UAE Introduces Four New Visit Visa Categories and Updates Existing Rules
Web Desk
September 30, 2025
đź“– 3 min read
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled significant changes to its entry and visit visa system, including the introduction of four new visa categories and updates to several existing permits. These reforms were announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and reported by Khaleej Times on Monday.
The changes are part of the UAE’s broader strategy to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and tourists, especially in high-growth sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence (AI), entertainment, and tourism.
🆕 New Visit Visa Categories Introduced
1. AI Specialist Visa
- Who it’s for: Foreign experts in Artificial Intelligence
- Requirements: A sponsor’s letter from a recognized tech institution
- Type: Single or multiple-entry
2. Entertainment Visa
- Purpose: Short-term visits for cultural, artistic, or entertainment events
- Eligibility: Foreign nationals attending temporary entertainment engagements
3. Event Visa
- Purpose: Attending conferences, seminars, festivals, or sporting events
- Requirement: Sponsored by a host entity with formal documentation
4. Cruise Ship and Pleasure Boat Tourist Visa
- Type: Multiple-entry visa
- Requirements: Detailed travel itinerary and a licensed tourism operator as guarantor
These new categories aim to boost tourism, support trade, and reinforce the UAE’s role as a global hub for innovation and events.
đźšš Visa Updates for Foreign Truck Drivers
Foreign truck drivers can now apply for single or multiple-entry visas, provided they are:
- Sponsored by a licensed shipping or transportation company
- Financially secured via a financial guarantee
- Covered by valid health insurance
- Paying the prescribed visa fees
This move is intended to support logistics, trade, and transport sectors—key pillars of the UAE’s economy.
đź‘« Visiting Friends and Family: New Income Rules
New income-based thresholds have been introduced for sponsoring relatives or friends:
| Relationship Type | Minimum Monthly Income Required |
|---|---|
| First-degree relatives | AED 4,000 |
| Second/Third-degree relatives | AED 8,000 |
| Friends | AED 15,000 |
These requirements aim to ensure financial responsibility of hosts sponsoring visits to the UAE.
đź’Ľ Business Exploration Visa: New Solvency Criteria
Applicants for the business exploration visa must now prove:
- Financial solvency related to the business activity they wish to explore
- Existing operations abroad or prior professional experience in the same field
This update ensures that only serious and capable entrepreneurs benefit from this visa category.
❤️ Humanitarian Visas: Extended Support & New Guidelines
One-Year Humanitarian Visa
- Granted to individuals from countries affected by war, disaster, or unrest
- No host or guarantor required
- May be extended, renewed, or cancelled at the discretion of the ICP Director General
- Visa is void if the holder leaves the UAE
Humanitarian Sponsorship of Relatives
- Sponsorship by UAE residents may be approved without:
- Financial solvency requirements
- Degree-of-kinship limits
- Subject to technical and financial regulations
👩‍👧 Residency for Foreign Widows and Divorcees
The UAE is introducing compassionate residency options for foreign widows and divorcees of UAE citizens:
Without Children
- Eligible for 6-month residency
- Must apply within 6 months of death/divorce
With Children
- Residency granted if:
- Applicant is within the country
- Previously sponsored by the deceased/ex-spouse
- Is legal custodian of the children
- The mother can also sponsor her children’s residency
đź“ť Important: Financial stability and suitable housing are mandatory in all cases. Residency may be extended with valid justification.
🎯 Why These Reforms Matter
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, stated that these updates are the result of “careful studies and forward-looking assessments” that align with both humanitarian values and economic goals.
“These reforms are designed to meet customer needs while addressing the changing global landscape in immigration, residency, and employment,” he added.
By simplifying entry and residency conditions, the UAE continues to position itself as a flexible, attractive destination for visitors, professionals, and innovators from around the globe.
đź”— Stay Informed
For more details, visit the UAE Government Media Office on X (Twitter) or contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
