Do GCC residents need a visa to enter the UAE?

Yes. Foreign nationals who hold a residence permit in a GCC country must obtain an approved e-Visa before travelling to the UAE. GCC citizens (nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) do not require a visa and may enter the UAE freely.

Can GCC residents get a visa on arrival in the UAE?

A visa on arrival is not available to GCC residents as a standard entry method. The e-Visa must be obtained before travel through the GDRFA portal, the ICP Smart Services portal or an authorised Amer Centre such as EGSH.

How long is a GCC residents' visit visa valid in the UAE?

The visa allows a stay of 30 days from the date of entry and may be extended once for an additional 30 days. For companions of GCC citizens, the visa is valid for 60 days from entry and extendable once for a further 60 days.

What is the government fee for a GCC residents visit visa?

The official GDRFA fee is AED 250 plus 5% VAT, totalling AED 253 as published by GDRFA Dubai. Amer Centre service charges apply in addition when the application is submitted through EGSH. A full fee breakdown is provided before submission.

How long does it take to process a GCC residents' visit visa?

According to GDRFA Dubai, the standard processing time is 48 hours from the date of complete submission. EGSH verifies all documents and profession eligibility before submission to ensure processing within the official timeframe.

What happens if my GCC residence permit expires after the e-Visa is issued?

If the GCC residence permit is found to be expired or cancelled upon arrival in the UAE, entry will be denied. Applicants must ensure that the GCC residence permit remains valid for at least one year from the date of arrival and throughout the intended stay.

Can I extend my GCC residents' visit visa?

Yes. The visa may be extended once for an additional 30 days. The extension must be submitted before the current visa expires. For companions of GCC citizens, one extension of 60 days is permitted. Further extensions are not available.

Can I apply for a GCC residents visit visa for my family?

Dependents and companions of GCC citizens may apply for a UAE entry permit under the companions category. The GCC citizen sponsor must travel with the companions. For family members who do not qualify under this category, a standard UAE visit visa may be required.

What happens if I overstay my GCC residents' visit visa?

Overstay fines are standardised at AED 50 per day for all visa types in the UAE. Fines begin accruing the day after the visa expires. Failure to settle overstay fines may result in travel bans, blocked future visa applications and further legal consequences.

GCC Residents Visit Visa Dubai | Apply Online with EGSH

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GCC Residents Visit Visa

GCC Residents Visit Visa Services in Dubai

Government-Authorised e-Visa Processing for GCC Residents and Companions of GCC Citizens

A GCC residents' visit visa for the UAE is an electronic entry permit issued to foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar or Bahrain. The e-Visa allows a stay of 30 days from the date of entry and may be extended once for an additional 30 days.

Applicants must hold a GCC residence permit valid for at least one year from the date of arrival, a passport valid for at least six months and a profession included in the GDRFA-approved categories. The e-Visa is processed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) for Dubai entries or through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) for other emirates.

EGSH processes the complete GCC residents' visit visa application as an authorised Amer Centre, from eligibility verification and profession confirmation through to document submission and e-Visa delivery.

Authorised Amer Centre
VIP service without queues
Official government-regulated fees
Most procedures completed in one visit

According to GDRFA Dubai, the standard processing time for a GCC residents' entry permit is 48 hours from the date of complete submission.

Apply for a GCC Residents Visit Visa in Dubai

Officially regulated fees
No hidden charges
Queue-free service
VIP support at no extra cost

From AED 1,036

+971 4 612 1810

Visit EGSH

Visit EGSH during working hours or book your appointment online for a consultation on your GCC residence permit, profession eligibility and passport validity.

Document Verification

EGSH verifies all documents against GDRFA requirements, confirms that the stated profession falls within the approved categories and provides a full breakdown of applicable government fees.

Application Submission

Your e-Visa application is submitted through the official GDRFA Dubai online system with all supporting documents and the government fee of AED 250 plus 5% VAT.

Receive Your e-Visa

Upon approval, the GCC residents' e-Visa is sent to your registered email address within 48 hours, ready to present at UAE immigration upon arrival.

Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues

You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.

Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai

Operating hours
Monday–Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

Call +971 4 612 1810 WhatsApp

Valid Passport

A passport or travel document with at least six months' validity from the date of entry into the UAE, with a clear scanned copy of the bio page.

GCC Residence Permit

A valid GCC residence permit or electronic extract stating the profession and permit validity, with the permit valid for at least one year from the date of arrival.

Personal Photograph

A recent colour photograph on a white background meeting UAE visa specifications in JPEG format.

Companion Documents (If Applicable)

For dependents and companions of GCC citizens, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) and a copy of the GCC citizen sponsor’s passport are required, and the GCC citizen must travel with the companion.

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VIP Service

Personal assistance and priority processing with no queues.

Affordable Fees

Official government rates with transparent, fixed pricing.

All Services in One Place

Comprehensive range of UAE government services under one roof.

