UAE Residency Problems: Complete Guide to Resolving "Waiting for Residency Issue" 2025

Sharif Badell

11 months ago · Updated 2 weeks ago





UAE Residency Problems

Complete Guide to Resolving “Waiting for Residency Issue” and All Residency Problems in the United Arab Emirates 2025


Updated 2025


Official Information


Verified Solutions

Table of Contents


What is the “Waiting for Residency Issue”?

Problem Definition

The “Waiting for Residency Issue” status appears in the ICP system when there is a problem or delay in processing your residency visa that prevents the issuance of the Emirates ID. This issue affects thousands of UAE residents annually.

Missing Documents

The most common cause (60% of cases) is the lack of required documents or incomplete documents during the application.

Expired Visa

30% of cases occur when the residency visa has expired and was not renewed within the 30-day grace period.

Administrative Errors

10% of cases are due to system errors or incorrect information entered by the authorities.

How to Identify the Problem

  1. Visit the official ICP website: icp.gov.ae
  2. Click on “ID Card Status” in the main menu
  3. Enter your PRAN or Emirates ID number to check the status
  4. If “Waiting for Residency Issue” appears, you have confirmation of the problem

Typical Resolution Times

  • Missing documents: 2-5 business days once submitted
  • Visa renewal: 48-72 hours after approval
  • Administrative errors: 1-2 weeks with appropriate follow-up

Types of Residency Visas in UAE

Work Visa

Duration: 1-3 years (renewable)

Sponsor: UAE Employer

Main requirements:

  • Valid employment contract
  • Work permit from MOHRE
  • Medical certificate
  • Mandatory health insurance

Golden Visa

Duration: 5-10 years

Sponsor: Self-sponsored

Eligible categories:

  • Investors (min. AED 2M)
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Specialized talents
  • Outstanding students

Family Visa

Duration: Same as sponsor’s

Sponsor: Resident family member

Minimum salary requirements:

  • AED 4,000 + accommodation
  • AED 3,000 + free accommodation
  • Family relationship certificates

Investor Visa

Duration: 2-10 years

Minimum investment: AED 750,000

Investment types:

  • Real estate properties
  • Acciones en empresas
  • Bank deposits
  • Investment funds

Student Visa

Duration: Study period

Sponsor: Educational institution

Requirements:

  • Acceptance letter
  • Proof of funds
  • Academic certificates
  • Student health insurance

Retirement Visa

Duration: 5 years (renovable)

Sponsor: Auto-sponsored

Financial requirements:

  • Savings of AED 1M, or
  • Property of AED 2M, or
  • Income of AED 20K/month

Complete Requirements for UAE Residency

Important Information

Requirements vary by visa type and emirate. This list covers the most common documents required for most residency applications.

General Documents


  • Original Passport

    Minimum 6 months validity


  • Recent Photographs

    Passport size, white background


  • Entry Permit

    Valid entry permit


  • Medical Certificate

    For those over 18 years old

Specific Document by Type


  • For Work Visa:

    Employment contract, NOC from MOHRE


  • For Family Visa:

    Marriage/Birth certificate


  • For Investor Visa:

    Proof of investment


  • For Student Visa:

    University acceptance letter

Mandatory Medical Requirements

Required Examinations:

  • Complete blood test
  • Chest X-ray
  • HIV/AIDS tests
  • Tuberculosis tests
  • Hepatitis B and C tests

Disqualifying Conditions:

  • HIV positive
  • Active tuberculosis
  • Hepatitis B (in some cases)
  • Severe mental illnesses
  • Drug use

Housing Requirements

Rental Agreement

Certified by RERA or municipality

Property Title Deed

For property owners

No Objection Letter (NOC)

From owner for shared accommodation

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Problem 1: Visa Rejected Without Clear Explanation

Main Causes:

  • Incomplete or incorrect documents
  • Inconsistent information on forms
  • Criminal background issues
  • Previous visa violations

Solutions:

  • Contact GDRFA/ICP for detailed explanation
  • Review all documents with legal expert
  • Obtain updated good conduct certificate
  • Wait 6 months before reapplying

Problem 2: Excessive Processing Delays

Main Causes:

  • High workload in government offices
  • Additional security checks
  • Pending document authentication
  • Changes in regulations

Solutions:

  • Use urgent services (additional cost)
  • Regular follow-up via “Ask Hamad“
  • Contact certified PRO for assistance
  • Prepare alternative documents

Problem 3: Emirates ID “Returned for Modification”

Main Causes:

  • Errors in personal data
  • Photo not conforming to standards
  • Digital signature issues
  • Discrepancies in supporting documents

Solutions:

  • Review specific modification notification
  • Take new photo according to specifications
  • Correct information in online system
  • Resubmit application within 30 days

Problem 4: Overstay Fines Not Calculated Correctly

Main Causes:

  • Errors in the calculation system
  • Grace periods not applied
  • Retroactive changes in fees
  • Unrecognized exemptions

Soluciones:

  • Request detailed breakdown of fines
  • Provide evidence of grace periods
  • Officially appeal incorrect calculation
  • Consult with an immigration lawyer

