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Residence visas and 180 days abroad
An expatriate's residence visa is voided automatically after more than 180 continuous days outside the UAE, with listed exemptions.
What the source says
"if an expatriate resident lives outside the UAE for more than 180 days continuously, his/her residence visa will be nullified automatically."
u.ae General provisions for the residence visa
| Status | Confirmed - The official source states this rule in the words quoted. |
|---|---|
| Instrument | u.ae General provisions for the residence visa |
| Authority | UAE Government |
| In force since | Not stated |
| Last checked | 23 September 2026 |
| Source | UAE Government |
Read the full guide
This rule is explained in context, with the costs and steps around it, in Does the Golden Visa Make You a UAE Tax Resident?.
More rules on visas
- Golden Visa property threshold - Confirmed
- Golden Visa term for property investors - Sources disagree
- What the AED 2 million is measured on - Sources disagree
- Bank letter for a mortgaged Golden Visa property - Sources disagree
- Lien on a Golden Visa property - Confirmed
- Golden Visa and time abroad - Confirmed
See all 60 rules in the register.
Cite this rule
Home Guide Dubai, "Residence visas and 180 days abroad", Dubai property rules register, last checked 23 September 2026.
https://homeguidedubai.com/rules/residence-visa-180-days/
This link stays the same when the rule changes. If the rule changes, this page shows the new text and the date it changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this still the rule today?
We last read the source on 23 September 2026. Rules in Dubai change by circular and by edits to service pages, often without notice. Check the source linked above, and ask UAE Government in writing before a large payment.
Where does this rule come from?
u.ae General provisions for the residence visa, published by UAE Government. The quote on this page is copied word for word from that source.
Sources
- u.ae General provisions for the residence visa - UAE Government - accessed 23 September 2026
Every rule above is quoted from the law, decree or official page on the date given. This is general information, not legal advice; rules change, so confirm the current position with the authority named before you act.