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Humanitarian Residence Permit
VisasUnited Arab EmiratesHumanitarian Residence Permit
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
Open

Humanitarian Residence Permit

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Estimated Cost

AED 200 AED

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 140,400
Quality of Life
176/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Temporary one-year residence permit for those unable to return home due to conflict or crisis, without requiring a local sponsor; renewal is at Authority discretion.

The Humanitarian Residence Permit is a specialized, temporary residency pathway designed for foreign nationals currently in the UAE who are unable to return to their home countries due to severe crises such as war, natural disasters, or significant civil unrest. This permit serves as a vital safety net, allowing individuals to transition from a visitor status to a legal resident for an initial period of one year. It provides the holder with the legal standing to access essential services, including housing, banking, and telecommunications, while the situation in their home country remains unstable. The permit is renewable, provided the underlying humanitarian conditions persist.

This visa is specifically intended for those who find themselves stranded or at risk if they were to return home. Unlike standard employment-based visas, it does not require a local employer or sponsor, making it a more accessible option for those in distress. While the government maintains certain financial and housing criteria for applicants, authorities have the discretion to waive these requirements based on the severity of the individual's circumstances. It is a compassionate measure that reflects the UAE's commitment to providing refuge and stability to those affected by global instability.

Cost Breakdown

Application feeAED 100 AED
Residence permit issuance (per year)AED 100 AED
recurring
Smart service feeAED 100 AED
Financial guarantee (per person, humanitarian cases)AED 5,000 AED
per person
TotalAED 200 AED

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Employment Visa
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Employment Visa

Validity2 years
Processing2 days
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport

Evidence of conflict, war, or unsafe conditions in home country

Proof of current presence in the UAE

Medical fitness test results

Emirates ID biometric registration

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (at least six months validity).

Recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.

Evidence of the humanitarian situation or conflict in the home country.

Proof of accommodation (e.g., lease contract).

Proof of financial solvency (e.g., bank statements).

Medical fitness certificate.

Police clearance certificate.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Quick processing — approved within 2 working days for urgent humanitarian cases
  • No local sponsor required — unlike employment visas, eliminates employer dependency
  • Access to essential services — legal residency enables banking, telecommunications, housing
  • Renewable annually if humanitarian conditions in home country persist
  • Financial guarantee manageable — AED 5,000 per person with AED 15,000 family cap
  • Available to all nationalities — no nationality restrictions or quotas
  • Streamlined documentation — humanitarian evidence accepted instead of job offers

Worth Knowing

  • Does not authorize employment; separate work permit required to earn income
  • Permit automatically void if holder exits UAE for any reason
  • Annual renewal dependent on Chairman's discretion and Authority reports
  • Renewable status not guaranteed — subject to ongoing humanitarian assessment
  • Financial guarantee of AED 5,000 per person required upfront
  • No pathway to permanent residency — strictly temporary humanitarian measure only
  • Does not provide settlement rights or immigration security beyond annual renewal

Application Process

1

Visit a GDRFA service centre, Amer typing centre, or use the ICP Smart Services portal

2

Submit passport, current/expired visa, and evidence of humanitarian situation

3

Complete medical fitness test

4

Register for Emirates ID biometrics

5

Receive residence permit

Verified Claims (7)

Last verified Jun 26, 2026
Fee Breakdown
Application fee: 100 AED; Residence permit issuance (per year): 100 AED; Smart service fee: 100 AED;…
icp.gov.ae
Fees
AED 300 base (application AED 100 + issuance AED 100/year + smart service AED 100); plus AED 5,000 f…
icp.gov.ae
Included Nationalities
null
icp.gov.ae
Links
officialInfo: https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e64, applicatio…
icp.gov.ae
Max Stay Estimate
type: days, initialDays: 365, notes: 1 year per grant; renewable at Chairman's discretion based on A…
icp.gov.ae
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":2,"maxDays":2}
icp.gov.ae
Processing Time
2 working days
icp.gov.ae
Apply Now Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 140,400
Quality of Life
176/200
Full Country Guide

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