Residents or Expatriates staying Outside UAE for 6 months or more than 180 days
If you have a valid UAE employment or residence visa and for some reason you have to stay outside the UAE continuously over six(6) months the visa will become invalid or expired. An UAE residence permit holder who remains outside UAE for 6 months or 180 days or more more will not be able to re-enter on their existing residence permit . This is mentioned on the visa itself. However, a real reason, such as medical reasons or border closures that prevented them from re-entering the UAE in time, can be cited in writing to immigration authorities.
Applying for New Entry Permit or Visas after staying outside UAE for 6 months or more than 180 days
The general rule is that if expatriates who hold UAE residence visas live outside the UAE for 6 months or more than180 days, their residency visas will be automatically nullified. However, if you have a valid residence from UAE and stay outside UAE for 6 months or more than180 days continuously, a special entry permit is required to be able to return to UAE which prevent the invalidation of residence visa. Your sponsor can apply for new permit through:
- the website of Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), the eChannel for residency and citizenship.
- the website of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
of the individual emirate.
This will help you in getting the visa validated and permit the visa holder to re-enter the UAE. The visa holder must enter Dubai within 14 days from the date of letter being issued. This would also prevent the automatic cancellation of residence visa.
You can also apply for a new entry permit after staying outside UAE for 6 months or more than 180 days through the authorised typing centre.
Procedure for applying new entry permit through the Typing Centre staying outside UAE for 6 months or more than 180 days:
- Visit the typing Centre and request for an Arabic letter address to Immigration stating the reason that resident has been away from UAE for 6 months or more for an entry permit
- Submit the letter, passport copy, visa page copy, and flight details at least 15 days before arrival in the UAE along with the salary certificate or trade licence
- Pay the necessary fees and receive the new entry permit
If you left the country without formally resigning, then your employer has the right to report you as absconding and request to cancel your visa without requesting your permission and without your passport . You may also face legal repercussions if you try to re-enter the UAE later.
Your employer may also cancel your residence/employment visa (after six months or more than180 days) by submitting a work permit cancellation and a report obtained from the GDRFA.
You can apply visit or tourist visa only after your employer cancels your visa officially after six months of your departure from UAE.
Categories allowed to stay outside UAE for 6 months or more at the same time maintain the validity of his residence visa
If people with a UAE residence visa live outside the UAE for more than six months, their residence visa will automatically be invalid. There are, however, some exceptions to the rule, which allow residence visa holders to stay outside the UAE for more than six months while maintaining the validity of the visa: They include:
- Foreigner wife who is sponsored by her Emirati husband.
- Employees for a government body who are sent abroad for treatment provided they have a valid medical report approved by the Ministry of Health and Prevention or other approved health authorities in UAE.
- Servants accompanying UAE nationals delegated to study abroad.
- Domestic workers accompanying members of diplomatic and consular missions who represent the UAE abroad, employees of these missions who have a residence visa in the UAE,
- Public sector employees sent by their employer to attend training or specialised courses, employees at employers’ offices abroad and their families provided they have a valid residence visas in the UAE
- Expatriate students studying in universities or institutes abroad.
Staying outside UAE for 6 months or more than 180 days UAE Golden Visa holder
As per the recent regulations, 10 year UAE Golden visa holder can stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months without any change to their residence permit status. You may contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs for further advice regarding the said matter.
Staying outside for more than 6 months or 180 days: How to apply for the New Permit online ?
As per the new announcement by UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), a new permit has been introduced to enter the UAE if the residents have stayed outside UAE for 6 months provided that you have a valid reason for staying outside the country.
You can apply this service through the :
- ICP Smart Services website – icp.gov.ae
- The ‘UAEICP’ smartphone application which is available for both Apple and Android devices.
- ICP Customer Happiness Centres
.
- Typing centres registered with ICP.
Steps to be followed while applying for the new permit through online to enter the UAE if you stayed outside UAE for more than 6 months or 180 days:
- Step 1. Visit icp.gov.ae
- Step 2: Choose the ‘E-channel Services’ button, from the menu you will see at the bottom of the screen.
