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Iakov Kukushkin
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Jun 12, 2025
The UAE welcomes tourists and business travelers with its flexible visa options. With more than 10 different visa types now available, you can easily find the right one for your needs.
Recent updates have streamlined the visa process. In this article, we'll explore the new UAE visa changes for 2025 and share helpful tips for obtaining your visa.
Recent updates have streamlined the visa process. In this article, we'll explore the new UAE visa changes for 2025 and share helpful tips for obtaining your visa.
- Types of visas in UAE
- What changes in 2025: new visa rules
- Penalties for overstaying
- Who can benefit from the new UAE visa rules?
- Benefits of holding a UAE residence visa
- Documents for obtaining a visa for UAE and Dubai
- How to apply for Dubai visa online according to the new rules
- Extension of UAE visas
- Cost of UAE visas
- Important considerations for visa holders
- New visa rules FAQ
Types of visas in UAE
We've done a deep dive into all the visas, so if you want to know more about the requirements and other, check out our article about residency visas in the UAE. Here we'll give you a quick run-down of the main types of docs:
For tourists:
For tourists:
- Tourist Visa: "On-arrival" visa option for short trips of 30, 60 or 90 days, with single and multiple entry options (available for citizens of many EU countries, CIS countries and others.).
- Visitor Visa: Special work exploration visa without the need for a host or sponsor.
- Remote Work Visa: One-year visa for remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE.
- Business/Investor Visa: For business activities, investors, and entrepreneurs.
- Freelance Visa: For self-employed professionals, including creative and technical roles.
- Work Visa: For those employed by UAE companies (usually valid for 2 years).
- Student Visa: For students attending UAE universities or colleges.
- Golden Visa: Long-term residency (up to 10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented professionals.
It can be pretty tough to figure out all the visas, especially if you need to get a visa not just for yourself, but for your family and employees too. We've been dealing with business visas for ages and have helped a lot of people move to the UAE already. If you need some help with your paperwork, you've come to the right place.
What changes in 2025: new visa rules
- Multiple entry visas: Travellers can enter and exit the UAE multiple times using the same visa without reapplying.
- In-country extension: Most visitor visas can be extended while remaining in the UAE.
- Easier applications: The visa process features faster processing times and simplified online forms.
Penalties for overstaying
- Daily fine: AED 50 per day, starting immediately after visa expiry.
- No grace period: Overstaying results in immediate penalties and possible deportation.
- Further consequences: Overstaying may result in travel bans and difficulties obtaining future visas.
Who can benefit from the new UAE visa rules?
Highly skilled professionals and investors
Expanded eligibility for the Golden Visa now includes more categories of skilled professionals and investors. They can now obtain long-term residency.
Entrepreneurs
Streamlined processes and more accessible visa options make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in the UAE.
Job Seekers
The new Job Seeker Visa allows qualified individuals to enter the UAE to explore employment opportunities.
Expanded eligibility for the Golden Visa now includes more categories of skilled professionals and investors. They can now obtain long-term residency.
Entrepreneurs
Streamlined processes and more accessible visa options make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in the UAE.
Job Seekers
The new Job Seeker Visa allows qualified individuals to enter the UAE to explore employment opportunities.
Benefits of holding a UAE residence visa
- Unlimited stay in the UAE throughout the visa's validity period
- Access to banking services, including accounts, credit, and loans
- Full access to healthcare, education, and other essential services
- The ability to be a tax resident in the UAE and pay little or no taxes.
- Legal authority to operate and manage a business (depends on the type of visa, activity or jurisdiction)
- Zero percent tax on personal income and dividends
- Visa-free travel to Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Armenia
- Visa-on-Arrival privileges when visiting Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait anв other countries
Documents for obtaining a visa for UAE and Dubai
- Valid passport (at least 6 months left until expiry)
- Photo 30x44 mm with white background
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or address)
- Return flight ticket or onward travel proof
- Travel/health insurance
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Additional: employment contract, invitation letter, or permit (for work/business/freelancing.
