UAE Updates: New Visa Rules and Categories

Changes to UAE Visitor Visa Rules: Income-Based Sponsorship and New Categories

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented significant changes to its visitor visa regulations, linking sponsorship eligibility more closely to income levels than ever before and defining new visa categories. The goals are clear: to increase transparency in the system, support economic diversification, and attract highly skilled professionals and potential business investors.

Income-Based Sponsorship Rules

The most significant innovation is that visa applicants can now bring family members or friends to the country only if they have a specified monthly income. Based on the degree of relationship and the status of the applicant, the following income thresholds apply:

First-degree relatives (parents, spouse, children): a minimum monthly income of 4,000 dirhams is required.

Second-degree relatives (siblings, grandparents, grandchildren): at least 8,000 dirhams.

Third-degree relatives (uncles, aunts, cousins): also at least 8,000 dirhams.

Friends who are not related: must prove a monthly income of at least 15,000 dirhams.

Proof of the degree of relationship is essential, so applicants must provide official documents (such as birth or marriage certificates) to demonstrate their relationship with the person for whom they are applying. These proofs must be submitted with the visa application.

Mandatory Documents

Those interested in a visitor visa must possess a passport valid for at least six months and must present a return flight ticket. This ensures that the visitor is genuinely arriving for temporary stay and meets the visa conditions.

Six Types of Stay Options

The new regulation specifies the types of visas and durations of stay. There are a total of six visa categories available, designed to cover different visit intentions, simplify administration, and increase transparency. These types cover general visits, tourism, family visits, business exploratory visits, stays for humanitarian reasons, and visits in special professional categories.

Four New Visitor Visa Categories

One of the most innovative elements of the regulation is the introduction of four new visa categories aimed specifically at professionals in the following sectors:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) workers

Entertainment industry professionals

Event organizing experts

Crew or partners of cruise ships and luxury yachts

These visas specifically support the development of the technology, tourism, and event organizing sectors, particularly in cities like Dubai, where these industries play a key role.

Humanitarian Stay Permits

The new regulation allows for the application of a one-year humanitarian stay permit, which can be extended in special circumstances. This option is mainly to help those who, due to extraordinary life circumstances, cannot leave the country but do not have another type of visa.

Another innovation is that widows and divorced women can apply for a one-year residency permit without a sponsor, which can be renewed under specific conditions. This step is particularly important in terms of social support and improving the situation of women.

Business Visit

Under the new decree, a business exploratory visa is also available, requiring financial stability. The applicant must either be the owner of an existing foreign company or have verified professional experience. The purpose of this visa is to enable the establishment of new companies or partnerships in the UAE.

Foreign Truck Drivers' Visas

Amendments also affect foreign truck drivers' visa applications. It is now possible to apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa if the sponsor is a freight or logistics company. The application requires proper financial guarantees, payment of fees, and existing health insurance.

Background of the Decision

Decisionmakers, including the leadership of ICP, stated that the amendments were made based on detailed research, analysis of international trends, and feedback from the affected parties. The developments aim for the visa system to adapt more flexibly to global economic changes, the labor market, and technological advancements.

These changes also contribute to improving the quality of life for the population, stimulating commercial and transport relations, and enhancing international competitiveness.

Summary

The modification of UAE visitor visa regulations marks a new era in entry processes. The fact that sponsorship is tied to income and that specific visa categories have been created for certain sectors demonstrates the country’s long-term aim to build stable, highly skilled, and economically active communities.

The application of the new rules can be particularly important for those living in Dubai or other UAE cities who wish to host their relatives or friends. Simplifying and specializing the system can become one of the crucial pillars of future economic growth and social welfare.

(Source of the article: Announcement from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).)