- The UAE government has officially listed four types of ID cards that qualify as residence permits for foreign representatives in the country
- The cards cover diplomatic, consular, international organisations, and special categories issued to eligible foreign mission holders
- The UAE government website states that the cards must be presented at airports upon arrival and departure
The United Arab Emirates has outlined four specific ID cards that function as official residence permits for foreign representatives living and working in the country.
The details are published on the official UAE government website, which sets out the types of identification cards issued to members of foreign missions and what obligations come with holding them.

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ID cards that qualify as residence permits
According to the UAE government, the four categories of ID cards that serve as residence permits are:
- Diplomatic ID card
- Consular ID card
- International organisations ID card
- Special ID card

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Each of these cards is issued to foreign representatives and carries legal weight as a residence document within the UAE.
What the UAE says about the cards
The UAE government website states that the cards are formal requests for issuance directed to the relevant ministry, and that holding one comes with specific obligations at the border.
The official information reads:
“Request for the issuance of a card (diplomatic, consular, international organizations, special), which is considered a residence permit for its holder, and must be presented at the country’s airports upon arrival and departure. The mission must also return it to the ministry upon final departure from the country.”
This means that holders of any of the four cards are required to show them whenever they enter or leave the UAE through its airports. Additionally, the foreign mission is responsible for returning the card to the ministry once the cardholder permanently leaves the country.
UAE announces 13 work permit options
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that the UAE government had published a complete list of 13 work permits available to foreign nationals seeking to work in the country.
The list covers various categories, including permits for freelancers, students, private teachers, Golden Visa holders, part-time workers, and foreigners seeking temporary employment.
Source: Legit.ng










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