- Step 3: Choose ‘Public services’.
- Step 4: You will see a list of services offered under this category. Select the service named “Residency – All residence types – permits for staying outside UAE over 6 months – New request”.
- Step 5: Click on ‘Start service’.
- Step 6: Fill out the form with the following details:
- Your full name in English (the system will automatically fill in the next field, which requires your name to be entered in Arabic).
- Mobile number (this can be a number issued outside the UAE as well).
- Email address
- Preferred language – English or Arabic.
- Sponsor’s information – here you need to enter the ID number and passport number of the individual or organisation sponsoring your UAE residence visa.
- Next, enter your details – Emirates ID number, full name, current nationality, gender, date of birth and reason for staying outside the UAE for more than six months.
- Finally, you need to enter your passport details – passport number, issue date, expiry date and the country that has issued it.
- Step 7: Click on ‘Next’.
- Step 8: You will then be asked to attach the necessary documents supporting your request for the permit to be issued. This may include proof of the reason for staying outside the country for more than six months. The ICP website states that the mandatory and optional documents may vary depending on the data entered in the application.
- Step 9: Complete the fee payment, through a credit or debit card. However, the website also advises applicants to note that the service fees may vary depending on the data entered in the application.
- Step 10: Your application will then be submitted. According to the ICP, online applications will be processed within 48 hours of submission.
- Step 11: Once approved, you will receive the permit via email, on the address you have provided in the form.
Fees:
The ICP website provides the following breakdown of service fees:
- E-services fees – Dh28
- ICP fees – Dh22
- Smart Services Fee – Dh100
Note:
- The application will be automatically cancelled after 30 days, in case the application is returned due to missing data or non-completion of the required documents.
- The application will be canceled if it is returned three times due to missing data or non-completion of the required documents.
- Issuance fees are refunded only if the application was rejected by ICP.
- All terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice.
FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions on Staying Outside UAE for 6 months or more than180 days:
Can I stay outside UAE more than 6 months?
According to a 2014 government decision, residents can remain outside the UAE for more than six months and their status will not be affected. People with residence permits under approved classifications, government employees sent abroad for medical reasons, and investors.
How long can Dubai resident stay outside UAE?
In the UAE, citizens are allowed to stay away for a maximum of 180 days.
Is UAE visa Cancelled automatically after 6 months?
Your residence visa will be cancelled if you are outside the UAE for more than six months. If your UAE visa is revoked while you are away, you must reapply for an entry permit to return.
Can foreign students remain outside the UAE for more than six months?
Foreign students studying abroad at a university or institute will be allowed to enter the UAE even after six months of overseas stay, as long as they hold a Dubai-issued residence permit and their port of entry is Dubai.
How do I apply for a new entry permit to enter the UAE again?
You can apply for entry permits or visas through the website of Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), the eChannel for residency and citizenship. Or, you can apply to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the individual emirate or through the Typing Centre
How are the days calculated for staying outside?
UAE Authorities calculates six months as 180 days. This means that a resident with a valid visa should return to UAE before 180 days. They will not able to return to enter UAE after 180 days without a special permit.
Can Golden Visa holder stay outside UAE for more than 6 months?
10-year golden visa holders can stay outside the UAE for more than six months without any change to their residence permit status. There is no restriction on the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE in order to keep the Golden Residence valid.
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hai i have a residence permit can i re enter to uae on 180th day or 179th day bcz i went for emergency vacation still y visa is valid its possible to enter to uae on 180th day ?
Hi, if your visa is still valid, you should be able to return even if it’s on the 180th day. It’s recommended to verify this information with the relevant authorities or your sponsor to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
From which date I need to start counting the 180 days?
the date I arrived in the UAE or the day I left ?
Hi, If you stay outside UAE for six months or more than 180 days, i believe the counting 180 days, starts from the day you left UAE. It’s always best to consult official sources or legal experts for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding UAE visa rules and requirements.
Hi. If I come back into the UAE for only a few hours, will that count as a returning to the UAE? Details: I will fly into the airport, leave the airport to go home for 2 hours then go back to the airport to fly to another destination.
