United Arab Emirates: Re-Entry Permit Now Available for UAE Residents Who Stay Outside the Country for Over Six Months
February 6, 2023
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (FAICCPS) announced that UAE residents who have been outside the country for more than six months can obtain a re-entry permit to re-enter the country through the FAICCPS portal. The re-entry permit will allow the UAE resident to return to the UAE and reactivate the validity of their residence permit, provided they have a valid reason for why they were unable to return within 180 days. In order to obtain a re-entry permit, the following requirements apply: an application must be submitted from outside the United Arab Emirates after 180 days of the individual staying outside the country; a valid reason for stay outside the country must be given and required supporting documentation will vary based on this reason; and applicants must provide their and their sponsor’s passport, residence permit and Emirate’s identification details. The application fees are AED 150 and once the application is approved and the re-entry permit issued, the individual must re-enter the United Arab Emirates within 30 days; failure to do so will trigger a penalty of AED 100 for every additional 30 days spent outside the country.
It is currently unclear whether the re-entry permit will be available to all categories of residence permit holders, however, there are several categories of individuals who are exempt from the restriction to stay outside the country for more than six months and who therefore do not have to obtain a re-entry permit. It is our understanding that the re-entry permit is currently available only to foreign nationals who hold a dependent residence permit, but further clarity is expected to be available shortly.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Blog post
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.
Media mentions
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Blog post
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.
Media mentions
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.