Important Updates
Important Updates
September 23, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DOL Intensifies Enforcement of H-1B Wage Rules
September 23, 2025 | United KingdomCNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa
September 23, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Temporary Residence Permit Appointment Delay Causing Travel Issues
September 23, 2025 | United StatesThe Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?
September 23, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposes Wage Level-Based Weighted System of H-1B Cap Allocation
September 23, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DOL Intensifies Enforcement of H-1B Wage Rules
September 23, 2025 | United KingdomCNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa
September 23, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Temporary Residence Permit Appointment Delay Causing Travel Issues
September 23, 2025 | United StatesThe Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?
September 23, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposes Wage Level-Based Weighted System of H-1B Cap Allocation
September 23, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DOL Intensifies Enforcement of H-1B Wage Rules
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

UAE Residency: How Long Can I Stay Outside of the UAE?

May 30, 2017

Marcin Kubarek

Country / Territory

  • United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Marcin Kubarek

For obvious reasons people normally track the expiry date of their residency visa but the duration of stay outside of the country is often overlooked. In the UAE, the maximum period of time the residents are allowed to remain away from the country is 180 days. The deadline is defined by law and those who do not comply will face consequences resulting from the visa being invalidated.
 
Re-entry Permits
 
Historically, those who overstayed could obtain a re-entry permit which facilitates a return into the UAE without complications (learn more about the UAE entry permits in my previous article). This practice has been almost completely discontinued and re-entry permits are now issued only in exceptional cases that are adjudicated on an individual basis. In general, foreign residents who overstayed abroad for medical or educational reasons, and who can justify their absence with appropriate documentation, will be allowed to apply for the re-entry permits. The paperwork that must be submitted includes certificates issued by the relevant authorities (e.g., hospital, university) and legalised by the UAE consular post in the country of issue and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Emirates.
 
Exceptions for Investor Visas Holders
 
An exception to the 180-day rule exists and foreign nationals with a residency visa for investors can benefit from stays of up to 360 days away from the UAE. They can simply fly back every 12 months, as long as their visa has not expired. But not all the investors can enjoy the same privileges. In the UAE, investors can obtain their visas through a business established in one of the free zones or on-shore (mainland); they also have an option to invest in a real estate market and get a property-based residency visa. Due to specific free zone regulations, which trigger an employment-like relationship between the authority and the investor, it may occur that the profession field in the residency visa will read ‘director’ or ‘general manager’ and, in that case, the visa holder will not be exempt from the 180-day deadline. For this reason, it is prudent that the applicants verify the regulations directly with the authority governing their jurisdiction or seek an expert advice from an immigration professional to ensure the possibility of utilising either ‘investor’ or ‘partner' titles
 
Visa Cancellation
 
If no entry permit can be processed and the visa has been automatically invalidated, the foreign national will have to apply for a new visa should he or she decide to return to the UAE. But before doing that, the current sponsor must officially cancel the residency visa that has been invalidated. This will clear all the immigration records and will release the employment quota if the one who overstayed is an employee. Non-compliance with the cancellation requirement may result in exposure for the sponsoring company and subject the individual to some serious risks, including monetary fines, immigration and/or labour bans and Wages Protection System-related violations.  
 
Employee Tracking
 
So the best way for employers to avoid the exposure is to track the duration of stay outside of the UAE for all sponsored persons. It may be critical especially for the companies whose employees travel frequently for projects. Tracking can be done through the company’s internal systems relating to business travel or international assignments. The data can also be verified by pulling out an exit/entry report from the respective immigration department. The document aims at recording all the entry and departure dates of foreign nationals who are sponsored by the company. Carrying out such audits on a regular basis will not only help to mitigate the risk of overstaying but will also save the time and money the company would have to bear if visa cancellation is inevitable.  Obtaining a new residency permit after the previous visa has been invalidated is not a straightforward process; it is a hindrance on the way to a smooth immigration process, an annoyance to be avoided.

Country / Territory

  • United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Blog post

Visa Applications and Document Services: Avoiding Delays and Ensuring Compliance

Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft

Partner Marius Tollenaere examines Germany’s immigration administration and strategies to support skilled labor.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Associated Press: What to Know About the H-1B Visa Trump Has Targeted With $100,000 Fees, Generating Confusion, Fear

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of UK Residency and Citizenship: Longer Waits, Tougher Rules?

Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole Featured in Financial Times Spotlight on 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Ally in Action Award from Oasis Legal Services

Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.

Learn more

Video

Summer 2025 Highlights | #FragomenFC - Ep. 11

Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: US Visa Changes “Further Widening Global Equity Gap”

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Blog post

Visa Applications and Document Services: Avoiding Delays and Ensuring Compliance

Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft

Partner Marius Tollenaere examines Germany’s immigration administration and strategies to support skilled labor.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Associated Press: What to Know About the H-1B Visa Trump Has Targeted With $100,000 Fees, Generating Confusion, Fear

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of UK Residency and Citizenship: Longer Waits, Tougher Rules?

Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole Featured in Financial Times Spotlight on 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Ally in Action Award from Oasis Legal Services

Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.

Learn more

Video

Summer 2025 Highlights | #FragomenFC - Ep. 11

Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: US Visa Changes “Further Widening Global Equity Gap”

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.