Staying outside the UAE for more than 6 months on a residence visa

General rule (u.ae): if a foreign resident stays outside the UAE for more than 180 continuous days, the residence visa is cancelled automatically, and a new entry permit is normally needed to come back.

Exceptions listed on u.ae include: Golden Visa holders; foreign wives of Emirati citizens; residents sent abroad for medical treatment (with an approved medical report); public-sector employees sent abroad for training or work; students at universities abroad; investors with valid residence; domestic workers accompanying Emiratis studying or treated abroad; people sponsored by UAE diplomatic missions; and others excluded by ICP decision.

Permission to return (for a valid reason such as study, treatment or emergencies): - Dubai residence: GDRFA Dubai service 'Return Permit for Resident Outside UAE More Than 6 Months', applied online from abroad with passport and Emirates ID copies and proof of the reason. Gulf News (Feb 2024) reports about 2 working days processing and validity of one month from approval, not beyond the residence expiry. - Other emirates: ICP re-entry permit, applied from outside the UAE after 180 days, with a valid justification; u.ae lists a fee of AED 100 for every 30 days or less spent outside, and entry within 30 days of approval. u.ae (updated 28 September 2026) adds that this ICP service is not for Dubai residents, and that Golden visa and Green residence holders do not need to apply for it.

What to do: if you expect a long stay abroad, tell us before leaving; keep evidence of the reason (medical reports, enrolment letters). If the visa has already lapsed, we check whether a return permit or a new visa is the right route.