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The new visa rules in UAE offer extended stay options, simplified procedures, updated immigration laws, and several new visa categories for foreigners.
The United Arab Emirates welcomes people from all over the world. Like every year, the UAE immigration authority has introduced new visa updates this year as well to make travel more flexible and convenient for expats. UAE visa regulation changes from time to time to attract more visitors, talented professionals, and investment globally.
In this blog, we will explain the new UAE visa rules for 2025. Whether you want to study, invest, work, or start a business in Dubai as a foreigner, a visa is the primary requirement for living and operating in the UAE. Being aware of Dubai new visa rules helps you choose the right visa category, avoid fines or penalties, and stay legally in UAE.
The new visa rules in UAE for 2025 include all the updated immigration policies that make the entry, movement, and stay of foreigners easier in the country. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) introduce these rules, often in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the Ministry of Economy, and other related bodies.
In 2025, several UAE and Dubai new visa rules were introduced. These include extended visa validity, digitized application processes, an expanded visa-on-arrival list, and new categories under the golden visa.
These changes support the country’s long-term goals of attracting global talent, boosting tourism, and welcoming more business setups. The table below gives a quick overview of new visa rules introduced recently in UAE.
Below is a table providing an overview of the major UAE and Dubai visa new rules applicable in 2025:
| UAE VISA CATEGORY | KEY NEW RULES / CHANGES |
|---|---|
| Visit visas |
|
| Residency visas |
|
| Family sponsorship |
|
| Renewals & processing |
|
| For Indians | Visa-on-arrival for Indian residents of 6 more countries (starting Feb 2025) |
| GCC Unified Visa |
|
Below, we have explained each of these new UAE visa regulation changes in detail.
UAE’s new rules for visit visa in 2025 include longer validity options (60 or 90 days visa), a sponsor-free 5-year multiple-entry visa, and more flexibility for tourists and short-term visitors. Here are the major updates:
Visitors can now choose a 60-day or 90-day visit visa instead of the previous 30-day limit. This gives people more time to explore the UAE for jobs, family visits, business meetings, or medical treatment.
A new 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa is now available. It allows foreigners to enter the UAE many times within five years, without reapplying for fresh visa every time. Each stay can be up to 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days if conditions are met.
Under the new visit visa rules in UAE, the 10-day grace period that previously allowed visitors to stay after their visa expired has now been officially removed. Now, visitors must renew their visa or leave the UAE before the expiry date. Staying beyond the visa validity will lead to legal penalties and fines.
Foreigners can now apply for a visit visa to search for a job without needing any host or sponsor in the UAE. This is called the Jobseeker Visa. It is valid for 60, 90, or 120 days and allows a single entry.
To qualify, the applicant must meet jobseeker visa eligibility:
Overall, Dubai visit visa new rules have boosted both tourism and work-related travel in the UAE.
UAE residents who wish to invite their friends or relatives to the country can now apply for a 30 or 90 day visa (single entry or multiple entry) through ICP.
The New visit visa extension rules in UAE have made it convenient for visitors to extend their visit visas should they require to stay longer in the nation.
The new residence visa rules in UAE have made long-term relocation very easy for expats. Here are the key updates:
The 10 year UAE golden visa now also covers educators, nurses, superyacht owners, content creators, gamers, researchers, athletes, and trailblazers in humanitarianism. It provides easy family sponsorship options for holders.
Here are the new golden visa categories under Dubai new visa rules:
At Dubiz, we offer priority golden visa services. Please contact us if interested.
The UAE has introduced a digital nomad visa or virtual work visa that allows foreigners to stay in the country for one year while working for a non-UAE company. This visa does not require a sponsor. The applicant must have:
The visa is perfect choice for those who want to live in UAE, enjoy its lifestyle, all while working for some foreign company remotely.
The green visa is a 5-year residence visa for qualified professionals, investors, and freelancers who meet certain income criteria. It can be obtained through self-sponsorship and allows family sponsorship. Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions set by GDRFA, such as earning a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 for skilled employees.
Under the new visa rules in UAE, expats can sponsor their dependents (including spouse, daughter, sons, stepchildren, and parents) regardless of their profession.
The new immigration laws related to UAE residency make the country more attractive for people who want to relocate their businesses and families. There are also new updates regarding residency renewal, which we will discuss in the following section.
There are also new rules in the UAE for renewing residence visas, such as online renewal systems, work permit extensions, and longer grace periods. Every residence visa in the UAE has its own validity (2, 3, 5, or even 10 years). After it expires, it must be renewed if the person wants to continue staying in the country. Here are the new visa renewal rules in UAE:
The UAE has announced new visa rules for Indians, allowing visa on arrival in the UAE for Indian passport holders who have a residence permit from 6 additional countries.
