UAE revamps visa system to attract talent
New residency and visa reforms introduce AI-focused, cultural, and humanitarian categories while streamlining procedures and durations
ABU DHABI, UAE (MNTV) — The UAE implemented a comprehensive overhaul of its residency and visa framework in 2025, introducing new categories and updating existing rules to reinforce the country’s position as a global hub for work, living, and investment.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security approved reforms introducing four new visit-visa categories, according to Gulf News.
The changes also revised durations and eligibility criteria for several permits to attract specialized skills, enhance economic openness, and diversify the labor market.
The new visit-visa categories include permits for artificial intelligence specialists sponsored by licensed AI companies and entertainment visas for cultural and artistic activities.
Additional options cover events visas for conferences, exhibitions, and festivals with host invitations, as well as maritime tourism visas for cruise passengers and leisure boat travelers supported by licensed sponsors.
Existing visa regulations were also updated. Foreign truck drivers may now receive single- or multiple-entry visas under stricter sponsorship, financial, and health compliance conditions.
Rules for visiting friends or relatives now impose minimum income thresholds for sponsors, while business-exploration visa applicants must show financial capacity, prior professional experience abroad, or formal occupational recognition.
Residency options for humanitarian cases were clarified, allowing individuals from war- or disaster-affected countries to obtain renewable one-year visas, sometimes without a sponsor.
Specific provisions were also introduced for foreign widows and divorcees married to UAE nationals or residents, enabling six-month residencies extendable under valid conditions, with custodial mothers permitted to sponsor their children.
A unified schedule for visa durations and authority processes was implemented across six main categories to standardize procedures and enhance transparency.
In parallel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the federal authority, launched five new services for Golden visa holders, including electronic passport return, 24-hour emergency support, humanitarian evacuation, repatriation of remains, and a global hotline.
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