New UAE visit visa rules and categories

• Income Requirements
• Visa Categories
• Humanitarian Residence Permit
• Widows and Divorcees
• Business Exploration Visa
• Truck Drivers Visas
• FAQs

The UAE government has announced updated visit visa rules and new categories for visit visas. The new visit visa rules in the UAE will improve transparency and make it easier for top professionals to come to the country and contribute to its progress. So, here is all you need to know about the new categories and the visit visa rules.

CHANGES IN VISIT VISA RULES

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced the changes in the entry permit for visitors to the UAE. Now, sponsorship for a relative’s visa would be linked to the income of the sponsor.

• To invite first-degree relatives such as father, mother, spouse, son, or daughter, one must be earning a minimum of AED 4,000 monthly.  
• For second-degree relatives, including siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren, the requirement is AED 8,000 per month.
• As per the visit visa rules, for third-degree relatives like your uncle, aunt, or cousins, the sponsor must be making AED 8,000 monthly.
• Similarly, the UAE 2025 visit visa changes now mean that those wishing to sponsor a friend, must earn at least AED 15k.

Proof of kinship has to be provided when applying for the visa.

UAE new visit visa categories

ICP has also announced the UAE’s new visit visa categories.

AI SPECIALISTS

One of the UAE’s new visit visa categories is dedicated for AI specialists. This can be a single or multiple entry visa and will be issued on the condition of submitting a letter from a sponsoring or hosting entity which is specialised in the technology field.

ENTERTAINMENT

Foreigners coming to the UAE for a temporary period for entertainment purposes will be handed this visa.

EVENTS

Foreign visitors can be granted a visit visa to attend exhibitions, conferences, festivals, or seminars. These could be economic, sporting, religious, educational or community-building events. The sponsor or host of the event, whether public or private, should provide a letter including details of the event and its duration as part of the visa application.

TOURISM

Part of the UAE’s new visit visa categories is a tourism visa for visitors who stop in the UAE on cruise ships or leisure boats. A multi-entry visa can be issued for a temporary period. The tourism company must have the required licence to operate the boats.

Humanitarian Residence Permit

UAE 2025 visit visa changes also include permutations regarding the Humanitarian Residence Permit. The permits will be issued by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs for a year and could be extended based on the reports of the competent inter-departmental authority. The beneficiary cannot leave the UAE and doing so would void the permit.  

The request of bringing relatives or spouses in humanitarian cases, the decision would be taken by the Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs. The authority can exempt certain requirements, such as financial and the degree of kinship.

WIDOWS AND DIVORCEES

As per the new visit visa rules, residence permits could be issued to divorcees or foreign widows as well.

Emirati Husband

If the husband is Emirati, residency can be granted to the foreign divorcee or widow without children within six months of the date of divorce or death.  

FOREIGN HUSBAND

If the husband is a foreigner, there are UAE 2025 visit visa changes that need to be considered. For a grant permit, the foreign widow or divorcee should have custody of the children within six months of divorce or death, provided she was residing in the UAE during that period. Moreover, the husband has to be the guarantor at the time of death or divorce. The divorcee or widow is the custodian if she wishes to sponsor her children’s residency permits under her own name.

If there are any disputes, the competent committee will issue a decision. All adequate housing and financial solvency needs must be met.

BUSINESS EXPLORATION VISA

There has been a change in rules regarding the Business Exploration Visa, too. The foreign applicant needs to prove financial solvency in view of the type of activity they wish to engage in. Or showcase that they have run such a business via an existing company outside of the UAE. Another way to adhere to this condition is to prove that they practice it professionally.

TRUCK DRIVERS’ VISA

Changes to the conditions and regulations of truck drivers’ visas were also announced. Truck drivers can be granted single or multiple entry visas if the guarantor/host, a freight company or a business engaged in goods transportation, will fulfil the financial guarantees, pay the prescribed fee and the applicant has health insurance.

FAQs

Can I now get a multiple-entry visit visa in the UAE?

Yes, you can apply for a multiple-entry visit visa. There are different multi-entry visas one can consider , including the UAE tourist visa.

Is it possible to extend a visit visa from within the UAE?

Yes, a visit visa can be extended without requiring the holder to leave the country.

Are there minimum income requirements to sponsor someone’s visit visa?

Yes, as discussed above, income requirements have been updated as part of the new visit visa rules.

This concludes our look at the recent visit visa rules. So, when you are applying for yourself or a relative, remember to adhere to all these requirements to avoid rejection. Make sure your documentation is correct and you apply for the visa type the applicant is eligible for.