The United Arab Emirates has implemented a significant overhaul of its visa and residency regime, introducing new visit-visa categories and revising existing eligibility and sponsorship requirements. The reforms, approved by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and effective from 2025, form part of the UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen economic competitiveness, attract specialised skills, and promote long-term investment.
These changes carry important legal and compliance implications for employers, investors, professionals, event organisers, and families seeking entry or residency in the UAE.
Legal and Regulatory Context
The revised visa framework reflects the UAE’s shift towards a skills-based and investment-oriented immigration model, supported by regulatory standardisation and digitalisation. Unified visa durations and AI-enabled application processes have been introduced across several categories to enhance transparency, efficiency, and regulatory oversight.
The reforms align with the UAE’s long-term economic diversification agenda and national development strategies.
Newly Introduced Visit-Visa Categories
Artificial Intelligence Specialists Visa
This visa category is aimed at attracting professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
Key features include:
- Single or multiple-entry options
- Sponsorship by licensed UAE entities operating in the AI sector
The introduction of this visa provides a clear legal pathway for short-term and project-based engagement of specialised technology professionals.
Entertainment Visa
The entertainment visa applies to individuals participating in:
- Cultural
- Artistic
- Creative
- Tourism-related activities
This category offers regulatory clarity for creative and tourism-related engagements that were previously managed under broader visa classifications.
Events Visa
The events visa facilitates entry for participants attending:
- Conferences and exhibitions
- Festivals
- Sporting, religious, and educational events
Issuance is subject to an invitation from an authorised host organisation, reinforcing compliance obligations for event organisers and sponsors.
Maritime Tourism Visa
This multiple-entry visa is designed for:
- Cruise ship passengers
- Leisure boat tourists
Applications must be supported by approved itineraries and licensed sponsors, ensuring compliance with maritime tourism regulations.
Revisions to Existing Visa and Sponsorship Rules
Family Sponsorship Income Thresholds
New minimum salary requirements have been introduced for family and personal sponsorship:
- AED 4,000 for first-degree relatives
- AED 8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives
- AED 15,000 for sponsoring a friend
These thresholds are intended to ensure financial capability while maintaining structured family reunification policies.
Business Exploration Visa Requirements
Applicants seeking entry under a business exploration visa must demonstrate:
- Adequate financial capacity
- Relevant professional experience, or
- Formal recognition of their occupation by competent authorities
This enhances due diligence and supports genuine commercial and investment activity.
Humanitarian and Special Residency Provisions
The reforms also clarify residency options for humanitarian cases, including individuals affected by war, natural disasters, or political instability. Eligible applicants may be granted one-year renewable visas, with certain cases eligible for issuance without a sponsor, subject to the discretion of the competent authority.
Specific provisions have also been introduced for foreign widows and divorcees married to UAE nationals or residents, allowing them to obtain six-month residency permits, extendable subject to housing and financial conditions.
Legal Implications for Businesses and Individuals
From a legal and compliance perspective, the updated visa framework:
- Enhances certainty for employers recruiting specialised foreign talent
- Supports corporate event planning and international business travel
- Strengthens sponsorship and eligibility compliance requirements
- Reduces regulatory risk through standardised visa durations and clearer eligibility criteria
Businesses operating in technology, tourism, events, maritime services, and investment-related sectors should review their immigration compliance processes to align with the revised framework.
