Who is eligible for the UAE entry visa under this announcement?

Foreign nationals legally residing in GCC member states are eligible, provided their profession and residence permit in their current GCC country are valid. Family members and domestic workers living with the primary resident are also included.

Which GCC countries are covered by this visa category?

The announcement specifically names Saudi Arabia as one of the eligible nations, along with four other unnamed GCC member states.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants need a recent colour photograph with a white background, a certified copy of their passport (valid for at least six months), and a copy of their GCC residence permit or an electronic extract showing their profession and its validity.

Why is the GCC residence permit important for this visa application?

The GCC residence permit or its electronic extract is crucial because it must clearly state the applicant's profession and the current validity of their permit, as eligibility for the UAE entry visa is based on occupational status.

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Residency·31 October 2026

GDRFAD Confirms UAE Entry Visas for GCC Residents Based on Occupation

The UAE's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD) has confirmed eligibility criteria for foreign nationals residing in GCC countries to obtain a UAE entry visa, based on their profession and resi

The UAE's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD) has announced that foreign nationals holding valid residence permits in GCC member states are eligible to apply for a UAE entry visa. This initiative also extends to their family members and domestic workers who live with them.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the visa is directly linked to the applicant's profession and the validity of their current residence permit in a GCC country. The visa applies to residents of Saudi Arabia, along with four other unnamed GCC nations.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide specific documentation to qualify for the visa:

A recent colour photograph with a white background.
A certified copy of the applicant's passport or travel document, including the outer cover, which must be valid for at least six months from the application date.
A copy of their GCC residence permit or an electronic extract clearly stating their profession and its current validity. This document is crucial as occupational status is a primary factor for visa approval.

This visa category significantly broadens the scope of travel to the UAE for many foreign nationals and their households residing in GCC countries.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

Who is eligible for the UAE entry visa under this announcement?: Foreign nationals legally residing in GCC member states are eligible, provided their profession and residence permit in their current GCC country are valid. Family members and domestic workers living with the primary resident are also included.
Which GCC countries are covered by this visa category?: The announcement specifically names Saudi Arabia as one of the eligible nations, along with four other unnamed GCC member states.
What documents are required for the application?: Applicants need a recent colour photograph with a white background, a certified copy of their passport (valid for at least six months), and a copy of their GCC residence permit or an electronic extract showing their profession and its validity.
Why is the GCC residence permit important for this visa application?: The GCC residence permit or its electronic extract is crucial because it must clearly state the applicant's profession and the current validity of their permit, as eligibility for the UAE entry visa is based on occupational status.

Reported by

Google News — UAE Visa & Residency

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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