One-Visit Completion

Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the centre.

What Is a GCC Residents Visit Visa in the UAE

A GCC residents' visit visa is an electronic entry permit issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) to foreign nationals holding valid residence permits in GCC countries. The visa allows short-term entry to the UAE for tourism, family visits or business purposes. The legal basis for entry permits is established under Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners.

The e-Visa is issued electronically and sent to the applicant's registered email address upon approval. Applicants must present the approved e-Visa at UAE immigration upon arrival, along with the original passport and valid GCC residence permit.

Who Is Eligible for a GCC Residents Visit Visa

GCC Residents (Expatriates)

Foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit issued by Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar or Bahrain may apply for a UAE e-Visa provided they meet all of the following conditions: the GCC residence permit must be valid for at least one year from the date of arrival in the UAE, the passport must be valid for at least six months, the profession stated on the residence permit must be included in the list of approved categories maintained by GDRFA and ICP, and the applicant must have no travel restrictions preventing entry to the UAE.

If the GCC residence permit is found to be expired or cancelled upon arrival, the entry permit holder will not be granted entry. If the profession stated on the GCC residence permit has changed after the e-Visa was issued, the entry permit holder will also be denied entry.

Dependents and Companions of GCC Citizens

Spouses, children and other dependents of GCC nationals may apply for a UAE entry permit under the companions category. The companion's visa is valid for 60 days from the date of entry and may be extended once for an additional 60 days. The application will not be approved unless the GCC citizen sponsor is travelling with the companion. Proof of relationship and a copy of the GCC citizen's passport are required.

GCC Citizens Do Not Require a Visa

Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia do not require a visa or entry permit to enter the UAE. GCC nationals may enter freely with a valid passport or national identity card. This service applies exclusively to foreign nationals who hold residence permits in GCC countries, not to GCC citizens themselves.

For applicants who do not hold a GCC residence permit and are not companions of GCC citizens, a standard UAE visit visa may be required.

Approved Professions for GCC Residents Visit Visa

The e-Visa for GCC residents is issued only to applicants whose profession, as stated on the GCC residence permit, is included in the list of approved categories maintained by GDRFA and ICP. The approved categories generally include managerial, professional, technical, medical, legal, financial and educational roles. Examples of commonly approved professions include government employees, doctors, engineers, auditors, accountants, lawyers, managers, teachers, university professors, nurses, pharmacists, pilots, journalists, traders and IT specialists.

The approved professions list is subject to change without prior notice by the competent authority. The final assessment of profession eligibility is carried out at the time of application and again upon arrival. Even if the e-Visa has been approved, UAE authorities may refuse entry if the profession on the GCC residence permit does not match the approved list at the time of entry. EGSH reviews each application in advance to verify that the applicant's profession meets the current GDRFA criteria.

e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival for GCC Residents

GCC residents must obtain an approved e-Visa before travelling to the UAE. The e-Visa application is submitted online through the GDRFA portal (for Dubai entry) or the ICP Smart Services portal (for entry through other emirates), and the approved visa is delivered by email.

A visa on arrival is not available to GCC residents as a standard entry method. Airlines may deny boarding to GCC residents without an approved e-Visa, and UAE immigration may refuse entry at the port of arrival. This requirement applies regardless of the applicant's profession or nationality. GCC citizens, by contrast, enter the UAE visa-free and do not require any form of pre-arranged entry permit.

How to Apply — Application Channels

GCC residents may submit the e-Visa application through one of the following channels.

GDRFA Dubai Smart Services. The application is submitted online through the GDRFA Dubai portal. The applicant registers as a user, selects the entry permit service for GCC residents, completes the application form, uploads the required documents and pays the government fee. The approved e-Visa is sent to the applicant's email.

ICP Smart Services. For entry through emirates other than Dubai, the application is submitted through the ICP Smart Services portal. A UAE Pass account is required. The process and fee are the same.

Authorised Amer Centre. EGSH submits the application through the official GDRFA system on behalf of the applicant after completing eligibility verification, document review and profession confirmation.

For a UAE visa status check, applicants can track the application through the GDRFA or ICP portal using the transaction number issued at submission.

Government Fees for a GCC Residents Visit Visa

The official government fee for a GCC residents' visit e-Visa is AED 250 plus 5% VAT. According to GDRFA Dubai, the total service cost is AED 253. Amer Centre service charges apply in addition to the government fee when the application is submitted through an authorised centre such as EGSH.

EGSH provides a full itemised breakdown of all applicable fees before submission. All government fees are regulated by GDRFA and are subject to change. Fees referenced on this page are current as of the date of publication.

Validity, Extension and Overstay Rules

The GCC residents' visit visa is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and allows a stay of 30 days from the date of entry. The visa may be extended once for an additional 30 days before the initial visa expires. For companions of GCC citizens, the visa is valid for 60 days from entry and may be extended once for a further 60 days.