The list of docs depends on the visa type and who's applying — yourself, a family member, employees, etc. We can walk you through the process and help you gather all the necessary documents to get a visa. Give us a call and we'll help you out.
How to apply for Dubai visa online according to the new rules
1
Choose a visa type
Let us know what visa you need. Not sure which one fits? We'll help you find the perfect option.
Let us know what visa you need. Not sure which one fits? We'll help you find the perfect option.
2
Prepare documents
We'll provide a customized list of required documents for your specific visa. Simply prepare them and send them to us via email or in person.
We'll provide a customized list of required documents for your specific visa. Simply prepare them and send them to us via email or in person.
3
Wait for your visa
Go about your day while we handle the paperwork. We'll contact you once everything is ready.
Go about your day while we handle the paperwork. We'll contact you once everything is ready.
Extension of UAE visas
The renewal process for UAE residents (Golden Visas and other) is still linked to their sponsor's status, whether through work, family, or investment. Starting in 2025, additional checks will be implemented to ensure that you are still residing in the UAE and not abusing your long-term residency status. Authorities may request recent proof of entry and exit, financial support documentation, and, in some cases, a medical examination.
Control over Work Visa renewals has also tightened. Employers must now be more careful with their employees and ensure that all paperwork is in order.
Also, there are updates for Dubai Visit Visa extensions in 2025. Now, visitors have more flexible options to extend their stay. You can extend your 30-day or 60-day visa for an extra 30 days each time.
Control over Work Visa renewals has also tightened. Employers must now be more careful with their employees and ensure that all paperwork is in order.
Also, there are updates for Dubai Visit Visa extensions in 2025. Now, visitors have more flexible options to extend their stay. You can extend your 30-day or 60-day visa for an extra 30 days each time.
Cost of UAE visas
Visa renewal fees are usually lower than initial issuance fees but still require payment for medicals, ID, and insurance.
Fees can vary depending on the type of visa and how long it takes to process. To stay up-to-date with the latest info, it's best to get in touch with a professional. Like us, for example 😉
Important considerations for visa holders
- No working on Visit Visa: Working on a tourist or visitor's visa is illegal. It can result in fines or deportation.
- Sufficient funds: You might get asked to show proof of your financial ability to pay for your stay.
- Health insurance: Mandatory for all visas.
- Passport validity: Must be valid for at least six months from the date you plan to enter the country.
- Timely renewal/departure: Always renew or leave before expiry to avoid penalties.
New visa rules FAQ
Business & Work Visas
The new rules now offer a longer period of validity and a simplified application process for entrepreneurs and investors.
The 2025 job seeker visa now requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree and to apply within a certain time period after graduation.
Basically, it includes a valid passport, proof of employment, and possibly additional documentation based on the specific job.
In 2025, the UAE has introduced stricter documentation checks and streamlined digital applications for all entry visas.
Golden & Special Visas
Golden Visas in 2025 are now more accessible to skilled professionals, investors, and exceptional talents with fewer restrictions
Application & Requirements
It typically ranges from 5 to 10 working days.
No, proof of accommodation and a return ticket are required to apply for a Dubai visit visa now.
Yes, you can apply for a UAE visit visa from within the country under the new rules
If your UAE visa is rejected, you can reapply after addressing the stated reasons or consult a visa specialist.
Yes, it’s possible.
Most UAE visas in 2025 are processed within 3 to 7 working days, depending on the type and nationality
Overstay & Penalties
Overstaying a visit visa to the UAE in 2025 will result in daily fines starting at AED 50 and can lead to entry bans. and deportation.
Sponsorship & Health Insurance
Yes, certain types of visas, such as the Job Seeker Visa, can be obtained without a sponsor.
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for obtaining a UAE visa. This ensures that all foreign visitors are covered during their stay.
What to read next
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