United Arab Emirates•AsiaHumanitarian Residence Permit
At a Glance
2 days
From AED 200
Other charges may apply
1 year
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in United Arab Emirates
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
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
United Arab EmiratesRequirements
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
Visit a GDRFA service centre, Amer typing centre, or use the ICP Smart Services portal
Submit passport, current/expired visa, and evidence of humanitarian situation
Complete medical fitness test
Register for Emirates ID biometrics
Receive residence permit
Related visas
More visas in United Arab Emirates
- Medical Visa - Patient Treatment
Humanitarian
- Investor Visa
Investment
- Property Owner Visa - 2 Years
Investment
Humanitarian visas in other countries
- Miscellaneous Visa (G-1)
South Korea
- Domestic Worker who is a Victim of Modern Slavery Visa
United Kingdom
- Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa
Australia

Living in United Arab Emirates
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