From February 2025, any Indian national with an original passport and a valid residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, or Singapore can obtain a visa on arrival in the UAE. Thus, it creates more opportunities for Indians to live, work and invest in the UAE.
This new system promotes easier travel, boosts tourism, and strengthens economic cooperation.
The new visa rules in UAE require you to follow a structured application process, including submitting accurate documents and paying the necessary fees. Here are the steps you must follow to get a UAE visa today:
Select the right UAE visa based on your needs and eligibility. You can apply for a tourist visa, employment visa, freelance visa, Golden Visa, business visa, or other visa types. You can check the available categories and eligibility on the ICP website.
You will need your passport (valid for at least 6 months), recent passport-sized photos, proof of financial stability, accommodation details (hotel booking or lease contract), return tickets (for visit visas), and a trade license (if starting a business) to apply for UAE visa. Some documents may also require legal attestation and translation. Preparing everything in advance makes the process smooth.
Most UAE visa applications can be submitted online through the ICP or GDRFA website. The basic steps are:
Alternatively, you can visit any government authorized customer center or seek help directly from experts at Dubiz.
For residence visas, you will first receive an entry permit. This allows you to enter the UAE and complete your residence visa process. It is typically valid for 60 days.
For residence visas and long-term stays, you must complete medical tests to confirm your fitness. These tests include X-rays and blood tests at approved government health centers. At the same time, you must also apply for your Emirates ID, an important identification document issued to all foreigners living in the UAE.
You can track your UAE visa application status on the ICP or GDRFA website. If the immigration authority asks for clarification or additional documents, you must provide them quickly to avoid delays or objections.
Once you complete the process, the immigration authority will review your documents. If everything is correct, your visa will be approved and issued successfully. Visas are now sent to you electronically and you can download it through portal.
You can streamline your visa and immigration processes in UAE by contacting our experts at Dubiz Business Setup.
The new visa rules in UAE also bring updates to visa fees and fines:
Please note that the cost can vary. It is best to contact experts for accurate visa costing based on personal needs.
Here are the types of UAE visas that foreigners can get today:
UAE visit & entry visas (short-term):
Residence visas (long-term stay):
Golden visa categories (10-year residency):
Here are the benefits of new visa rules in UAE for foreigners:
UAE’s new visa rules have brought more flexibility, greater accessibility, and better support for foreigners wishing to come to the UAE for leisure or serious business. By staying updated with the latest UAE visa rules, planning your travel or relocation becomes easier. ICP, MoHRE and GDRFA are the main authorities that announce new rules, so keep checking them.
Dubiz Business Setup is a trusted name for business formation and visa services in the UAE. With years of experience, we help individuals and companies with all types of UAE visas. If navigating the Dubai new visa rules feels challenging, let us make it easy for you.
How Dubiz helps you:
Contact Dubiz and we will help you not just with visas, but also with the smooth relocation of your business and family to the UAE. The new visa rules have brought even more opportunities to the UAE’s strong immigration system and we help you use these rules to your benefit.
Call us to get complete guidance on UAE’s new visa rules or for the best UAE company formation services.
📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485
💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485
📧 Email: info@dubiz.co
Disclaimer: Hereby, we’ve provided the latest available UAE visa updates, but rules and fees can change anytime. Please verify with official UAE authorities or our experts before applying.
More choices and flexibility are available under the UAE new rules for visit visa. These days, you can obtain a 30, 60, or 90 day visa. Additionally, additional categories have been added, such as the Job Exploration Visa. Upon arrival, certain nationalities may even be granted a visa. Before you go, make sure you apply for the appropriate visa and review the most recent regulations!
The following paperwork is needed in order to apply for a Dubai and UAE job seeker visa:
1. A copy of the applicant’s passport
2. A current colour photograph of the candidate
3. An identity card issued by the government
4. Attested credentials of qualification
Please be aware that in certain situations, more documents can be needed.
Under the guidelines established by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE), any foreign national who is at least eighteen years old is eligible to work in the United Arab Emirates. In the UAE, there is no upper age limit for employment; nevertheless, employers must pay a premium rate to employees who are above 65.
Yes, as per Dubai new visa rules that came out in 2025, the extension is possible. However, it is suggested that you check the latest information and updates before making any final decision.
Under new visa rules UAE, there is a six-month grace period for dependents to get a new residency permit when their visas expire or are cancelled.
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