New UAE service lets Golden Visa residents get return permit in 30 minutes
24/7 hotline and crisis support available through UAE missions
ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new electronic service allowing Golden Visa holders to obtain a return permit within 30 minutes if they lose their passport while travelling abroad.
Announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the service is free of charge and offers single-entry access back into the UAE. The document is valid for seven days from the time of issuance and does not authorise travel to other countries.
The initiative, developed with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, is part of an expanded consular package introduced to support Golden Visa residents while overseas.
It ensures they receive the same level of assistance previously limited to Emirati citizens.
Who can apply
According to the ministry, the new consular services cover Golden Visa holders and their registered family members, including spouses and children holding valid residency permits. This inclusion extends to all forms of emergency support during international travel, ensuring peace of mind for long-term UAE residents.
The service also places Golden Visa holders within the UAE’s official emergency and evacuation plans during crises or exceptional circumstances abroad.
How to apply
Applicants can apply for the return permit through the MoFA website or mobile app using their UAE Pass digital ID. Required documents include:
- A copy of the lost passport report
- Golden Visa details
- A recent passport-sized photo with a white background
Once submitted, the application is processed, and the permit is issued within 30 minutes. The ministry emphasised that the permit serves only as an entry document to return to the UAE, not a substitute for a passport or a travel document for international use.
Support services abroad
The MoFA’s Emergency and Crisis Support Service remains active for Golden Visa holders during travel, coordinating directly with UAE embassies and consulates. A dedicated 24/7 hotline (+971 2493 1133) offers immediate assistance and guidance for those needing urgent help.
Additionally, consular services extend to repatriation and burial support in case of death abroad, ensuring rapid coordination with local authorities and family members.