In the UAE immigration practice, each stage serves a distinct legal purpose. Many applicants receive an approval e-mail or PDF document and mistakenly assume they have been granted long-term residency, when in fact they have only obtained a short-term entry authorisation.
This article explains, based on official UAE government guidance, what a UAE entry permit is, what a UAE residence visa (residence permit) is, how the two stages are linked, and the consequences of missing deadlines. It outlines validity periods, grace rules, overstay fines, common pathways for employees, family members, and Golden Visa applicants, and how to verify your status through ICP and GDRFA systems. As a licensed government services centre in Dubai, EGSH assists applicants in completing all procedures correctly through the competent authorities.
Why Understanding UAE Entry Permits and Residence Visas Matters
In UAE practice, an “approved visa” in your e‑mail is often an entry permit, not your final residence permit. The entry permit is usually the first stage: it lets you enter and stay for a limited time and for a specific purpose, such as taking up a job or completing Golden Visa procedures. The residence visa is the second stage: it confirms your longer‑term right to live in the UAE and access most resident benefits.
Confusing these stages can lead to status violations. If you stay beyond the entry permit validity without converting to a residence visa, or if you let your residence visa expire and do not regularise your status within the grace period, you risk overstay fines and possible immigration complications.
All rules described in this article are based on information published by u.ae, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Regulations are subject to change, so applicants should always verify current requirements through these official channels.
What Is a UAE Entry Permit?
A UAE entry permit is a short‑term immigration document that allows a foreigner to enter the country and remain for the period and purpose stated in the permit. It is usually issued electronically after the underlying visa or application is approved and is often referred to as a UAE visa entry permit in official systems.
Entry permits exist for various purposes: employment, family joining, business, completing residence visa procedures, or long‑term residence programmes such as Golden Visas. For anyone asking “what is an entry permit in the UAE?”, the key point is that it is a temporary, purpose‑specific permission to enter and stay, not proof of long‑term residency.
Definition and Purpose
The entry permit is an initial electronic document issued after a visa or application is approved, which authorises a foreigner to enter the UAE and stay for the period and purpose specified in the permit. It is normally sent to the applicant or sponsor as a PDF or made available in the relevant smart services account.
The type of entry permit you receive depends on your situation. For example, a person employed by a UAE company may receive an employment entry permit linked to a MoHRE work permit, while a spouse or child of a resident may receive a family entry permit. For Golden Visa or Green residence applicants, a special entry permit is used purely to enter and complete long‑term residence formalities.
Validity Periods and Where to Apply
For most categories, entry permit validity in UAE systems is typically 60 days from the date of issuance. Within this period, the holder must enter the country and, after entry, either renew the permit if eligible, convert their status to a residence visa, or leave the UAE before the permit expires. If nothing is done and the validity lapses, the person may not be able to enter or stay without a new permit.
Where the entry permit is issued specifically to complete residence procedures, the rules differ slightly. Such permits are usually valid for two months for standard residence visas and Green residence visas (issued for 1–5 years), and for six months with multiple entries for Golden Visa procedures. These longer, residence‑related permits are still temporary; they only lead to residence once the residence visa itself is issued.
Applications for a UAE entry permit are submitted through ICP’s eChannels portal and smart app for Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates, or through GDRFA Dubai’s online services and the Dubai Now app for Dubai. Authorised typing centres across the UAE can also prepare and lodge applications on behalf of sponsors. EGSH works through these official channels on the clients’ behalf, ensuring that the correct entry permit type and supporting documents are used.
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What Is a UAE Residence Visa (Residence Permit)?
While the entry permit controls your initial arrival, the UAE residence visa (often called a residence permit on government portals) is what allows you to legally live in the UAE for an extended, defined period. It is usually linked to your Emirates ID and appears in immigration systems rather than as a physical sticker on the passport in all emirates.
