FLASH NEWS6 Months Outside the UAE: Residence Visa and Re-Entry Permit

Outside the UAE for More Than Six Months? What Happens to Your Residence Visa

If you live outside the UAE for more than 180 days in a row, your residence visa is cancelled automatically, and you need an entry permit to come back. Some groups are exempt. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) runs the entry permit service.

Who Is Exempt

These groups can stay abroad longer than six months without losing their residence, as long as their visa is valid:

• Golden, blue and green residency holders, who can enter at any time while the residency is valid.
• Foreign wives of Emirati citizens.
• Residents sent abroad for treatment, with a medical report approved by UAE medical authorities.
• Public-sector employees sent abroad for training or specialist courses, and their families.
• Students at institutions abroad who hold a valid UAE residence visa. ICP’s page notes this follows Dubai rules, so check the rule for your emirate.
• Investors with a valid UAE residence visa.
• Staff of UAE diplomatic and consular missions, and others ICP excludes by decision.

The Entry (Re-Entry) Permit

The violation fee is refunded only if the application is rejected, and small service fees apply on top. ICP’s own page says the entry permit service is not available to residents of Dubai, who should contact GDRFA Dubai on 800 5111 or visit an Amer centre.

What to Do Before You Fly Back

1. Count your days abroad from the date you last left the UAE.
2. Check whether you fall into an exempt group above.
3. If you do not, apply for the entry permit from abroad through ICP, or through GDRFA Dubai if you are a Dubai resident.
4. Book your flight inside the 30-day window after approval.
5. Once back, ask your sponsor to start the residence visa renewal, which includes the medical test and Emirates ID.

For updates or questions, ICP’s contact centre is 600 522222.