Losing your passport abroad is stressful, but UAE Golden Visa holders have a fast fix. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers a free return permit for holders who lose or damage their passports while travelling. The permit is processed entirely online and is valid for seven days.
Fast Track for UAE Golden Visa Holders
In 2025, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a return document service for Golden Visa holders who are outside the country. It gives them a quick way back to the UAE, where they can then arrange a replacement passport from home.
The return permit is valid for a single entry to the UAE. It also covers dependents under 18, as long as their visas remain valid. The permit is for one use only and does not authorise travel to any other country. The service is free of charge, available online and open 24 hours a day.
Documents You Need
The key requirement is proof that you no longer hold your passport. A Dubai-based public relations officer explained that the visa holder must prove the passport was lost. You can do this by filing a police report in the country where you are travelling.
The ministry lists three documents for the application:
- A copy of the lost or damaged passport
- A copy of the police report for the lost or damaged passport
- A recent personal photograph with a white background
How to Apply Step by Step
Permits are sent within about 30 minutes of applying. UAE Golden Visa holders can follow these steps:
- Visit the ministry website at mofa.gov.ae and sign in with UAE PASS.
- Open the Services section and choose Services for Golden Visa Holders.
- Select Issuing a Return Document for Golden Visa Holders and click Start Service.
- Complete the application form with your personal details.
- Upload all the required documents and select Submit.
The return permit arrives at your registered email through UAE PASS. After you return to the UAE, you must obtain a new passport immediately.
Securing Your Journey Home
If you need help while travelling, the ministry’s call centre is available 24 hours a day on 0097124931133. This dedicated hotline is for UAE Golden Visa holders and their registered dependents. It is designed to give quick responses in urgent or crisis situations. For more national stories, readers can browse our UAE updates.
The Golden Visa is not limited to long-term residents. Property buyers can also qualify, and many investors based overseas now look at Dubai real estate as a way into the programme. Consultancies such as Osmium Properties work with these buyers to find homes that meet the visa requirements and to handle the paperwork that follows.
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