Emergency Contacts for Residency Problems

ICP Customer Service

600-522-222

24/7 Available

Ask Hamad Live Chat

icp.gov.ae

Live chat

GDRFA Dubai

800-5111

Office hours

Costs and Processing Times 2025

Cost Table by Visa Type

Visa TypeDurationBase Cost (AED)Additional CostsApprox. Total
Work Visa1-3 years300-700Medical (320), Insurance (600+)1,220-1,620
Golden Visa5-10 years2,800-5,000Medical (320), Processing (500)3,620-5,820
Family VisaSame as sponsor100-300Medical (320), Documents (200)620-820
Investor Visa2-10 years1,000-3,000Medical (320), Verification (300)1,620-3,620
Student VisaStudy period300-500Medical (320), Insurance (400)1,020-1,220
Retirement Visa5 years3,000Medical (320), Verification (200)3,520

Standard Processing Times

Urgent Processing

  • Work Visa: 24-48 hours
  • Family Visa: 24-48 hours
  • Additional cost: +100-300 AED

Normal Processing

  • Work Visa: 3-7 days
  • Family Visa: 2-5 days
  • Emirates ID: 7-14 days

Special Cases

  • Golden Visa: 2-4 weeks
  • Investor Visa: 1-3 weeks
  • Additional verifications: +1-2 weeks

Additional Costs to Consider

Mandatory Services:

  • Medical examination: 320-500 AED
  • Health insurance: 600-2,000 AED/year
  • Emirates ID: 100-370 AED
  • Document authentication: 200-500 AED

Optional Services:

  • PRO services: 500-2,000 AED
  • Status change ticket: 500-1,000 AED
  • Official translation: 100-300 AED
  • Express services: 100-500 AED

Money-Saving Tips

Plan Ahead

Avoid urgent services that cost 2-3x more

Group Applications

Apply for the entire family at the same time

Online Services

Use official portals to avoid intermediary fees

Step-by-Step Solutions

How to Resolve “Waiting for Residency Issue”

1
Status Verification

  • Visit icp.gov.ae and navigate to “ID Card Status”
  • Enter your PRAN or Emirates ID number
  • Take a screenshot of the current status
  • Note the date since this status appeared

2
Contact Ask Hamad

  • On the ICP website, look for the “Live Chat (Ask Hamad)” icon
  • Fill out the form with your personal information
  • Explain the problem specifically: “My Emirates ID shows ‘Waiting for Residency Issue'”
  • Provide your PRAN number when requested

3
Document Verification

  • Check that your residency visa is valid and not expired
  • Confirm that all original documents are complete
  • Verify that there are no discrepancies in names or dates
  • Contact your employer/sponsor to confirm their status

4
Corrective Actions

  • If visa expired: Start renewal process immediately
  • If documents are missing: Provide the required documents
  • If administrative errors: Submit official correction
  • Pay any pending fines if applicable

5
Follow-up and Resolution

  • Monitor the status daily after taking action
  • Save all receipts and confirmations
  • If no progress in 48 hours, contact again
  • Consider visiting ICP office in persona if the problem persists

General Residency Application Process

Online Process

  1. 1

    Portal Registration

    Create an account on ICP Smart Services or GDRFA

  2. 2

    Complete Application

    Fill out the form with personal information

  3. 3

    Upload Documents

    Upload scanned copies of required documents

  4. 4

    Online Payment

    Pay fees using credit/debit card

  5. 5

    Track Status

    Monitor progress using reference number

In-Person Process

  1. 1

    Prepare Documents

    Gather all original documents and copies

  2. 2

    Visit Typing Center

    Go to an authorized typing office to fill out forms

  3. 3

    Submit to ICP/GDRFA

    Present application at government office

  4. 4

    Counter Payment

    Pay fees in cash or card

  5. 5

    Collect Visa

    Collect processed visa according to given schedule

Tips to Prevent Future Problems

Plan Ahead

Avoid urgent services that cost 2-3x more

Group Applications

Apply for the entire family at the same time

Online Services

Use official portals to avoid intermediary fees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long can I be in “Waiting for Residency Issue” status?

Generally, this status should not last more than 2-3 weeks. If it persists longer, it is advisable to actively contact the authorities and take corrective action. In normal cases, it is resolved within 48-72 hours once the cause is identified and corrected.

Can I work while having this issue?

If your work visa is still valid and the problem is only with the Emirates ID, you can technically continue working. However, it is important to resolve the issue quickly as the Emirates ID is required for many banking and government services.

Can I travel with “Waiting for Residency Issue”?

International travel can be complicated. It is recommended to verify your visa status in the GDRFA system before traveling. If your residency visa is valid, you can generally travel, but it is advisable to resolve the issue before departing.

What happens if my visa expired during this process?

If your visa expired, you have a grace period (30 days for most cases) to renew it. During this time, you must pay daily fines of AED 50. It is crucial to act immediately to avoid legal complications and additional fines.

Can I reapply if my visa was rejected?

Yes, you can reapply after addressing the reasons for the rejection. It is advisable to wait at least 6 months and ensure that all previous issues are resolved. Consult with a legal expert if you are unsure of the reasons for rejection.

Conclusion

Residency problems in the UAE, including the “Waiting for Residency Issue”, are common situations that can be resolved with the correct information and appropriate actions. This guide provides you with all the necessary tools to successfully navigate the residency process in the United Arab Emirates.

Stay Informed

Follow official updates and keep your documents up-to-date

Seek Help

Don’t hesitate to contact official services when in doubt

Act Quickly

Visa problems are best resolved when addressed promptly



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