A residence visa is always tied to a specific basis: employment, family sponsorship, property ownership or qualifying investment, study, or long‑term categories such as Golden Visa or Green residence. Different categories have different validity periods and conditions, but all involve a formal issuance process inside the UAE.
Definition, Duration and Categories
The residence visa allows a foreigner to reside in the UAE for a specified period, typically 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 years, depending on the visa type and sponsor. For example, standard employment and family residence visas are often issued for one, two or three years, while certain investors, property owners, outstanding professionals or talented individuals may qualify for five‑year or ten‑year Golden Visas.
These longer‑term options are still residence visas; they simply have a longer validity in the UAE systems, subject to continued compliance with the category conditions. Golden Visa and Green residence regimes are granted only to applicants who meet defined criteria relating to investment, skills, employment level or other approved categories.
Conditions, Linked Family Visas and Resident Benefits
To issue or renew a residence visa, applicants aged 18 or above must undergo a medical fitness examination, pass the required security checks, and apply for an Emirates ID card. These steps normally occur after arrival in the UAE on an entry permit and must be completed within the permitted time frame, such as the usual 60‑day window for employment and many family cases.
Family residence visa sponsorship in UAE law allows expatriate residents who meet minimum salary and other conditions to sponsor eligible dependants, such as spouses, children and, in some cases, parents. Dependants’ residence visas are legally linked to the sponsor’s visa and automatically expire or are cancelled when the sponsor’s residence visa ends. In family cases, the resident sponsor usually has 60 days from the date the dependants enter on an entry permit to apply for their residence visas.
Holding a valid UAE residence visa brings significant practical advantages. Resident expatriates can open bank accounts, obtain financing, apply for a driving licence, access government health services and health insurance schemes, enrol children in schools, work and invest under applicable laws, and, in some cases, benefit from visa exemptions or visa‑on‑arrival arrangements in certain foreign countries. These benefits generally require a valid, active residence visa and Emirates ID; an entry permit alone does not provide the same access.
Entry Permit vs Residence Visa: Key Differences at a Glance
Although both documents relate to immigration, the roles of a UAE entry permit and a UAE residence visa are distinct and sequential. The entry permit is short-term, usually around 60 days, or, for residence‑related procedures, two or six months, and is intended to allow initial entry and a limited stay. The residence visa is a longer visa, ranging from one to ten years, and confirms your right to reside, work (where permitted), and access major resident services.
The table below summarises the main differences between the UAE entry permit and the residence visa:
| Aspect | Entry Permit | Residence Visa (Residence Permit) |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Short‑term authorisation to enter and stay for a specific purpose | Long‑term authorisation to reside in the UAE |
| Typical validity | Usually 60 days; 2 months for residence/Green residence; 6 months for some Golden Visas | 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10 years, depending on category and sponsor |
| Issuing authorities/channels | ICP or GDRFA via eChannels, smart apps, GDRFA Dubai, Dubai Now, typing centres | ICP or GDRFA after in‑country processing, medical, security checks, Emirates ID |
| Stage in process | First stage, before or upon arrival | Second stage, after arrival and completion of formalities |
| Link to family sponsorship | Used for dependants’ entry only | Family members’ visas are sponsored and linked to the main resident’s visa |
| Access to resident benefits | Limited; mainly allows entry | Enables banking, driving licence, schooling, health services, work/investment, etc. |
For most expatriates, the sequence is: obtain an entry permit, enter the UAE, then complete the steps for a residence visa. The entry permit alone does not entitle you to long‑term residence or to remain beyond its validity. By contrast, the residence visa defines your lawful stay for years at a time and is what must be renewed or cancelled as your circumstances change.
This is why the core phrase “UAE entry permit vs residence visa” is more than a technical distinction. Misunderstanding the difference can lead to situations in which someone believes they are a resident when they only hold an expiring entry permit, or to overstay after a residence visa has lapsed because they assumed renewal was automatic.
When Do You Need Which Document?
