Living in Riyadh, Doha or Kuwait City and planning a UAE trip — perhaps for interviews, a conference or a weekend? Expat residents of GCC countries do not need to visit an embassy: the UAE issues an eVisa for GCC residents entirely online. Here is who qualifies and how it works.
Who is eligible
- Foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia
- The GCC residence permit must have at least one year of validity remaining
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months
- Your profession must be on the UAE's approved list — authorities review the occupation shown on your residency documents
- No existing UAE entry restrictions
The one-year permit validity rule catches many applicants: a Saudi iqama with ten months left disqualifies you even if your passport is fine, so check the permit before you plan.
Cost and duration
- AED 250 base fee, plus 5 per cent VAT and any channel service fees
- Valid for 30 days from issue, allowing a 30-day stay from entry
- Extendable once for a further 30 days, subject to approval
How to apply
- Go to GDRFA Dubai (smart.gdrfad.gov.ae) or the federal ICP portal (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) — authorised travel agencies can also file for you
- Register as a new user
- Select the GCC resident entry permit service
- Complete the form and upload: passport, GCC residence permit or ID showing profession and validity, and a photo on a white background
- Pay, then wait for approval by email
Coming for interviews?
A 30-day, once-extendable stay is enough to run a proper interview loop with UAE employers. If your search is serious, compare this route with the dedicated UAE job seeker visa — and once an offer lands, the employer takes over with the employment visa process. Start with our guide to finding a job in the UAE to line up interviews before you fly.
Key takeaway
GCC-resident expats can get a 30-day UAE eVisa online for AED 250 plus VAT, provided their residence permit has a year's validity and their profession is approved. It is extendable once — enough for a serious job-hunting trip.
FAQ
My Saudi iqama has 8 months left — can I apply?
No. The rules require at least one year of remaining validity on your GCC residence permit. Renew the permit first, then apply.
How long can I stay on the eVisa?
30 days from entry, extendable once for another 30 days subject to approval — up to roughly two months in total.
Can I use the eVisa to look for a job in the UAE?
You can attend interviews as a visitor. To work you will need an employment visa sponsored by the hiring company, which is a separate process started after you accept an offer.
Where do I apply?
Online via GDRFA Dubai or the federal ICP smart services portal, or through an authorised travel agency. Approval arrives by email.
