Visa stamping is the stage at which an approved UAE residence visa is formally issued and linked to the holder's passport and immigration record. Historically this meant a physical sticker placed in the passport, but the UAE has largely moved to an electronic residence visa, so 'stamping' now usually refers to the digital issuance.
Stamping comes after the earlier steps are complete: the entry permit or status change, the medical fitness test, and Emirates ID biometrics. Once stamped, the residence visa is active, the validity period begins, and the holder can finalise the Emirates ID and proceed with sponsoring family or other services. The work is processed through GDRFA or ICP depending on the emirate.
Delays at the stamping stage, for example from incomplete documents or a pending medical result, can hold up the whole residence file and risk overstay on the entry permit. Fees and processing times vary by visa type and emirate, so the current schedule should be confirmed.