If you are a resident of Dubai and have been away from the UAE for more than six months due to reasons such as studying abroad, receiving medical treatment, or facing unforeseen circumstances, you have the option to return to the UAE with a return permit issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD).
Typically, a UAE residence visa becomes invalid if you stay outside the UAE for more than six months, unless you possess a Golden Visa. However, if you find yourself in this situation, instead of applying for a new residence visa, you can apply for a ‘Return permit for residents outside UAE for more than 6 months’ through the official GDRFAD website – gdrfad.gov.ae. It is important to provide a valid reason for your extended stay abroad, along with supporting documents.
By obtaining a return permit, you can ensure a smooth re-entry into the UAE without the need for a new residence visa. This process allows you to maintain your existing residency status and avoid unnecessary complications. The GDRFAD is responsible for reviewing and approving these applications, ensuring that residents who have been away for legitimate reasons can return to Dubai seamlessly.
To initiate the process, visit the official GDRFAD website and complete the application for the return permit. Make sure to provide accurate and detailed information, along with any necessary supporting documents. The GDRFAD will carefully evaluate your application and, if approved, issue the return permit, allowing you to re-enter the UAE.
What do you need to know about the permit?
Eligibility: This opportunity is available to residents of Dubai who have been residing outside the UAE for a period exceeding 180 days due to valid reasons.
Application: To apply, please submit your application online through the official GDRFAD website (gdrfad.gov.ae) along with the necessary supporting documents.
Processing: The processing time for applications is usually two working days, although it may vary depending on the specific details provided in the application.
Validity: As stated on the website, the return permit is valid for one month from the date of approval, provided that it does not surpass the expiration date of your residence.
How to apply?
To expedite your application process, consider creating an account with UAE Pass, the esteemed national digital identity for UAE citizens, residents, and visitors.
By utilizing UAE Pass, you gain the convenience of accessing any UAE government platform without the hassle of managing multiple accounts or passwords. Moreover, when completing the re-entry permit application, UAE Pass seamlessly populates your essential details, such as passport information, visa details, sponsor particulars, and Emirates ID, saving you valuable time and effort.
Once you have successfully created an account, please follow the step-by-step instructions below to proceed:
- Begin by visiting the official website of GDRFAD, which can be found at https://gdrfad.gov.ae/. Once there, locate and click on the login icon situated at the top right corner of the page.
- After clicking on the login icon, select the ‘Individuals’ option and then choose ‘Login with UAE Pass’. To verify your identity, you will be required to utilize the UAE Pass app on your mobile device.
- Upon successful verification, you will be redirected to your dashboard. Locate and click on the ‘Create New Application’ button.
- In the next step, select the service titled ‘Return Permit for Resident outside UAE More than 6 months’.
- Now, you can proceed to fill out the application form. If you log in using your UAE Pass account, most of the required details will be automatically populated for you. However, you will still need to manually provide the ‘Reason’ for your application and your contact details. If you logged in using a GDRFA online account, you will need to manually enter the following information:
a. Sponsor details
- Sponsor name
b. Passport details
- Passport number
- Passport issue date
- Passport expiry date
c. Applicant details
- Current nationality
- Profession
- Mother name in English
- Mother’s name in Arabic
- Please provide the reason for your stay outside the UAE for a period exceeding six months. Choose one of the options from the drop-down menu below:
- Study
- Health
- Crises or disaster
- Other
Select the arrival emirate – Dubai is the only option on the drop-down menu.
e. Contact details
- Email address
- Mobile number
- Also, provide an alternate email address, for a copy of the approval permit and receipt.
- Begin by uploading the necessary documents.
To proceed, you must attach a scanned copy of both your Emirates ID and passport, along with any additional documents that support your request for the issuance of the permit. These supporting documents may include evidence explaining the reason for your extended absence from the country, exceeding a duration of six months. - Following the document upload, the subsequent step involves the payment of the application fee. This can be conveniently done using your debit or credit card. Once the payment is successfully processed, simply click on the ‘Submit’ button.
Upon completion of these steps, you will be provided with a transaction number, which will enable you to track the progress of your application. Additionally, a confirmation email will be sent to you. Typically, it takes two working days for the return permit to be issued. However, please note that in certain cases, the processing time may extend beyond this period, depending on the information provided in the application.
Once the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) approves your reason and grants the permit, you will receive the permit via email. It will be sent to the address you have specified in the application form.
If one is not a Dubai resident, how can one apply for the return permit?
If you have been residing outside the UAE for a period exceeding six months and possess a residence visa issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, you must apply for a re-entry permit via the ICP smart services portal – smartservices.icp.gov.ae. This permit will facilitate your return to the UAE smoothly and efficiently.