An entry permit is a temporary document issued by the UAE's immigration authorities (GDRFA in Dubai, ICP federally) that lets a person enter or remain in the country for a defined purpose before a residence visa is finalised. It is sometimes called the e-visa or, informally, the 'pink visa' from its colour on older printouts.
The entry permit is commonly used when someone is being sponsored for employment or family residence: the sponsor applies for the permit, the applicant enters (or, if already inside, changes status), and then completes the medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping. It usually carries a limited validity, often around 60 days, within which the residence steps must be completed.
Because the entry permit is a bridge document, letting it lapse without converting to residence can lead to fines or the need to repeat the process. The exact fees, validity, and conditions depend on the permit type and the emirate handling the file.