The UAE is always updating its visa rules to make the country more welcoming for residents, investors, and visitors. In 2025, new changes have been introduced to make it easier for people to live, work, and do business in the UAE.
If you're an expat living in the UAE, a business owner looking to invest, or a tourist planning a visit, it’s important to stay updated on these new rules. For Indian travellers, the new visit visa rules in UAE for Indian nationals bring important updates, making travel more convenient and accessible. They affect everything from residency visas and work permits to tourist visas and long-term stay options like the Golden Visa.
So, here are latest UAE visa updates for 2025 in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
Overview of the 2025 UAE Visa Rule Changes
UAE recently introduced several significant changes to its visa regulations. Here's an overview of the key updates:- Visitors can now choose visas lasting 60 or 90 days, providing more time to explore or conduct business in the UAE.
- Applicants must provide confirmed hotel bookings or proof of accommodation with relatives, return flight tickets, and demonstrate sufficient funds—AED 5,000 for a two-month visa and AED 3,000 for a three-month visa.
- Starting in 2025, eligible Indian nationals holding a regular passport with a validity of at least six months can get a single-entry, 14-day visa on arrival in the UAE.
- The UAE launched the first phase of its 10-year Blue Visa, targeting individuals contributing to environmental protection. Initially, 20 sustainability thought leaders were awarded this visa for their exceptional contributions.
- All visa applications must now be submitted online, streamlining the process and reducing the need for physical visits to embassies or consulates.
- New guidelines specify that children under 5 are exempt from visiting visa centres, those aged 6 to 15 will have photographs taken at the centre, and children 15 or older must visit in person for biometric verification.
- The previous 10-day grace period allowing visitors to stay beyond their visa expiry without penalties has been removed. Overstaying now results in fines and potential deportation.
UAE New Visa Rules in 2025: Updates & Changes
In 2025, UAE implemented several significant updates to its visa regulations. Here's are the key changes:1. New Visit Visa Rules in the UAE in 2025
Extended Stay Options:
The UAE now offers 60-day and 90-day visit visas, providing visitors with more flexibility to explore the country or conduct business.
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa:
The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows visitors to enter the UAE multiple times, with each stay lasting up to 90 days, extendable for an additional 90 days. This visa caters to frequent travellers and business visitors seeking convenience.
Documentation Requirements:
Applicants are now required to provide proof of sufficient funds (minimum balance of AED 5,000), confirmed accommodation details (such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a UAE-based host), and a return flight ticket to ensure compliance with the visa's temporary nature.
Removal of the 10-Day Grace Period:
Previously, visitors were granted a 10-day grace period after their visa expired to exit the country without penalties. However, this grace period has been removed. Now, overstaying beyond the allowed visa duration results in immediate fines and possible deportation. Visitors are strongly encouraged to adhere to their visa validity to avoid unnecessary complications.
2. Visa Extension Policies
In-Country Extensions:
Visitors can extend their visas without exiting the UAE, simplifying the process and reducing associated costs.
Duration and Limits:
Each extension grants an additional 30 days, with a maximum of two extensions permitted, allowing a total stay of up to 120 days within a year.
3. New Visa Rules for Indians
Effective from February 13, 2025, Indian passport holders with valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from countries including Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are eligible for a visa-on-arrival in the UAE.
Starting in 2025, eligible Indian nationals holding a regular passport with a validity of at least six months can get a single-entry, 14-day visa on arrival in the UAE. This expansion simplifies the entry process for a broader segment of Indian travellers.
4. Updates in UAE Residence Visas
Five-Year Residency Visa for Retirees:
Expatriates aged 55 and above can apply for a renewable five-year residency visa, provided they have at least 15 years of work experience and meet specific financial criteria related to property ownership, savings, or income.
Golden Visa Program Expansion:
The prestigious Golden Visa, offering 10-year residency, now includes superyacht owners, scholars, and humanitarian leaders. Eligible individuals can also sponsor their families under this program.
Blue Visa for Environmental Leaders:
Launched to promote sustainability, the Blue Visa is a 10-year residency granted to leaders in environmental sustainability, including activists, researchers, and industry pioneers committed to climate action.
Dubai Gaming Visa:
Dubai Gaming Visa is a 10-year residency permit designed to attract professionals in the gaming industry, including game developers, esports athletes, and content creators. Applicants must present a portfolio showcasing their work in the gaming sector, a proposal outlining their intended contribution to Dubai's gaming ecosystem, and valid health insurance.
5. Introduction of the Unified GCC Visa
GCC Grand Tours: The UAE is collaborating with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to implement a unified visa system. This initiative will enable travellers to visit all six GCC countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, under a single visa, promoting regional tourism and economic integration.
6. Stricter Compliance Measures
The UAE has implemented stricter penalties for overstaying visas, including fines and potential bans from future entry. Travelers are advised to adhere strictly to their visa conditions to avoid such penalties.
How to Apply for UAE Visas in 2025?
Applying for a UAE visa in 2025 involves several steps, depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The steps typically include:
1. Determine the Type of Visa
The UAE offers various visa types, including:- Tourist Visa (Short-term & Long-term)
- Visit Visa (For family or business visits)
- Residency Visa (Employment, Investor, Freelancer, Retirement, Golden Visa, etc.)
- Student Visa
- Freelance Visa
- Green Visa & Golden Visa
- Dubai Gaming Visa (For professional gamers and e-sports industry experts)
2. Check the Eligibility Criteria
Each visa type has different eligibility criteria. Some key requirements include:- Passport validity (minimum of six months)
- Sufficient financial proof (for self-sponsored visas)
- Employment contract (for work visas)
- Investment proof (for investor and entrepreneur visas)
- Sponsorship (for family visas)
3. Gather Required Documents
The required documents vary based on the visa type but typically include:- Passport-size photographs (as per UAE standards)
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or rental agreement)
- Flight tickets (return tickets for short-term visas)
- Bank statements (for certain visa types)
- Health insurance coverage
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID (for family or employment visas)
3. Submit the Application Online or Through an Agency
- For Tourist & Visit Visas: Apply through airlines (Emirates, Etihad), travel agencies, or hotel partners.
- For Residency & Work Visas: Apply through a company, sponsor, or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- For Golden, Green, & Investor Visas: Apply through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or GDRFA Dubai.
- Online via ICP (icp.gov.ae) or GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae)
- Through Amer Centers in Dubai for certain visa types
- Through authorized travel agencies
4. Pay the Visa Fees
Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration of stay.5. Undergo Medical Examination & Biometric Registration
Medical fitness tests are mandatory for employment, investor, and long-term residence visas. Biometric registration (fingerprints & eye scan) is required for new applicants.
6. Receive Visa Approval & Stamping
Once approved, the visa will be electronically issued. For residency visas, the passport must be submitted for visa stamping.
7. Entry & Emirates ID Registration
Upon arrival, complete the Emirates ID application (for residency holders). Collect the Emirates ID after visa stamping to complete the process.
How Shuraa Can Assist?
Keeping up with the new UAE visa rules in 2025 is essential for anyone planning to live, work, or invest in the country. These changes bring great opportunities for professionals, business owners, and skilled workers.
If you're planning to move to the UAE, start a business, or apply for a long-term visa, following the rules will make the process smooth and stress-free. Shuraa Business Setup is here to help with visa applications, paperwork, and approvals, making your journey easier. Get in touch with us today and take advantage of all the new opportunities the UAE has to offer.
