UAE residents who stay outside the country for more than six months may risk losing the validity of their residence visa under the general rule.
However, some residents can apply for a special permit that allows them to return to the UAE after being abroad for more than 180 days.
The service is offered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Who Can Apply?
The permit is for eligible UAE residents who have remained outside the country for more than six months and have a valid reason for doing so.
Applicants must submit the request while they are still outside the UAE.
They can apply only after completing at least 180 days outside the country.
Their residence permit must also have more than 30 days of validity remaining when the application is submitted.
What Reason Do You Need?
ICP requires applicants to provide proof explaining why they remained outside the UAE for more than six months.
The official UAE government portal gives examples such as staying abroad for:
- Work
- Study
- Medical treatment
Other valid reasons may also be considered by ICP.
How to Apply
Residents can submit the request through the ICP Smart Services website or the ICP mobile app.
The process generally involves:
- Submit the application.
- Review your personal information.
- Upload proof explaining your extended stay abroad.
- Pay the required fees.
- Wait for approval.
ICP lists a service completion time of around two days for the permit.
How Much Does It Cost?
ICP charges:
- AED 100 Smart Services fee
- AED 100 for every 30 days or less spent outside the UAE after the first six months
The final cost therefore depends on how long the resident has remained abroad.
You Must Return Within 30 Days
Once the application is approved, the resident must enter the UAE within 30 days from the approval date.
Missing this period could affect the validity of the approval.
Important: This Service Does Not Cover Dubai Residents
ICP specifically states that this permit does not apply to residents of the Emirate of Dubai.
Dubai residence visas are handled through Dubai’s immigration authority, GDRFA.
Some residence categories are also exempt from this ICP application, including holders of Golden, Green and Blue Residence visas, provided their residence remains valid.
