The UAE has introduced a sweeping overhaul of its visa and residency framework, unveiling four new visit-visa categories and revising existing rules to attract skilled professionals, investors, and global talent. The reforms mark a strategic shift toward a skills-driven, innovation-led economy and reinforce the country’s position as a leading global hub for business and living.
Approved by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the changes came into effect in 2025 and reflect the UAE’s long-term vision to deepen economic openness, diversify the labour market, and attract high-value human capital.
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A Strategic Reset of the UAE’s Visa Framework
The visa overhaul introduces:
- Four new visit-visa categories
- Revised eligibility and sponsorship rules
- Unified visa durations across key permit types
- Greater use of AI-enabled systems to streamline entry and residency processes
Together, these measures aim to simplify procedures, improve transparency, and make the UAE more accessible to professionals, entrepreneurs, and specialised visitors.
Four New Visit-Visa Categories Introduced
Artificial Intelligence Specialists Visa
Designed to attract global expertise in emerging technologies, this visa allows single or multiple entry for AI specialists sponsored by licensed UAE entities operating in the AI sector. The move underscores the UAE’s ambition to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence and advanced digital industries.
Entertainment Visa
This category caters to individuals participating in cultural, artistic, and tourism-related activities, supporting the growth of the creative economy and positioning the UAE as a regional centre for entertainment and cultural exchange.
Events Visa
Introduced for visitors attending:
- Conferences
- Exhibitions
- Festivals
- Sporting, religious, and educational events
The visa is issued based on an invitation from an authorised host organisation, strengthening the UAE’s role as a global destination for major international events.
Maritime Tourism Visa
A multiple-entry visa for cruise passengers and leisure boat tourists, backed by licensed sponsors and approved itineraries. This category supports the expansion of maritime tourism and luxury travel across UAE coastal destinations.
Key Revisions to Existing Visa Rules
Family Sponsorship Thresholds
New minimum income requirements have been introduced for sponsoring relatives:
- Dh4,000 for first-degree relatives
- Dh8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives
- Dh15,000 for sponsoring a friend
These measures aim to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining family reunification pathways.
Business Exploration Visa
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Sufficient financial capacity
- Prior professional experience abroad, or
- Formal recognition of their occupation by relevant authorities
This strengthens the quality of business entrants and supports genuine investment activity.
Humanitarian and Special Residency Provisions
The reforms also clarify residency options for humanitarian cases, including individuals affected by war, natural disasters, or political instability. Eligible applicants may receive one-year renewable visas, with certain cases exempt from sponsorship requirements.
Additional provisions have been introduced for foreign widows and divorcees married to UAE nationals or residents, allowing them to obtain six-month residency permits, extendable subject to housing and financial conditions.
What This Means for Businesses and Investors
The visa overhaul signals a clear policy direction:
- Talent-led economic growth over short-term labour dependency
- Stronger support for AI, technology, tourism, events, and maritime sectors
- Improved investor confidence through transparent and standardised immigration rules
For businesses, the reforms make it easier to recruit specialised professionals, host international events, and attract global partners. For investors and entrepreneurs, they reinforce the UAE’s reputation as a stable, future-focused jurisdiction for long-term growth.
A Clear Signal of the UAE’s Global Ambitions
By modernising its visa system, the UAE is sending a strong message to the world: the country is open to skills, innovation, and investment. The reforms align closely with national development agendas and strengthen the UAE’s standing as a preferred destination for living, working, and doing business.
