Archive · 30 Sep 2025
UAE Announces New Visas, Alters Residency Rules
The UAE is rolling out new visas!
There are new options for AI specialists, people in entertainment, event attendees, and tourists arriving on cruise ships.
They also updated some rules.
For those displaced by war, there's a new one-year permit without a sponsor.
Widows and divorcees get six months to apply for residency.
People who sponsor family or friends now need to make a certain amount of money each month to be eligible.
The UAE introduced four new visa categories.
New visa types include AI specialists, entertainment, events, and cruise tourism.
AI specialist visas require a sponsor from a tech company.
Humanitarian permits provide one-year residency for displaced individuals.
Income requirements are in place for those sponsoring relatives and friends.
- Who
- UAE Government
- What
- Introduced new visa categories and updated residency regulations
- When
- Announced recently
- Where
- United Arab Emirates
- Why
- Not explicitly stated in article.
- New Visa Categories
- AI Specialists, Entertainment, Events, Tourism (Cruises)
- AI Specialist Visa
- Issued for specific duration; requires sponsor from a tech company
- Event Visa
- For festivals, exhibitions, conferences; requires sponsor/host entity
- Tourism Visa
- Multiple-entry for cruise/leisure boat visitors; requires host sponsor
- Humanitarian Permit
- 1-year residency for displaced persons (renewable); no sponsor needed
- Residency for Widows/Divorcees
- Up to 6 months after loss of spouse
- Minimum Income Sponsor
- AED 4,000 for 1st-degree, AED 8,000 for 2nd/3rd-degree, AED 15,000 for friends
Sources
UAE new visit visa category: AI, entertainment, event, and cruise tourism – Everything you need to know about the latest rules
UAE updates visit visa rules: Here’s how much you must earn now
UAE adds four new visit visa types, revises rules for friends, relatives, drivers: Top 7 updates
UAE adds four new visit visa types, revises rules for friends, relatives, drivers: Top 7 updates
UAE unveils new visa categories, expands residency rules for global talent. Good news fro Indians amid H-1B row?