in Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu. Your embassy can also provide free legal consultation for nationals.