UAE Re-entry Permit | What Happens If You Stay Outside the UAE for More Than 6 Months?

Many UAE residents don’t realise that their visa can become invalid if they stay outside the country for more than six months. Whether your residency is from a Dubai free zone, a mainland company, or another emirate, the six-month rule applies in most cases. If you exceed the limit, you’ll need a UAE Re-entry Permit to restore your status and travel back legally.

This guide breaks down the consequences, scenarios, and costs involved if you don’t enter the UAE within the allowed time frame and how the re-entry permit works as your solution.

Understanding the 6-Month Rule

Most UAE residency visas, except for certain categories like the Golden Visa, require the visa holder to enter the country at least once every 180 days. If you fail to do so:

• Your residency status becomes invalid
• Your Emirates ID is deactivated
• You cannot re-enter using the same visa
• You’ll be flagged as “out of status” in immigration systems
  

Golden Visa holders typically have more flexibility and are not affected by this rule in the same way. To regain entry after crossing the six-month mark, you must apply for a UAE Re-entry Permit through ICP or the immigration authority of the emirate that issued your visa.

When Do You Need a UAE Re-entry Permit?

You’ll need to apply for a re-entry permit if:

• You’ve been outside the UAE for more than 180 days
• Your visa is still technically valid, but marked as inactive
• You want to avoid starting a completely new visa application
  

Without a re-entry permit, immigration will deny entry even if your visa shows a future expiry.

Aspect	Dubai Freezone Visa	Dubai Mainland Visa	Other Emirates	Notes / Fees
Maximum time outside UAE	180 days	180 days	180 days	Golden Visa holders may have exceptions
Consequence if exceeded	Visa becomes inactive	Visa becomes inactive	Visa becomes inactive	Must submit a valid reason for extended stay
Required action	Apply for UAE Re-entry Permit via the Freezone Authority or ICP	Apply via ICP or GDRFA (Our experts at Arnifi will guide you through the process	Apply via ICP or local emirate immigration	Apply for the UAE Re-entry Permit via the Freezone Authority or ICP
Documents needed	Passport copy, visa page, Emirates ID, sponsor/company documents	Passport copy, visa page, Emirates ID, sponsor/company documents	Passport copy, visa page, Emirates ID, sponsor/company documents	Requirements may vary slightly by emirate
Processing time	Usually a few days	Usually, a few days	Usually, a few days	Approval allows entry within ~30 days
Fees / Penalties	Application fee of AED 1000 after 6th month + AED 100 per 30-day block	Application fee of AED 1000 after 6th month + AED 100 per 30-day block	Application fee depending on the emirate + AED 100 per 30-day block	Overstay fines:  AED 100 per 30-day block
Outcome if no action	Visa cancelled, may need a new visa	Visa cancelled, may need a new visa	Visa cancelled, may need a new visa	Sponsors may also need to cancel/reapply

Consequences of Not Entering the UAE Within 6 Months

If you cross the six-month limit without entering:

1. Visa Becomes Invalid
   The residency is considered lapsed, even if the printed visa expiry date is later.
   
2. Company Sponsorship Issues
   For employment and partner visas, your sponsor may need to cancel and reapply if you don’t take action.
   
3. Emirates ID Deactivation
   Your ID becomes unusable for banking, telecom, utilities, immigration, etc.
   
4. Possible Cancellation
   In some emirates, the visa may be automatically cancelled if the holder doesn’t apply for re-entry approval.
   
5. Higher Future Costs
   If you don’t apply for a UAE Re-entry Permit, you might have to go through the full visa process again.
   

Visa-Specific Scenarios

1. Dubai Freezone Visas

If you hold a Dubai free zone visa and stay outside the UAE beyond six months:

• Your visa goes inactive automatically
• You must request a re-entry permit through the free zone authority or ICP
• If you delay or skip it, your sponsor may have to cancel and reapply for a new visa
  

2. Dubai Mainland Visas

For visas issued under Dubai Mainland (via GDRFA):

• Overstaying abroad disables your residency
• You must apply via ICP or GDRFA with a valid reason
• Re-entry is not allowed without official approval
  

3. Visas From Other Emirates

Whether your visa is from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain:

• The federal six-month rule applies
• You must use ICP or the emirate’s immigration department to request reactivation
• Local rules may slightly affect the process, but the consequence is the same, no entry without a permit

How to Apply for a UAE Re-entry Permit?

Here’s the general process if your visa has been inactive due to overstaying abroad:

Step 1: Confirm Visa Validity

Your visa must still be within its original expiry period to apply

Step 2: Apply Through ICP or Immigration

Use the ICP smart services portal or the emirate’s immigration system (e.g., GDRFA Dubai), depending on where your visa was issued. Our experts at Arnifi will guide you through the portal.

Step 3: Provide Required Documents

Authorities may ask for:

• Passport copy
• Visa page
• Emirates ID (if available)
• Reason for being abroad longer than six months
• Sponsor/trade license copy, in some cases
  

Step 4: Pay Fees

Fees vary based on visa type and authority.

Step 5: Await Approval

Processing typically takes a few working days.

Step 6: Enter UAE Within 30 Days

Once approved, you must return to the UAE within a set window, usually 30 days. Missing this deadline means you’ll need to reapply.

Fees and Penalties to Expect

Costs differ slightly by emirate and visa category, but here’s what you can generally expect:

• Application fee for a re-entry permit
• Service charges from ICP or the immigration authority
• Overstay penalties, if applicable
• Administrative fees if the visa sponsor has to make changes
  

Typical fines that may apply:

• Upon reaching the 6-month period, the cost is AED 1000
• +AED 100 per 30-day block spent outside the UAE beyond the allowed period

Example – If the person stayed outside the UAE for 7 months, the fee would add up to AED 1,100

How to Avoid the Problem?

To stay in good standing and avoid re-entry issues:

• Enter the UAE at least once every six months
• If you know you’ll be away longer, return briefly before the 180th day
• Keep your passport, Emirates ID, and visa validity in check
• Inform your sponsor if travel plans might exceed the limit
• Apply for a UAE Re-entry Permit as soon as you realise you’ll overstay abroad
  

Key Takeaway

If you don’t enter the UAE within six months, your residency doesn’t just “pause”; it becomes inactive. A UAE Re-entry Permit is the only way to restore your visa status without reapplying from scratch.

Whether your visa is from a Dubai free zone, a mainland company, or another emirate, the consequences and process are similar. Delaying action can mean fines, cancellation, or starting over with a new visa. If navigating the UAE visa rules and the 6-month outside stay seems confusing, our experts at Arnifi are here to guide you every step of the way. From applying for your UAE Re-entry Permit to ensuring your Freezone or Mainland visa remains valid, we provide personalized solutions that save time and avoid unnecessary fines. Contact Arnifi today to streamline your visa processes and secure hassle-free entry into the UAE.