Almost every foreign national who plans to live in the UAE will first require some form of entry or work permit, which serves as an entry authorisation. After entering, they must complete the residence procedures to obtain a residence visa linked to their Emirates ID. Only at that point do they become residents in immigration terms.
Some foreigners visit the UAE purely for tourism or short business trips and do not seek residency. Depending on nationality, they may receive a visit or tourist visa, or a visa‑on‑arrival, instead of a residence‑related entry permit. These visit visas are different from residence permits and have their own rules; the focus here remains on people who intend to convert an entry permit into long‑term residency.
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Typical Pathways: From Entry Permit to Residence Visa
Although the basic structure is similar, the practical steps from entry permit to residence visa differ slightly across the employment, family, and long‑term residence routes. In each case, the person must move from a time‑limited entry authorisation to a formally issued residence visa within the applicable timeframe.
Employment Route
For employees, the process usually starts with a UAE work permit from MoHRE. This work permit, issued at the request of the UAE employer, allows the expatriate to enter the UAE for employment and is generally valid for two months from the date of issue. In practice, this document serves as both a work authorisation and an entry permit for immigration purposes, and is the primary reference for anyone seeking information on UAE work permit validity before residence visa issuance.
After the employee enters the UAE on this work permit/entry permit, the employer must complete several mandatory steps within about 60 days: medical fitness tests at an approved centre, Emirates ID biometrics and application, labour card procedures, and stamping or activation of the work residence permit in the immigration system. Once these are completed and the residence visa is issued, the employee’s status changes from a temporary entrant to a resident worker.
Family Sponsorship Route
Under the rules governing family residence visa sponsorship in the UAE, expatriate residents who hold a valid residence visa and meet the minimum salary and other conditions can sponsor their spouse, children, and other eligible relatives. The sponsor first applies for an entry permit for each family member through ICP or GDRFA channels, enabling them to enter the country.
Once the dependant enters the UAE, the resident sponsor typically has 60 days to submit the residence visa application, complete the medical tests (where required), process Emirates ID applications, and finalise the conversion from an entry permit to a residence visa. If the sponsor fails to do this in time and no extension or status change is arranged, the dependant may fall into overstay and become liable for fines.
Long-Term Residence And Golden Visa Route
For long‑term residence categories, such as Green residence visa UAE arrangements and the various Golden Visa categories, the procedure often involves a specific residence‑related entry permit.
When an entry permit is issued to finalise residence visa procedures, it is generally valid for two months for normal and Green residence visas, and six months with multiple entries for Golden Visa applicants. This extended validity of the UAE Golden Visa entry permit gives applicants time to travel, complete documentation, and undergo medical and security checks.
However, long‑term residence is not confirmed until the residence visa itself is issued inside the UAE and linked to the applicant’s Emirates ID. Until that happens, the person remains under entry‑permit status and must ensure they remain within the permit's validity or any confirmed extension.
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Validity, Grace Periods And Overstay Rules
Keeping track of your document validity, grace periods, and potential overstay is essential to maintaining a lawful status. UAE authorities provide online tools to check your records and have clearly defined consequences if you miss deadlines.
Checking Your Entry Permit Or Residence Visa Status
Applicants can track the status and validity of both entry permits and residence visas on ICP’s official websites for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. By entering the file number, passport number, or other requested details, you can confirm whether your permit or visa is active, expired, or under processing. This is the standard method for checking UAE visa status on ICP.
In Dubai, GDRFA provides a dedicated online service that allows users to check their visa and residence status by entering their passport and personal details. This is the main channel for checking Dubai visa status on GDRFA and is especially relevant for those whose visas or entry permits were issued by Dubai‑based sponsors. EGSH’s consultants routinely use these tools when preparing applications or advising clients on next steps through the official systems.
Grace Periods, Automatic Cancellation And Overstay Fines
A residence visa is automatically cancelled if the holder remains outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days, except for Golden Visa holders, who are allowed longer absences without automatic cancellation. This automatic cancellation rule is separate from the stated visa expiry date and can affect frequent travellers who leave the UAE for extended periods.
