The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a suite of new consular services aimed at simplifying support for Golden Visa holders abroad. Central to this initiative is an electronic Return Permit, which enables residents who lose their passports while overseas to re-enter the UAE within 30 minutes, free of charge. These measures extend to registered family members and reinforce the country’s commitment to safeguarding long-term residents in times of emergency or crisis.
Streamlined return document for passport loss or damage
Golden Visa holders who lose or damage their passports abroad can now request an electronic Return Document to re-enter the UAE. Key details of the service include:
- Single-entry validity: The document permits one direct return to the UAE and must be used within seven days of issuance.
- Rapid processing: Applications submitted via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or mobile app, using a UAE Pass digital ID, are approved within approximately 30 minutes.
- Application requirements: A copy of the lost passport report, Golden Visa details, and a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background must be provided.
- Cost: The service is entirely free.
- Limitations: The Return Document is strictly for entry to the UAE and cannot be used for travel to other countries.
This service operates in tandem with the UAE’s broader consular support framework, ensuring immediate assistance to Golden Visa holders through a dedicated 24/7 hotline (+971 2 493 1133).
Emergency and crisis assistance
Golden Visa holders are now formally included in the UAE’s emergency and evacuation plans. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates directly with UAE missions abroad to provide immediate support during crises, such as natural disasters, political unrest, or health emergencies. Services include:
- Real-time response: Accessible through the dedicated 24/7 hotline.
- Fast-track inclusion: Both primary Golden Visa holders and their registered dependents are prioritised in crisis response plans.
- Comprehensive coverage: Ensures rapid coordination with local authorities and UAE missions to uphold resident safety under all circumstances.
This integration reflects a broader national objective: guaranteeing the welfare of long-term residents during exceptional circumstances, at home and abroad.
Repatriation and burial support
The UAE has also extended repatriation services for Golden Visa holders who pass away while overseas. Families can rely on procedural and logistical support, including:
- Coordination with local authorities and UAE missions to streamline documentation and transport.
- Fast-tracked consular processing to expedite the repatriation of mortal remains.
- Continuous advisory support through the 24/7 hotline.
To initiate repatriation, families must contact the relevant UAE Mission or the hotline and provide documents including the deceased’s passport, death certificate, and any applicable medical or local authority records. While procedural guidance is fully provided, all financial costs associated with repatriation remain the responsibility of the family, in line with UAE policy guidelines.
Family inclusion in consular services
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ensured that consular services extend to eligible dependents of Golden Visa holders. Spouses and children registered as dependents with valid UAE residency permits are fully covered under the emergency, crisis, and return permit services. This guarantees that families travelling or residing with Golden Visa holders are protected under the UAE’s new consular framework.
Expanding the definition of long term residency
Since its introduction in 2019, the Golden Visa has offered long-term residency of up to ten years, allowing foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE without a sponsor. Eligibility has gradually expanded to include:
- Investors in public and real estate sectors
- Entrepreneurs and startup founders
- Outstanding students and graduates
- Frontline workers, doctors, and researchers
- Specialists in science, engineering, and creative industries
Recently, additional categories such as superyacht owners, content creators, exceptional gamers, and teachers have been included by various emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah. Applications can be submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, ICP centres, or the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.The newly introduced consular services are exclusively available to Golden Visa holders and their registered dependents, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to comprehensive care for its long-term residents abroad.
