Return Permit for Residents Outside UAE
The Return Permit service is designed for residents on employee visas who have remained outside the UAE for more than six months and need approval to re-enter the country. This service helps eligible applicants obtain a return permit for residents outside the UAE, provided the employee’s resident visa remains valid.
It includes support for the return permit process and Emirates ID card delivery to the chosen address. The application requires key employee details and supporting documents, including the applicant’s name, passport exit stamp, a letter explaining the reason for staying outside the UAE for more than six months, and proof supporting that period outside the country.
Return Permit Requirements, Timeline and Fees
Return Permit
Employee details
- Name
- Passport exit stamp
- Letter for being outside the UAE for more than 6 months
- Proof for being outside the UAE for more than 6 months
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Questions? Answers.
Can I check my Emirates ID online?
Yes. You can check the status of your Emirates ID application online through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) official portal by entering your application number (PRAN) or your Emirates ID number.
The ICP Smart Services portal shows status updates at each stage of the process — such as received, under review, printed, or dispatched — and the UAEICP mobile app allows you to track your application from your phone as well.
Meydan Free Zone also supports clients by tracking Emirates ID application progress through the customer portal and assisting with interpreting status updates throughout the process.
When you choose Meydan Free Zone, you don’t have to navigate multiple portals or follow up with different authorities on your own. The Medical and Emirates ID service under mResidency manages the process end-to-end, from submitting the medical test and Emirates ID applications to the ICP, scheduling medical and biometrics appointments where applicable, arranging private transport with in-centre assistance and doorstep delivery of the Emirates ID.
How to get an Emirates ID immediately?
An Emirates ID cannot be issued instantly, as it requires completion of mandatory government steps — including residency visa stamping, a medical fitness test, and biometric registration. Typically, Emirates ID issuance takes around 5–10 working days once all requirements are completed, depending on appointment availability and government processing timelines.
With mResidency's Medical and Emirates ID service, the Emirates ID application can be completed and processed in as little as two business days. This is achieved by scheduling appointments promptly, ensuring documents are submitted correctly the first time, and providing guided support throughout each stage to complete the process efficiently and minimise delays.
How much is an Emirates ID now?
The government fee for an Emirates ID card in the UAE depends on the card’s validity period and how you apply — it’s typically charged based on the number of years of your residency visa and includes standard smart service charges, with additional costs if you choose urgent or typing-centre-assisted processing.
However, Meydan Free Zone's Emirates ID Assistance package is priced at AED 750, and the combined Medical & Emirates ID Assistance package is priced at AED 2,250. The Medical and Emirates ID package under mResidency covers appointment scheduling, document handling, VIP upgrades (if selected) and driect coordination with service centres, all handled on a digital platform.
How can I get a UAE ID?
To obtain a UAE Emirates ID, you must first hold a valid UAE residence visa.
One common way to obtain residency is through an investor visa, which is available when you set up a company with Meydan Free Zone. Company formation allows eligible founders and shareholders to apply for a residence visa, which then enables the Emirates ID application.
After your residence visa process begins, you must complete the mandatory medical fitness test and biometric registration with the ICP. These steps include fingerprinting and a photograph and are required before the Emirates ID can be issued.
Once the medical test and biometrics are completed and approved, your Emirates ID is processed, printed, and delivered to your registered address. The Emirates ID validity matches the validity of your residence visa.
If you opt for Meydan Free Zone’s Medical & Emirates ID services under mResidency, the process is coordinated end-to-end — from EID application submission and appointment scheduling to guided support at each stage and coordination of Emirates ID delivery.