What are the New UAE Visa Rules in 2025?

2025-11-10

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to evolve as a global hub for tourism, business, and innovation. To attract tourists, professionals, investors, and skilled workers, the UAE has introduced new visa rules in 2025, enhancing flexibility, simplifying procedures, and supporting economic growth.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from multiple-entry tourist visas, visit visas, family sponsorship rules, to Golden & Green visas, helping you stay compliant and make informed travel or residency decisions.

Overview of UAE New Visa Rules 2025

The UAE new visa rules are issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Key objectives include:

Facilitating tourism and business travel
Streamlining residency applications
Introducing self-sponsored visa options
Expanding visa eligibility for skilled professionals, investors, and freelancers

The updates ensure that visitors and residents can enjoy digital visa processing, longer stays, and flexible entry options.

1. Multiple-Entry 5-Year Tourist Visa

One of the most popular changes in the new UAE visa rules 2025 is the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, designed for frequent travelers.

Key Features:

Valid for all nationalities
Allows 90-day stay per visit, extendable by another 90 days
Multiple entries allowed during 5-year validity
Ideal for tourists, business travelers, and family visitors

Eligibility Requirements:

Bank balance of $4,000 USD (or equivalent) for the last 6 months
Valid health insurance covering at least 180 days in the UAE
Return flight ticket
Proof of stay (hotel or residential address in UAE)

Documents Required:

Passport copy
Passport-sized colored photo
Medical insurance
Bank statement for last 6 months
Tour program itinerary
Ticket for onward journey

Who Can Apply:

Tourists who are not eligible for visa on arrival
Children under 18 can obtain free visas when accompanying adults (July 15 – September 15)
Not eligible for females below 18 traveling alone

How to Apply:

Through UAE-based airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia)
Via licensed travel agents or hotels in UAE
Ensure authenticity of agencies before sharing documents

2. New UAE Visit Visa Rules 2025

The new visit visa rules in UAE allow residents and visitors more flexibility while ensuring compliance.

Income-Based Sponsorship for Friends and Relatives:

First-degree relatives (spouse, children, parents): Sponsor must earn AED 4,000 per month
Second-degree relatives (siblings, grandparents, grandchildren): Sponsor must earn AED 8,000 per month
Third-degree relatives (uncles, aunts, cousins): Sponsor must earn AED 8,000 per month
Friends (non-relatives): Sponsor must earn AED 15,000 per month

Requirements:

Passport valid for at least 6 months
Return travel ticket
Proof of relationship (for relatives)

Visit Visa Duration & Extension:

Single-entry visit visas: 30-day, 60-day, 90-day options
Extension allowed (varies by visa type)
Penalty for overstays: AED 50 per day

New Categories:

Specialist visas: AI, entertainment, cruise ships, events, leisure vessels
Humanitarian residence permit: 1-year validity, renewable
Business exploration visa: For entrepreneurs, company owners, or professional investors

3. UAE Immigration Rules for Residency Visas

Golden Visa Expansion:

The Golden Visa now includes:

Teachers, healthcare professionals, sustainability experts
Digital content creators, investors, entrepreneurs
10-year validity with family sponsorship and self-sponsorship

Green Visa 2025:

Designed for freelancers, skilled professionals, and investors
No employer dependency required
Minimum income threshold: AED 15,000 monthly (for freelancers)

Family Sponsorship Enhancements:

Residents earning AED 4,000/month can sponsor:

Spouse
Children (male up to 25, daughters indefinitely)
Parents

Dependents get 6-month grace period after visa cancellation

Job Seeker Visa:

Valid for 120 days, no sponsor required
Minimum bank balance of AED 14,700 over last 6 months
Available for skilled professionals and recent graduates

4. Visa Renewal and Digitalization

The new visa renewal rule in UAE introduces:

AI-powered Salama system: 5-day automated processing
Online updates through ICP portal or UAEICP app
Extended work permits (2 → 3 years) for certain categories
Re-entry permit: Maintain residency if absent for >6 months

Visa extension options:

30-day or 60-day visas extendable by 30 days
90-day visas extendable by 90 days

5. Key Benefits of UAE New Visa Rules 2025

Flexibility: Multiple-entry and long-term options
Accessibility: Visa-on-arrival and online applications
Talent Attraction: Golden & Green Visas attract skilled professionals
Family Support: Expanded sponsorship rules for dependents

6. How to Apply Under New UAE Visa Rules

Determine Visa Type: Tourist, Visit, Golden, Green, Job Seeker, or Residency
Gather Documents: Passport, photos, financial proof, accommodation, tickets
Apply Online: ICP portal, UAEICP app, or authorized agencies
Pay Fees: AED 370–1,100 depending on visa type
Track Application: Use reference number on ICP portal
Receive Visa: E-visa via email or linked to Emirates ID

7. Costs & Penalties

Here’s your Visa Types and Fees in a clean bullet format for easy readability:

30-Day Visit Visa: AED 370
60-Day Visit Visa: AED 510
5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa: AED 650
Job Seeker Visa (120 days): AED 1,100
Overstay Fine: AED 50 per day

AI Overview:

Explore the new UAE visa rules 2025, including multiple-entry tourist visas, visit visas, Golden & Green visas, family sponsorship, and online renewal for tourists and professionals.

FAQs

Who can apply for the 5-year multiple-entry UAE tourist visa?

Any nationality not eligible for visa-on-arrival, with required bank balance, health insurance, and return ticket.

Can residents sponsor friends or relatives for a visit visa?

Yes, subject to income-based rules ranging from AED 4,000 to AED 15,000 monthly.

What is the Golden Visa in UAE?

A 10-year long-term visa for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, teachers, and healthcare specialists.

How long is the Green Visa valid?

Green Visa allows self-sponsorship for freelancers and skilled professionals, usually 1–3 years depending on eligibility.

Are online visa renewals possible?

Yes, through the ICP portal or UAEICP app using the AI-powered Salama system.

Conclusion

The new UAE visa rules 2025 make the UAE more accessible for tourists, professionals, investors, and families. From the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa to flexible visit visas and expanded Golden and Green Visa programs, these updates support tourism, business, and long-term residency.

Stay informed about eligibility, requirements, and application procedures to ensure a smooth and hassle-free UAE visa experience.

Apply for your UAE visa with Epic Travel for fast processing, accurate documentation, and full compliance with all new UAE visa rules 2025. Start your journey today!

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