On September 29th, 2025, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced 4 new visa categories and amendments to entry visa regulations.
The announcement comes as no surprise as the UAE propels itself as the all-encompassing leader in global migration. While the UAE Golden Visa remains a top contender for investors looking to gain a foothold in the UAE’s thriving investment market, the various categories for top talents, students, entertainers, and more are quickly becoming popular for those seeking UAE residency.
4 New Visa Categories
As announced by the ICP, here are the four new visit visa categories for the UAE:
- Events Visit Visa: The Events Visit Visa is granted to foreign nationals to temporarily visit the UAE for events, including exhibitions, festivals, sports, seminars, religious or educational activities. The host or sponsor of the event must supply a letter specifying the duration and other event details.
- Artificial Intelligence Specialist Entry Visa: The Artificial Intelligence Specialist Entry Visa is provided to AI specialists for a single or multiple visits for a specific time period. The sponsor or hosting provider must deliver a letter with details on the visit, including time frames.
- Multiple-Entry Visa for Tourism: This visa is granted to tourists entering the UAE for tourism purposes via leisure boats or cruise ships for a temporary period. The sponsoring or hosting entity must provide a detailed tourism itinerary and must be licensed to operate such activities.
- Entertainment Entry Visa: The Entertainment Entry Visa is granted to foreign visitors temporarily for leisure purposes in the UAE.
Amendments to Current Visas
In addition to the new categories, the ICP announced several important updates to existing visa regulations. These aim to improve clarity, streamline processes, and align visa options with the UAE’s evolving social and economic priorities.
Visiting a friend or relative (New income rules)
The current visa for visiting a friend or relative has some adjustments to the entry criteria, including:
- For a friend visiting a foreign resident in the UAE, the sponsor or host must earn at least AED 15,000 per month.
- If the visitor is a first-degree relative of the resident, the sponsor/host needs a minimum monthly income of AED 4,000.
- For second- or third-degree relatives, the sponsor/host must have a monthly income of at least AED 8,000.
Business Opportunity Exploration Visa (New conditions)
For the Business Opportunity Exploration Visa, a foreign national must show they have enough funds for the type of business they plan to explore or already be involved in that activity through a company abroad or work professionally in that field.
Truck Drivers Visa (Amendment)
The decision also updates rules for certain visas, allowing foreign truck drivers to get a single- or multiple-entry visa if their sponsor is a shipping or cargo company, the required fee and financial guarantee are met, and the driver has health insurance.
Humanitarian Cases (Time limit)
For humanitarian cases, visas are valid for one year. The Authority’s Chairman can extend, renew, or cancel these visas for people from countries facing war, disasters, or unrest, without requiring a sponsor, based on reports from the Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs. The visa becomes invalid if the holder leaves the UAE.
When it comes to bringing in relatives of citizens, foreign residents, or their spouses under humanitarian grounds, the Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs can grant exceptions to financial requirements, degree of kinship, or both, while keeping other technical and financial rules in place.
Foreign Widow or Divorced Women (Amendment)
The following changes apply to foreign widows or divorced women in the UAE:
Without children:
- A foreign widow or divorcee whose husband was a UAE citizen can be granted residency within six months of the husband’s death or divorce.
With children:
- For a foreign husband, residency can be issued to the custodial widow or divorcee and her children within six months of death or divorce.
Requirements include:
- The widow or divorcee must be present in the UAE.
- The deceased or former spouse was the sponsor at the time of death or divorce.
- Custody of children is maintained if she wishes to sponsor them.
- In case of custody disputes, the competent committee decides.
The GCS Viewpoint
The UAE’s introduction of new visa categories and amendments underscores its commitment to creating a dynamic and inclusive migration framework. By expanding opportunities for professionals, entrepreneurs, and families, the country continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation, investment, and talent.
Based on our report on How Dubai and Abu Dhabi are attracting foreign direct investment, the UAE’s streamlined business setup, fast registration procedures, and extensive support within free zones make it a highly appealing choice for investors and entrepreneurs. By actively encouraging foreign direct investment and introducing key legal reforms, the country has strengthened its position as a favorable environment for business growth.