Gulf Residents Visit Visa for the UAE

A UAE visa for GCC residents may be issued to foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit in a GCC country. The permit must be valid for at least one year and must state a profession that is on the list approved by the UAE authorities. Dependents of GCC citizens, such as spouses or children, are also eligible to apply, provided their status is supported by the principal sponsor’s GCC nationality and valid documents. Through EGSH, an authorised AMER Centre, applicants receive an eligibility review and complete assistance in preparing and submitting the application in compliance with UAE entry requirements.

The UAE e-Visa is only issued to residents of GCC countries whose profession is listed as eligible by the UAE authorities. The approved professions are defined by the GDRFA and the ICP and may be subject to change without prior notice. These typically include recognised professional, technical, and managerial roles, but the exact assessment is carried out by the competent authority at the time of application and entry.

Applicants should be aware that even if the e-Visa has been approved, UAE authorities may refuse entry if the profession on the GCC residence permit is not on the approved list or has changed since the application was filed. EGSH reviews each case in advance, checks eligibility, and ensures compliance with the latest GDRFA criteria.

A UAE visit visa for GCC residents is valid for 30 days from the date of entry. The visa may be extended once for an additional 30 days, provided the extension request is submitted before the initial visa expires. For dependents of GCC citizens, the visa is issued for 60 days from the date of entry and may be extended once for a further 60 days.

The official government fee for a UAE visa for GCC residents is AED 250, plus 5% VAT. This fee is payable at the time of application and covers the official processing through the GDRFA systems. At EGSH, applicants receive a clear breakdown of all government charges before submission, along with guidance on payment to avoid delays or errors.

According to GDRFA, the standard processing time for a GCC visa is 48 hours from submission, provided the application is complete and compliant. EGSH specialists review eligibility, verify documents, and submit the files correctly to ensure processing is completed within the official timeframe.

GCC citizens do not require a visa to enter the UAE. However, foreign nationals who are GCC residents must apply for an entry permit in advance. Once approved, the permit is issued electronically as a Dubai e-Visa, usually within 48 hours.

A Dubai visa for GCC residents and companions of GCC citizens may only be extended one time. Both groups now receive a visa valid for 30 days, which can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Further extensions beyond this limit are not permitted.