Entry Permit
Definition
Pre-residency permit issued after work-permit approval. Carried with the passport on arrival, then converted into a residency visa via Emirates ID and visa stamping.
Also known as
- Pre-residency permit
- Entry visa
- Pink visa
- e-Entry permit
Attributes
| Issued by | Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) |
|---|---|
| Also called | Pre-residency permit, Entry visa, Pink visa, e-Entry permit |
| Precedes | Residence visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance |
| Requires | Approved work permit or other sponsorship basis |
| Valid for | 60 days from issuedays |
| Purpose | Legal entry and temporary stay pending residency conversion |
| Physical form | Electronic permit linked to passport; printed copy carried on arrival |
What it is
An Entry Permit (also known as 'pink visa') is the pre-residency authorisation that lets a foreign national legally enter the UAE for the purpose of completing residency formalities — Medical Fitness Test, biometrics, Emirates ID, and Visa Stamping. It is issued by GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other emirates) after the Work Permit is approved (employment visa) or the license is issued (investor visa).
Validity is typically 60 days from issue, single or multiple entry. The holder must enter the UAE within that window and complete residency steps before it expires.
Key characteristics
- Role
- Pre-residency entry authorisation
- Authority
- GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP
- Validity
- 60 days from issue (typical)
- Converts to
- Residency visa after medical, biometrics, stamping
How it works
- Sponsor applies: The UAE employer, family sponsor, or free zone authority initiates the application through ICP or relevant immigration portal.
- Work permit approval: For employment visas, MOHRE approves the Work Permit first.
- Entry permit issuance: ICP issues the Entry Permit electronically; a copy is sent to the sponsor and the visa holder.
- Travel to UAE: The permit holder enters the UAE before the Entry Permit expires.
- Status change completion: Medical test, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping are completed to convert the Entry Permit into a Residency Visa.
Types of Entry Permit
| Type | Description | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Entry Permit | Issued after MOHRE work permit approval for mainland and free zone employees. | When a UAE employer sponsors a foreign national for a job position. |
| Family Entry Permit | Issued for dependent family members of a UAE resident sponsor. | When sponsoring a spouse, child, or parent under family visa rules. |
| Investor/Partner Entry Permit | Issued for individuals establishing or investing in a UAE company. | When an investor or partner applies for residency tied to business ownership. |
Examples
A software engineer recruited from India receives an Entry Permit after their Dubai-based employer secures MOHRE work permit approval. They fly to Dubai, present the Entry Permit at airport immigration, then undergo medical testing and Emirates ID biometrics within the mandated timeframe. A family sponsorship case involves a resident sponsoring their spouse: after ICP approves the family visa file, the spouse receives an Entry Permit to enter the UAE and complete residency formalities.
Why it matters
Without an Entry Permit, you cannot enter the UAE on the new residency track — even if you already hold a tourist or visit visa, the residency steps won't work. The permit is the legal hand-off from sponsorless visit status to sponsored residency.
Common misconceptions
Misconception
An Entry Permit is the same as a residency visa.
Reality
An Entry Permit is temporary pre-residency status; it becomes a residency visa only after medical, Emirates ID, and stamping are completed.
Misconception
You can stay in the UAE indefinitely on an Entry Permit.
Reality
Entry Permits have fixed validity and are not extendable; overstaying results in fines and potential cancellation.
Misconception
The Entry Permit allows you to work immediately upon arrival.
Reality
Work rights are fully effective only after residency visa stamping; the Entry Permit stage is for completing formalities.
FAQs
- Is an Entry Permit the same as a residency visa?
- No — an Entry Permit is the pre-residency document that lets you enter and complete residency formalities. The residency visa itself is granted after the Medical Fitness Test, biometrics, and Visa Stamping inside the UAE.
