The UAE has introduced wide-ranging changes to its residency and visa framework in 2025, rolling out new visit categories and revising existing rules as part of efforts to attract skilled professionals, encourage investment, and simplify immigration procedures.
UAE updates residency and visa framework
The reforms were approved by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and include new visa purposes, updated eligibility requirements, and standardised processing timelines. Officials said the changes are intended to support economic diversification and improve transparency across the visa system.
Local media reported that the revisions also aim to align immigration policy with labour market needs and long-term development priorities.
New visit-visa categories introduced
As part of the overhaul, the UAE added four new visit-visa categories. These include visas for artificial intelligence specialists sponsored by licensed entities, permits for visitors involved in entertainment and cultural activities, and event-related visas covering conferences, exhibitions, and sporting or religious gatherings hosted by approved organisations.
A new maritime tourism visa was also introduced, allowing multiple entries for cruise passengers and leisure boat travellers under licensed sponsorship.
Changes to existing visa rules
Several existing visa categories were amended under the new framework. Foreign truck drivers are now eligible for single or multiple-entry visas, subject to stricter conditions such as sponsorship by accredited logistics firms, financial guarantees, and health requirements.
Rules for visiting friends or relatives were updated to include minimum income thresholds for sponsors, varying by the degree of relationship. Applicants seeking business-exploration visas must now demonstrate financial capacity, relevant overseas experience, or official recognition of their profession.
Humanitarian and family-related provisions
The UAE also clarified residency options for humanitarian cases. Individuals from countries affected by conflict, disasters, or instability may receive one-year visas, which can be renewed or suspended at the discretion of authorities, and in certain cases issued without a sponsor.
Specific provisions were introduced for foreign widows and divorcees married to UAE nationals or residents. These applicants may qualify for six-month residencies, extendable under defined conditions, while custodial mothers are permitted to sponsor their children, subject to housing and financial criteria.
Standardised visa durations and Golden visa services
Authorities adopted a unified schedule for visa durations and issuing bodies across six main categories to standardise procedures and improve consistency.
Separately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the federal authority, launched new services for Golden visa holders. These include emergency travel documents for lost passports abroad, round-the-clock assistance, humanitarian evacuation support, repatriation of remains, and access to a dedicated global hotline.
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