Abu Dhabi Confirms Foreigners Can Switch Entry Visas to Residence Permits In-Country

The Abu Dhabi Residence Office has confirmed that foreign nationals on entry visas can convert their status to a residence permit without leaving the United Arab Emirates, according to guidance reported by Yen.com.gh. The office noted that entry visas permit legal stay for activities including employment, tourism, medical treatment, family visits, and conferences.

Under the stated rules, most entry visas carry an initial validity of 60 days, whereas transit visas allow a four-day stay. Individuals who enter on employment entry visas have 60 days either to secure a residence permit or to apply for an extension before their entry visa expires.

All entry visa holders are permitted to extend their stay by 30 days, and this extension can be granted up to two times. This allows a visitor to remain legally in the UAE for up to 120 days in total without leaving the country, providing time to finalize residence permit formalities.

Certain categories are excluded from the extension provisions. These include visitors and tourists holding residency in GCC countries, residents accompanying GCC nationals, holders of special entry permits, and individuals travelling on 96-hour mission permits, all of whom must remain strictly within the timeframe of their original visas.

Authorities cautioned that failing to extend an entry visa or secure a residence permit before expiry will incur a fine of AED 100 per day. The daily penalty applies starting 10 days after the visa expires, granting holders a short grace period before fines begin accumulating.