The United Arab Emirates has clarified residency rules, listing 11 categories of residents permitted to stay outside the country for more than 180 days without their residency permits being revoked.

Typically, UAE residents risk losing their residency status if they remain abroad beyond the standard absence limit. However, the government’s new directive shields specific groups, provided their permits remain valid.

Categories Exempt from Residency Cancellation

  • Wives of foreign nationals.
  • Domestic workers accompanying nationals on scholarships abroad.
  • Domestic workers accompanying citizens receiving medical treatment overseas.
  • Foreign patients and their companions abroad with valid residence permits and certified medical reports.
  • Domestic workers for UAE diplomatic and consular mission members abroad.
  • Foreigners on scholarships or training with public institutions abroad, including their families.
  • Domestic workers for ruling family members residing abroad.
  • Students enrolled in educational institutions outside the UAE holding valid residence permits.
  • Investors with valid residence permits.
  • Diplomatic and consular representatives of the UAE and their sponsored companions.
  • Other categories as authorized by the Chairman, subject to permit validity and fees.

Most categories automatically retain residency status during extended absence, except foreign patients and their companions who must provide certified medical documentation.

Domestic workers feature prominently across multiple exempt groups, reflecting their varied roles accompanying nationals abroad.

Residents outside these categories should observe the standard residency absence limits to avoid permit cancellation.