How much do I need to earn to sponsor a family member or friend in the UAE?

To sponsor immediate family (spouse, children, parents), you need AED 4,000 per month. For second- or third-degree relatives such as siblings, grandparents, or cousins, you need AED 8,000. To sponsor a friend, the minimum monthly salary is AED 15,000.

How long can visitors stay in the UAE on a visit visa?

Visitors can usually stay for 30 to 90 days, depending on the visa issued. Extensions are possible: first for 30 days, then for 20 more days, subject to approval and additional fees.

What is the Humanitarian Residence Permit in the UAE?

It is a one-year renewable residency permit for people from countries affected by war, unrest, or disasters. It does not require a sponsor or guarantor and may be extended or cancelled at the discretion of the authorities.

Can widows and divorced women get residency in the UAE without a sponsor?

Yes. Widows and divorcees can apply for a renewable one-year residency permit within six months of the spouse’s death or divorce. They must prove financial solvency and adequate housing, and custody disputes are resolved by the competent committee.

What are the requirements for the Business Exploration Visa?

Applicants must demonstrate financial solvency or show proof that they already run or are engaged in a similar business abroad or professionally. This ensures they can meaningfully explore opportunities in the UAE.

What are the rules for truck drivers applying for a UAE visa?

Truck drivers can obtain single or multiple-entry visas if sponsored by a licensed freight or transport company. They must provide a financial guarantee, valid health insurance, and pay required fees.

UAE Visit Visa 2025: New Categories, Sponsorship Salary Rules & Humanitarian Permits Explained

Q: What are the new UAE visit visa categories?

The UAE introduced four new visit visas: AI Specialist Visa, Entertainment Visa, Event Visa, and Cruise & Leisure Tourism Visa. These are tailored to attract technology experts, cultural professionals, event participants, and cruise tourists.

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Oct 02
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Last updated on November 7th, 2025

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The UAE has overhauled its visit visa and residency system to make it more transparent, sector-focused, and aligned with economic diversification. The changes, announced in September 2025 by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), are designed to attract global talent, strengthen tourism, and provide humanitarian safety nets.

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This guide answers the most common questions about the UAE’s new visa rules.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security announces new amendments and additions to entry visa regulations pic.twitter.com/YAXxLI4XZF
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) September 29, 2025

What are the new UAE visit visa categories?

The UAE has launched four purpose-driven visit visas tailored to high-priority sectors:

Visa Type	Who it’s for	A licensed tech company must provide a sponsorship letter	Entries & Duration
AI Specialist Visa	Artificial Intelligence professionals & experts	Single or multiple entries; duration depends on the sponsor	The hosting entity (public or private) provides event documentation
Entertainment Visa	Performers, entertainers, and gaming professionals	UAE-licensed entertainment/cultural entity	Temporary; tied to project/event
Event Visa	Participants in festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, sports & cultural events	Hosting entity (public or private) provides event documentation	Valid for event duration
Cruise & Leisure Tourism Visa	Tourists & crew arriving on cruise ships or yachts	Licensed cruise/tour operator + itinerary	Multiple-entry; valid for journey duration

How much do you need to earn to sponsor family or friends?

The ICP has introduced income-based sponsorship rules for inviting relatives and friends:

Relationship	Minimum Monthly Income Required
First-degree relatives (spouse, parents, children)	AED 4,000
Second-degree relatives (siblings, grandparents, grandchildren)	AED 8,000
Third-degree relatives (uncles, aunts, cousins)	AED 8,000
Friends (non-relatives)	AED 15,000

Other requirements:

Proof of kinship (for relatives)
Passport valid for 6 months
Return ticket
Health insurance coverage

Duration & extensions:

Standard stay: 30–90 days
Extension: First 30 days + Second 20 days (with fees and approval)

What are the new humanitarian and social visa updates?

1. Humanitarian Residence Permit

Valid for 1 year, renewable at ICP discretion.
Granted to nationals from countries affected by wars, disasters, or unrest.
Becomes void if the beneficiary leaves the UAE.
Director General can waive solvency/kinship requirements in special cases.

2. Residency for Widows and Divorcees

One-year renewable permit.
Widow/Divorcee of an Emirati citizen: Apply within 6 months of death/divorce.
Widow/Divorcee of a foreigner: Eligible if custodian of children and sponsored by spouse at time of death/divorce.
Must show financial solvency & adequate housing.
Custody disputes are resolved by the ICP committee.

What about Business and Labour-related visas?

Business Exploration Visa

Applicants must show financial solvency or proof of ownership/active involvement in a company abroad. This visa encourages entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in the UAE.

Truck Drivers’ Visa

Available as a single or multiple-entry.
Requires sponsorship by a licensed freight/transport company.
Must include: financial guarantees, fees, and valid health insurance.

Why did the UAE introduce these changes?

According to Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili (Director General of ICP), the reforms are based on:

Studies of local & global residency trends
Feedback from residents and businesses
Strategic goals: improving quality of life, supporting trade, attracting talent, and strengthening competitiveness

FAQs on the UAE’s 2025 Visit Visa Updates

Q1: Can I sponsor my cousin or uncle?
Yes, but your monthly income must be at least AED 8,000.

Q2: Can I bring a friend to visit?
Yes, but only if your monthly salary is AED 15,000 or more.

Q3: Do these changes affect existing visit visa holders?
No. The rules apply to new applications moving forward.

Q4: Can widows or divorcees live in the UAE without a sponsor?
Yes. They can obtain a 1-year renewable residency permit, subject to solvency and housing conditions.

Q5: How do the new AI and Entertainment visas help professionals?
They allow short-term stays for project-based work, conferences, or cultural activities.

Final Thoughts

The UAE’s 2025 visa reforms represent a paradigm shift: visas are now aligned with economic, cultural, and humanitarian priorities. From AI specialists to cruise tourists, widows seeking stability to entrepreneurs, the framework reflects the UAE’s vision of becoming a global, inclusive hub. For expats and residents, these changes bring clarity, accountability, and opportunities — but also stricter responsibility when sponsoring family and friends.

Article Author & Reviewer

Uzair ul Haq (Author)
Uzair ul Haq is a career and relocation consultant with over 6 years of experience helping professionals move to the UAE and other Gulf countries for work, study, and long-term relocation. As the founder of Visaboards.com, he has guided hundreds of clients through the job search, visa process, and salary benchmarking for roles across tech, engineering, healthcare, and aviation.With a deep understanding of the UAE job market and strong links to regional recruiters, Uzair provides practical insights into career opportunities, expected earnings, and visa policies in the Gulf. He frequently travels to Dubai and has helped clients from over 10 countries build successful careers in the UAE.