In the UAE, when a residence visa expires, the holder is granted a grace period ranging from 30 days to six months, depending on the visa category. During this grace period, the person must regularise their status, either by renewing their residence visa, changing to another permitted status, or leaving the country. If they do not act within this window, an overstaying situation arises.
Overstaying after the UAE visa grace period results in a unified UAE visa overstay fine of AED 50 per day of overstay, regardless of whether the original visa was a residence or visit visa. This overstay fine, which accrues after the UAE visa grace period, can accumulate quickly and may need to be settled at immigration counters or through official payment channels before departure or status correction. In addition, when a person decides to leave the UAE permanently, their residence visa must be formally cancelled by the sponsor or an authorised representative through ICP or GDRFA before departure.
Practical Questions About Entry Permits And Residence Visas (FAQ)
Can I Work in the UAE With an Entry Permit Only, Without a Residence Visa?
Work in the UAE must be based on a valid MoHRE work permit and a corresponding work residence visa, issued through ICP or GDRFA, unless a specific category is exempt under published rules. An entry permit, whether labelled as an employment entry permit or otherwise, does not replace the requirement for a work permit and a residence visa. Employers are responsible for completing the process within the prescribed period after your entry so that your status becomes that of a resident worker.
How Long Is the UAE Entry Permit Valid, and What If I Do Not Convert It to Residence in Time?
Most entry permits are valid for 60 days from the date of issue, while entry permits issued to complete residence or Golden Visa procedures may have a 2-month or 6-month validity. If you do not enter the UAE within this period, or if you enter but do not complete residence procedures, the sponsor may need to apply for a renewal or a new entry permit, or you may need to leave the country before you become an overstayer. Specific options depend on your permit type and should be confirmed directly with ICP or GDRFA in the emirate that issued the permit.
What Happens If a UAE Residence Visa Expires, and I Stay in the Country?
When your residence visa expires, you receive a grace period of 30 days to 6 months, depending on the visa category. During this time, you can stay in the UAE lawfully while you renew your residence, change your status or prepare to leave. If you remain beyond the end of the grace period without regularising your status, daily overstay fines begin to apply until you exit or correct your situation.
Does My Family’s Residence Visa Continue If My Own Residence Visa Ends or Is Cancelled?
Family residence visas are legally tied to the sponsoring resident’s visa. When the sponsor’s residence visa expires or is cancelled, the dependants’ residence visas also expire or become subject to cancellation. Sponsors therefore need to monitor both their own residency and that of their dependants, arranging renewals, cancellations or alternative sponsorships in good time to avoid gaps in legal status or exposure to fines for family members.
Can My Residence Visa Be Cancelled If I Stay Abroad for More Than Six Months?
Yes. Under the general provisions published on u.ae, a standard residence visa is deemed automatically cancelled if the holder remains outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. The main exception is for Golden Visa holders, who may remain outside the UAE for more than 6 months without their residence being automatically cancelled. If you plan an extended stay abroad and do not hold a Golden Visa, you should consider the 180‑day rule when planning travel and residency.
Which Authority Should I Contact About My Entry Permit Or Residence Visa Issues?
For Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, the competent immigration authority is the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), whose eChannels and smart services handle most entry permit and residence visa applications. For Dubai, matters relating to entry permits and residence are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), including status checks and amendments. Employment‑related queries about work permits should be directed to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), often in coordination with your employer and a service centre such as EGSH.
Explained by
Amna Issa Abbas
Visa & AMER Services Consultant at EGSH
Amna Issa Abbas is a dedicated AMER centre service provider with two years of proven experience in delivering immigration and customer services, supporting clients, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
This article is intended to provide general information based on official UAE sources, and does not constitute personalised legal advice. Before acting, applicants should verify the current rules and fees directly with the relevant authority or an authorised service centre.