Hi, If you are flying into the UAE, leaving the airport to go home for a couple of hours, and then returning to the airport to fly to another destination, it would not typically be considered as “returning to the UAE” in the usual sense. However, it’s essential to consider the specific regulations and policies in place at the time of your travel. I would strongly advise checking with the relevant authorities, to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding your situation.
Hi sir i did work in compny in dubai. But i have some my family problems therefore i went Emergency vacation to india i didn’t go to back to dubai .. Can i come to uae offter six month on visit visa please give me advice thsnk you
Hi, did you inform this to your company on this? have you cancelled your visa?
Hi, I also had the same concern for my daughter who over stayed 8 months outside UAE and study in India.
I searched in the net, contacted many sources, but received different answers. The stress is over. Her visa is from Sharjah and she arrived in Dubai yesterday with more than 240 days overstayed outside UAE.
Your visa must be active in ICA and this can check here.
https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/residents-entry-confirmation
Air India has asked her a self declaration statement on boarding from Trivandrum stating that she overstayed 180 days and travelling on her own risk.
Thank you for writing and clarifying.
Am Daniel am having free license ‘I have been away more than six months what should I do
Hi Please contact the concerned visa department
Can my daughter studying in university in India, come back in the same resident visa after exceeding 6 months?
Is there any procedure to be completed for this or any documents to be submitted?
Hi, I would suggest you to check with the immigration on this.
Hi. My daughter and wife having resident visa issued from Dubai. Due to my daughter (13 years old) schooling and examination and no holidays, they were not able to enter UAE within 180 days (just 2 weeks exceeded). Earlier there was an option to apply for return (reentry) permit in GDRFA, but now the option is not available. In this case, what is way to get entry to Dubai. Visa is not expired.
Hi, I would suggest you to check with the immigration or GDRFA on this
Hello good evening!!
I would like to ask if i can stay more than 6months outside UAE for my valid reason. Im getting deliver here in our country and waiting for my fully recovery… Do i stay more than 6 months here in our country??
Hi if you stay outside UAE for more than 6 months there are chances of getting your visa cancelled automatically
My UAE visa active Can I travel UAE after six months stay outside county
Hi you need to get the re entry permit in this.
I am a sole owner of a free zone company have stayed outside UAE for one year but my visa still valid till 2023
Can I enter the UAE on this visa!?
Hi i dont think you can enter unless you have a new entry permit
Hi Shahnaz
I’m on Ajman Free Zone Visa, I’m more than 6m outside UAE, But when checking the system it shows that my Visa is valid. Do you think I can enter? What happen in your case?
Hi, If your visa is still showing as valid in the system, it indicates that your visa has not been canceled or expired. However, please note that the validity of the visa does not guarantee entry into the UAE.
To enter the UAE, you need to comply with the UAE’s immigration laws and regulations. Advisable to contact the Ajman Free Zone authority or your sponsor to inquire about any potential issues or special conditions related to your specific visa type and situation.
Hey, I’m applying for one year residence visa and I have a question, how the 180 days are calculated? like I’m going outside for 170 days then return to Dubai for a week then I go outside again for another 170 days, am I still have the residency? or they total the number of the days like 180 days in one year not continuously?
Thanks
Hi, as far as i know to keep the visa active you need to enter UAE at least in every 180 days.
Dear sir
I have 5 year visa. have apartments . I need to check my son study in abroad can’t enter dubai 6 months as has no holidays. heard that for golden viza holders no problem enter. Please help me with information.
Hi, the detailed information is given in this article, however, I would suggest you to check with visa issuing authority on this.
Hi, i think your son can enter UAE since you have a 5 year visa, however i would suggest you to check with the concerned authorities on this to avoid any issues.
Dear sir
I have 5 year visa have apartments . I need to check my aon study in abroad can’t enter dubai 6 months passed.I heard that for golden viza holders no problem enter. Please help me with information.
Hi
My sister holds partner visa in Dubai.. is it permissible for her to stay outside UAE more than 6 months?
Hi, I would suggest you to check with the concerned authorities in immigration on this.