Business
Four new UAE visit visas in 2025 – All you need to know
The UAE has issued a significant update to its entry permit system, introducing four new visit visa categories designed to attract global talent, support key economic sectors and strengthen the country’s position as a hub for innovation, entertainment and tourism.
The changes form part of a broader package of amendments announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which also includes new provisions for humanitarian residence, widows and divorcees, business exploration visas and expanded family sponsorship options.
Officials say the new visit visa categories aim to streamline entry processes for specific types of visitors while supporting fast-growing national priorities such as artificial intelligence, events and marine tourism.
Overview of the new visit visa categories:
| Visa Category | Purpose | Sponsor Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| AI Specialist Visa | Enables specialists working in artificial intelligence to enter the UAE for a defined period. | Requires a letter from a sponsoring or hosting entity such as a licensed facility operating in the technology sector. |
| Entertainment Visa | Issued to foreigners coming for entertainment activities for a temporary period. | Must be sponsored by a licensed public or private sector entity involved in entertainment-related activities. |
| Events Visa | For those attending festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars or economic, cultural, sports, religious, community or educational events. | Sponsor or host must be a public or private sector entity. A letter from the hosting body must include details of the event and its duration. |
| Tourism Visa (Cruise and Leisure Boats) | Allows multiple-entry tourism visits via cruise ships and leisure boats. | Sponsor or host must be a facility licensed to organise cruise ship or leisure-boat tourism, and the vessel itinerary must include UAE stops. |
Extended residency for special cases
Alongside the new visit categories, the ICP confirmed several additional updates to residency and visa regulations. A humanitarian residence permit has been introduced, valid for one year with the possibility of renewal under approved conditions.
A one-year residency permit for widows and divorcees has also been added, with the option to renew for another year subject to specific rules.
Sponsorship rules for friends and relatives have been expanded, allowing UAE residents to sponsor up to the third degree of kinship based on income criteria.
Further amendments clarify requirements for the business exploration visa, which now demands proof of financial solvency, ownership of shares in an overseas company or evidence of professional practice. The truck driver visa requires an authorised sponsor as well as health and financial guarantees.
The ICP also retains the authority to approve visas for nationals of countries experiencing conflict, disasters or unrest, without the need for a guarantor or host. A humanitarian residence permit may be granted for one year with potential renewal, depending on circumstances.
The full set of reforms, originally announced in September, reflects the UAE’s continued focus on flexibility, openness and economic diversification as it adapts entry pathways to meet evolving national needs.
