Expats no longer need a UAE visa stamp on their passport. The emirate id will now serve as your uae residency document. The new law will come into effect from next week. The UAE has decided to upgrade its services to the people based on a cabinet resolution released earlier this year. This reduces the number of procedures required to issue or renew one’s residency records.

So from now on you can renew your residence visa and emirates ID within one application. Here are the details of the new procedure.

What’s new?

Under current procedures, the final part of the visa application process is visa stamping. After typing all the relevant documents, the applicant’s passport should be handed over to the immigration office for affixing the pink sticker. However, the visa will not be stamped in the passport from Monday, April 11, and Emirates ID will be considered as proof of residency.

Does the Emirates ID contain all relevant information?

According to a circular issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, ID contains all information related to residency.

The new Emirates ID card issued to expatriates includes all the details available on the Residence Visa sticker.

What is a residence visa sticker?

An entry permit is issued to an expatriate after entering the UAE with a visit visa. “Applicants aged 18 and over for a residence visa must undergo a medical examination. If you pass the security check, you will need to apply for an Emirates ID card from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, ”the UAE government website said.
At the end of this process, the residence visa sticker is stamped on the applicant’s passport.

Will residency stickers still be available?

Maj. Gen. Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, Acting Director General of Foreign Affairs Affairs and Ports Authority of the Authority, said the stamps would be available only through the Authority’s smart application.

When residents travel outside the country, how do airlines / immigration officials check their residency status?

According to the circular, airlines can do this through the resident’s Emirates ID and passport number. This can be done through a passport reader. A circular will be issued to those concerned to inform them of the change.

Who needs to get residency documents?
Expat expats, investors, property owners, dependents (family members of valid visa holders), university students, retirees (special cases).