Can Expatriates Stay in the UAE After Cancellation or Expiry of Residency Visa?

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (UAE ICP) has outlined seven categories of expatriates who are permitted to remain in the UAE for three to six months following the expiry or cancellation of their residency visas.

The UAE ICP has clarified that five categories of residents are allowed to stay for six months after their residency visa expires, as per the regulations effective from 3 October 2022. These include:

* Holders of golden residency and their family members

* Holders of green residency and their family members

* Widows or divorcees of foreigners residing in the country
* Students sponsored by universities and colleges in the UAE who have completed their studies

* Residents employed in skilled professions classified as first or second level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

Three-Month Stay

Expats with two types of visas are allowed to stay for three months after the expiry or cancellation of their visas. These include:

* Residents employed in skilled professions classified as third level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

* Property owners with residence visas linked to property ownership

Typically, expats are allowed to stay in the UAE for 30 to 60 days after the cancellation or expiry of their residence visas.

Six-Month Re-entry Rule

UAE residents whose residence visas have expired due to staying outside the country for more than six months for purposes such as study, work, or medical treatment, can apply for a permit to re-enter the UAE.

To apply for a re-entry permit, a resident who has stayed outside the UAE for more than six months must:

* Submit the application from outside the country

* Apply after 180 days of being outside the country

* Provide a valid reason for staying outside the UAE for more than 180 days

* Pay a fine of Dh100 for every 30 days or less spent outside the country

* Enter the UAE within 30 days from the approval date

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