South African Consulate General — Dubai
- Address: Al Hamriyah area, Umm Hurair 2, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
- Phone: +971-4-397-5222
- Email: dubai.consulate@dirco.gov.za
- Website: dirco.gov.za/dubai
- Hours: Monday–Thursday 08:00–13:00 (consular services). Closed Friday.
- Appointments: Mandatory for most services — book online via the DIRCO eBooking system
SA Passport Renewal from Dubai
This is the most common consular service used by Saffas in the UAE. Here's the step-by-step process:
Book an appointment
Go to dirco.gov.za, navigate to Missions Abroad → UAE → Dubai Consulate, and use the eBooking system. Slots fill up weeks in advance — book early.
Complete DHA-73 Application Form
Download and complete the DHA-73 form. Complete all sections — it must be printed double-sided on A4. Do NOT sign the form before your appointment — you sign in front of the consular officer.
Prepare your documents
You'll need: your current SA passport (original + 1 certified copy of the bio data page), completed DHA-73 (unsigned), two ID-type photos (35mm × 45mm, white background), proof of UAE residence (Emirates ID or valid residence visa page), and proof of payment of consular fees.
Pay the consular fee
Fees are paid in AED equivalent. As of 2026, a 32-page passport is approx. AED 200–250 and a 48-page passport is approx. AED 300–350. Check the current fee schedule on the DIRCO website — fees change with rand exchange rates.
Attend your appointment
Arrive 15 minutes early. Your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be captured. Your application is submitted electronically to DHA in Pretoria.
Wait for processing (6–10 weeks)
Passports are processed in Pretoria and couriered back to Dubai. Current processing time is 6–10 weeks from submission. The consulate notifies you by email when your passport is ready. You'll need to collect in person (bring your Emirates ID).
Unabridged Birth Certificate
Required for: children's SA school enrolment, dependent visa applications, and many international documents. Unabridged (full) certificates include both parents' details — not just the child's name and birth date.
- Must be applied for in South Africa via Home Affairs or via an attorney/service agent
- The Dubai Consulate cannot issue birth certificates — they can certify documents
- Processing time from SA Home Affairs: 6–12 weeks
- Many Saffas use a trusted SA attorney or document agent to apply on their behalf
- Once received from SA, you may need an apostille from the SA High Court for UAE use
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Required for UAE residence visa applications, professional licensing (KHDA, DHA, etc.) and many employer requests.
- Apply via the SAPS eDHA portal at saps.gov.za or visit a SAPS station in SA
- For applicants outside SA, fingerprints must be taken at the Dubai Consulate and sent to SA — this is called a consular clearance
- Processing time via consulate route: 8–16 weeks
- Some UAE employers accept the SA Criminal Record Check via SAPS (faster digital alternative, some caveats)
- Many UAE-specific PCCs require an apostille stamp from the relevant SA authority
Apostille — What It Is and When You Need It
An apostille is an internationally recognised certification that authenticates the origin of a public document. South Africa is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention.
- SA documents to be used in UAE courts or government departments
- SA university degree certificates for HAAD, MOH, KHDA or professional licensing
- SA marriage certificates for UAE family courts
- SA death certificates for estate administration outside SA
Where to get an apostille in SA: The High Court, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO Pretoria), or authorised commissioners of oaths. Many document agents handle this for a fee.
Other Consular Services
- SA marriage registration — marriages concluded outside SA can be registered with the consulate
- Notarial services — certification and authentication of documents
- Citizenship registration — for children born to SA citizens outside SA
- Death registration — SA nationals who pass away in the UAE
- Renunciation of SA citizenship — if you are acquiring another nationality