Extensions must be submitted before the current visa expires. For detailed information on the extension process, refer to the GCC residents visit visa extension service page.

Overstay fines in the UAE are standardised at AED 50 per day for all visa types. Fines begin accruing the day after the visa expires. If the GCC residence permit is found to have expired during the stay, the visa holder must regularise their status or exit the UAE immediately.

For GCC residents considering a longer-term stay or relocation, a visa status change in the UAE may be applicable, or applicants may explore options such as a Golden Visa for property investors or refer to the UAE residence visa guide for a full overview of available categories.

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.

About the Expert

GCC Residents Visit Visa Extension

Apply for a visit visa extension as a Gulf resident in Dubai through EGSH, an authorised AMER Centre.

From AED 543

Visit Visas

Obtain your Dubai visit visa or family entry permit in 48 hours.

From AED 1,499

Visa Status Change

Easily change your visa status in the UAE with EGSH.

From AED 636

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Frequently Asked Questions About GCC Residents Visit Visa

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Big thanks to ZARA for her amazing support! She was extremely helpful when my employee approval got stuck in the Amer system. She went the extra mile to sort it out quickly. Her responsiveness made all the difference, greatly appreciated!!!

Very professional and friendly. They made the property transfer easy and smooth. Golden visa process seamless and thanks to Maya that all the staff (In particular to Maya!!!).

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Had a great experience at Emirates Government Service Hub. Zara Moshiri truly went above and beyond to help me with my visa. I was facing a few issues during the process, and she handled everything patiently and professionally until it was sorted. Really grateful for her support — definitely ask for her when you visit this branch.

I would like to recognize the exceptional service I received from Umida at EGSH. From the very first minute, she made me feel genuinely welcome and at ease. Navigating the documentation required for a Golden Visa can be complex, yet Umida went far beyond what is typically expected — guiding me through every requirement with clarity, professionalism, and patience.

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Outstanding Service and Professionalism My wife and I recently applied for and obtained our 5-year Golden Visa (Retiree) in an exceptionally short time — mine in three days and my wife’s in just one day. We are extremely satisfied with the service provided by EGSH Emirates Government Service Hub.

Exceptional service every step of the way For showing your great example of services Remarkable dedication of consultant mrs Maria Garcia regalado. Thank you EGSH service Hub team

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Went there for a consulting. Booked an appointment in advance thro their website. Came early — no line — which is good. Very pleasant interior. My consultant Rachel, was polite. Answered all my questions. Can’t judge regarding the process once applied for an exact service, but consulting went well.

Amazing support and communication during the whole process. Rachel, Yara and Maria were super well organized and assisted in record time. We finished the whole process from star to end in 4 business days for 10 year Golden Visa!

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I had such a great experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub)! Everything went super smoothly, and the team was really helpful. A big shout‑out to Ms. Zara Moshiri—she was kind and supportive the whole way through. Truly appreciate it!

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I got a delightful service from them to upgrade my visa category half of the expected timeline. Compared with my previous place, this the best and I would like to recommend any of visa service for all of you. * reasonable fair (I was asked twice my previous what I paid). * fast service and delivering before timeline. * Authentic service. Thank you so much Maria for your dedicated service.!

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Hello, My Name is Kelvin it was my first time to hear EGSH Emirates Govt from my sponsor. I was assisted By Mrs Maria Claudia Garcia the experience was amazing from the beginning to the End she has been supporting and guiding me through all the process. I am grateful to her and the entire team for the help. I trust and believe EGSH is a place to recommend to family members and friends.

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I recently visited this institution had an exceptional experience! Ms. Maria Claudia took the time to understand my needs and preferences. I really appreciate her support and services.

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I would like to express my appreciation to Ray from EGSH for his outstanding assistance in handling the transfer of our property at Rove Hotel. He was very helpful, accommodating, and patient throughout the entire process, from addressing transaction concerns and verifying documents to the actual property transfer and ensuring the new owner received the title deed…

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Address

Art of Living Mall, 1st Floor, Al Barsha 2, Dubai, UAE

Phone

+971 4 612 1810

info@egsh.ae

Working Hours

Disclaimer: The information on this page is current as of the date of publication and is provided for general guidance only. Government fees, processing times, eligibility criteria, approved professions and procedural requirements are subject to change by the relevant authorities, including GDRFA Dubai and ICP. The approved professions list is maintained by the competent authority and may be updated without prior notice. EGSH submits and processes applications through official government channels but does not issue approvals, influence authority decisions or guarantee application outcomes. Applicants are advised to verify all requirements with the relevant authority before proceeding.

GCC Residents Visit Visa for Dubai and the UAE

GCC Residents Visit Visa Services in Dubai

How to Apply for a GCC Residents Visit Visa

Documents Required for a GCC Residents Visit Visa

Why Choose EGSH for GCC Residents Visit Visa Services

What Is a GCC Residents Visit Visa in the UAE