A visit visa issued in Dubai. EXPAT MEDIA

The UAE has announced sweeping changes to its entry and residency rules, including the introduction of four new visit visa categories and a humanitarian residence permit, as part of efforts to attract global talent and strengthen its position as a hub for innovation, tourism, and events. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) unveiled the new regulations on Monday, (September 29), saying the move reflects the country’s strategy to “reinforce the UAE’s approach of openness to the world and its efforts to attract talent, expertise, and entrepreneurs in the fields of technology—particularly artificial intelligence—as well as entertainment and tourism.”

Four new UAE visit visas

The ICP introduced four new categories of entry permits: • AI specialists: A single or multiple-entry visa for experts in artificial intelligence, issued on the condition of submitting a letter from a sponsoring or hosting entity, such as a facility specializing in technology. • Entertainment professionals: A temporary visa for foreigners coming to the UAE for entertainment purposes. • Event attendees: A visa for individuals participating in festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and other activities. A letter from a public or private sector host must confirm event details and duration. • Tourism via cruises and yachts: A multiple-entry visa for tourists arriving through cruise ships or leisure boats, with a licensed tourism operator as a sponsor or host.

Humanitarian residence permit

A new one-year renewable humanitarian residence permit has also been introduced, aimed at people from countries experiencing wars, disasters, or unrest. Unlike standard visas, this residence permit does not require a guarantor or host. The ICP clarified that the residency could be renewed or canceled based on reports from the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs. However, the permit becomes void if the holder leaves the UAE. The new rule also gives the Director General of the Authority discretion to exempt certain cases from financial solvency or kinship requirements for sponsoring relatives, particularly under humanitarian grounds.

Visit visa for relatives/friends

The UAE also made changes to its rules on visit visa for relatives or friends: Sponsorship is now extended to relatives up to the third degree, based on the sponsor’s income. The new rules, however, require a Dh15,000 minimum salary for expats hosting friends and also revised the income requirements for relatives up to the third degree.

Here are the new income requirements for sponsoring friends and relatives:

• First-degree relatives: The guarantor or host must earn at least Dh4,000 per month. • Second- or third-degree relatives: The guarantor or host must earn at least Dh8,000 per month. • Friends: The guarantor or host must earn at least Dh15,000 per month.

Other key amendments

• Residency for widows and divorcees: A one-year residence permit, renewable for another year. • Business exploration visa: Requires proof of financial solvency, ownership in a foreign company, or evidence of professional practice. • Truck driver visas: Must include a sponsor, health checks, and financial guarantees. The ICP confirmed that clear schedules will be issued for each visa type, detailing the duration of stay and conditions for extensions. Officials said the changes are designed to boost the UAE’s attractiveness as a global destination for investors, professionals, and tourists, while also ensuring flexibility for humanitarian and family-related cases. ICA/Expat Media
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