As of 8 September 2026: A UAE exit permit is permission from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to leave the country. It is not required for most people — only for citizens with criminal cases, residents with court orders against them, and expats whose employers have filed a travel ban.
What is a UAE exit permit and when is it needed?
An exit permit (tasreeh al-mukharag) is an official letter from the GDRFA confirming that you are permitted to depart the UAE. It lists your name, passport details and approved travel dates. You must present it at immigration along with your passport.
Most visitors, expat workers and residents do not need one. A UAE exit permit is required only if:
- You are a UAE citizen with an active criminal investigation, court case or conviction
- A civil court in the UAE has ordered you not to leave (child custody disputes, unpaid debt, alimony)
- Your employer has filed a “travel ban” (prohibiting you from leaving until employment ends)
If none of these apply to you, you can depart freely without requesting anything from GDRFA or the Ministry of Interior.
How much does a UAE exit permit cost?
The official government fee is zero. Requests through the GDRFA Smart Services portal carry no charge. In-person requests at a GDRFA service centre also have no listed fee.
If you use a travel agent, visa consultancy or labour office to apply on your behalf, they may charge AED 100–500 for their service. This is not a government fee — it is markup from the intermediary.
How long does it take to get a UAE exit permit?
Processing time is fast: 1–2 working days for online requests through the GDRFA portal. In-person requests at a service centre take 2–4 hours, with approval often the same day. If you are already at the airport and apply urgently, GDRFA staff can sometimes expedite, but approval is not guaranteed.
How do you apply for a UAE exit permit?
The easiest method is online through smartservices.gdrfa.ae. You need:
- Your UAE Identification Card (Emirate ID) number
- A password set up in the GDRFA system (register online if you do not have one)
- Your travel dates and destination (optional)
Submit your request and you will receive a reference number. The system emails you the result within 1–2 days. If approved, print the permit or download the PDF. If denied, the system explains why.
You can also apply in person at any GDRFA service centre. Bring your passport, Emirate ID and supporting documents (court order, police clearance letter, or employment termination letter, depending on your situation).
What happens if your exit permit is denied?
A denial means a legal authority has a reason to prevent your departure. The three reasons are:
- Criminal matter: A police case or conviction is on record. You must clear this with the Public Prosecution office or police, then reapply.
- Civil court order: A court has issued an order (custody, debt, alimony). You must resolve the court case or get a written release from the court, then reapply.
- Employer travel ban: Your sponsor/employer has filed the ban. This is lifted when you resign formally, your employment ends, or you and your employer settle a dispute. Bring documentation to GDRFA and reapply.
Can you appeal a denied exit permit?
Yes. Call the GDRFA customer service line at +971 4 313 6666 (press 1 for English) or visit a service centre in person. Bring any new supporting documents (police clearance, court order release, employment termination letter). The appeal is reviewed within 3–5 working days.
Related UAE travel and residency documents
If you are moving or leaving the UAE, you may also need:
- UAE police clearance certificate — required by many overseas employers and countries
- UAE residence visa renewal — if you plan to return to work in the UAE
- UAE labour law for expats — understand your employment rights before leaving
- Flight cancellation and refund rights — if your travel plans change
What is the short version?
Most people leaving the UAE do not need an exit permit. If you do, the government has a documented legal reason: a criminal case, a court order, or an employer ban. Resolve that first. Online applications are free, approved within 1–2 days and can be filed from your phone through the GDRFA Smart Services portal.
