In the UAE, most government paperwork goes through one of three places: an official service centre such as Amer or Tasheel, a typing centre, or a PRO (Public Relations Officer) who handles transactions for you. They are not the same thing, and choosing the right one can save you hours of queuing, repeated visits and rejected applications.
This guide explains what each one does, how they differ, and when it makes sense to use a PRO service instead of doing it yourself.
Quick comparison
| Service centre (Amer, Tasheel) | Typing centre | PRO service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Authorised one-stop centre for specific government departments | Shop that types and submits forms | A person or company that manages your government transactions end to end |
| Who does the work | You visit; staff process the application | You visit with your documents | The PRO prepares, submits and follows up for you |
| Best for | One-off transactions you can handle yourself | Simple forms and applications | Businesses, multiple transactions, or anything with several steps |
| Follow-up | You track it yourself | Usually limited | Included: the PRO tracks it until it’s done |
What are Amer and Tasheel centres?
These are official one-stop centres with trained, authorised staff:
- Amer centres were launched in Dubai by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for visa and residency transactions, and also handle services for several other Dubai and federal entities.
- Tasheel centres were launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for labour services, such as work permits and labour contracts, plus services for other government entities.
Good to know: since November 2017, Dubai’s GDRFA has not allowed ordinary typing centres to process visa applications. Visa and residency transactions in Dubai go through Amer centres and other authorised channels.
What does a typing centre do?
A typing centre helps you fill in and submit application forms, such as tenancy, Emirates ID or certain government forms, and often offers photocopying and document printing. It’s useful for a quick, single transaction when you already know exactly what you need. Typing centres generally don’t manage your case from start to finish or advise on what documents you need.
What does a PRO do?
A PRO handles government transactions on your behalf, from start to finish. For a business, that typically includes:
- Company documents: trade licence renewals and amendments, approvals and resolutions.
- Employee documents: work permits, employment contracts, visas and renewals.
- Document clearance: attestation, legal translation and government submissions.
- Tax registrations such as VAT and corporate tax.
- Follow-up with each authority until the transaction is complete, plus reminders before deadlines.
When should you use a PRO service?
- You run a business and have regular licence, visa and employee paperwork.
- The task has several steps or authorities, such as attesting a foreign document, translating it and then submitting it.
- A deadline or penalty is involved, such as licence renewal, corporate tax registration or visa expiry.
- You don’t have time to visit centres, wait in queues or chase updates.
- You’ve had a rejection and need it fixed properly the second time.
For a single, simple transaction you understand well, a service centre or typing centre may be all you need.
Common mistakes when doing it yourself
- Using a typing centre for services it isn’t authorised to process, such as Dubai visa applications.
- Missing documents that the authority needs, which leads to rejection and a second visit.
- Doing steps in the wrong order, for example translating before attesting.
- Missing renewal deadlines because nobody is tracking them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a typing centre and a PRO?
A typing centre helps you fill in and submit forms when you visit. A PRO manages your government transactions for you from start to finish, including documents, submissions and follow-up.
Can typing centres process visa applications in Dubai?
No. Since November 2017, visa and residency transactions in Dubai go through Amer centres and other authorised channels, not ordinary typing centres.
What is a PRO in the UAE?
A PRO (Public Relations Officer) is a person or service that handles a company’s or individual’s government transactions, such as licences, visas, work permits and attestation.
Do small businesses need a PRO?
Not always, but many use a PRO service instead of a full-time employee, paying per task or per month, to stay on top of licence, visa and tax deadlines.
Let a PRO handle it for you
Bin Gohar PRO Services handles company documents, employee documents, document clearance and tax registrations for businesses and individuals in Dubai and across all seven Emirates. Tell us what you need on WhatsApp at +971 50 178 9163, or see all our services.
Also useful: UAE Document Attestation, Trade Licence Renewal in Dubai and MOHRE Work Permits.
Sources: Gulf News — One-stop centres for government transactions; Khaleej Times — Dubai stops typing centres from processing visa applications.
This guide gives general information. Services offered by each centre can change, so check with the relevant authority.
