Validity of UAE Entry Permits: How Residents Can Return After Staying Abroad for More than Six Months

Under UAE law, residents must not remain outside the country for more than six months to maintain the validity of their residency permits. If they exceed this period, their residency is typically cancelled.

 

However, expatriates who have stayed abroad for more than six months due to reasons such as medical treatment, studies, or work assignments can request special approval to return. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) introduced this entry permit in 2023 to allow residents to reactivate their visas and re-enter the UAE, subject to approval.

 

Who Can Apply for the Entry Permit?

• Applicants must have a valid UAE residence visa with at least 30 days remaining.

• They should have been outside the country for more than 180 days.

• Applications must be submitted while the applicant is still abroad.

• Justification for the extended absence must be provided.

• If sponsored by a company, either the employer or the resident can file the request.

 

Important: This service is not available for Dubai residents. They must apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) via Amer centres or by calling 8005111.

 

Fines and Penalties

• Dh100 is charged for every 30 days (or less) spent abroad beyond the six-month limit.

• Fines are refundable only if the application is rejected.

• Once the permit is approved, the resident must enter the UAE within 30 days, including the approval date.

 

Exempted Categories

Some residents are not affected by the six-month rule as long as their visas remain valid. Exemptions include:

 

• Holders of UAE gold, blue, or green visas.

• Foreign wives of Emirati citizens.

• Domestic workers accompanying Emiratis abroad for studies or medical treatment.

• Residents and companions sent abroad for medical treatment with UAE-approved medical reports.

• Domestic helpers and staff of UAE diplomatic missions and their families.

• Public sector employees sent abroad for official work or training, along with their dependents.

• Students studying overseas with valid UAE visas.

• Domestic staff of ruling family members working abroad.

• Investors holding valid UAE residence permits.

• Dependents sponsored by UAE diplomatic and consular representatives.

• Anyone else granted exemption by ICP under special conditions.

 

How to Apply for the Entry Permit (Outside Dubai)

Applications can be submitted through:

 

• ICP Smart Services

• Registered typing centres

• ICP Customer Happiness Centres in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, or Fujairah.

 

Steps:

1. 1. Visit ICP Smart Services and select: Public Services → Residents Outside UAE → Start Service.

2. 2. Enter applicant details (English and Arabic names, mobile number, email).

3. 3. Provide Emirates ID and personal information (gender, date of birth, nationality).

4. 4. Explain the reason for staying abroad over six months.

5. 5. Provide passport details (number, type, issue/expiry dates, country of issue).

6. 6. Indicate if you belong to an exempted category and upload supporting documents.

7. 7. Review the application and pay the fees.

 

Fees Breakdown

• E-service fee: Dh28

• ICP fee: Dh22

• Smart service fee: Dh100

 

 

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