Dubai: One primary emotion likely takes over when you lose your passport abroad – sheer panic. But this is not the case, if you’re a Golden Visa holder.
In 2025, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced the launch of a return document or return permit service for Golden Visa holders who were travelling outside the country and accidentally lost or damaged their passports.
The service offers peace of mind for travellers, and a quick way to return home to the UAE, where you can complete the process of obtaining a replacement passport from the comfort of home.
Here’s what you need to know about the return permit for Golden Visa holders.
What is a return permit?
The return permit is a document that is valid for single entry to the UAE. It is available for Golden Visa holders, as well as their dependents under 18 years old, provided that their visas remain valid.
The permit is for single use only, and does not authorise travel to other countries. It is a special service offered to Golden Visa holders, free of charge, in the event that they lose or damage their passports while abroad. The service can be accessed online and is available 24/7.
What documents are required?
The key document involved is the one that shows you are no longer in possession of your passport. Musa Dayani, a Dubai-based public relations officer, said: “The visa holder must prove that he/she has lost their passport.” This can be done by filing a police report for the lost passport in the country you travelled to.
Here are the documents required, to apply for a return permit, according to MOFA:
- A copy of the lost or damaged passport.
- A copy of the police report for the lost or damaged passport.
- Recent personal photograph (with white background).
How do I apply for a return permit?
MOFA has made the application process simple and efficient, with permits sent within 30 minutes of applying. Follow these steps:
- Visit the MOFA website – mofa.gov.ae – and and sign in with your UAE PASS.
- Navigate to the ‘Services’ section and select ‘Services for Golden Visa Holders’. Next, select ‘Issuing a Return Document for Golden Visa Holders’. Click on ‘Start Service’.
- Complete the application form with your personal details.
- Upload all the required documents. Select ‘Submit’.
- The return permit will be sent to your registered email via UAE PASS.
The processing time for the service is approximately 30 minutes. The single-use return permit is valid for seven days after issuance.
Upon returning to the UAE, the visa holder must obtain a new passport immediately.
What other services are available for Golden Visa holders?
Golden Visa holders abroad can take advantage of a wide range of services – check out all the benefits here.
If you require help when travelling, you also can contact MOFA’s call centre for immediate support at 0097124931133, available 24/7. This dedicated hotline is for Golden Visa holders and their registered dependents, and ensures rapid responses to urgent or crisis situations.