UAE Visa Rules 2025: Latest Updates, New Visa Types & Entry Changes

Planning a trip or move to Dubai in 2025? Keeping up with the new visa rules in UAE is crucial, whether you’re a tourist, entrepreneur, or expat. Dubai continues to enhance its visa system, introducing new categories and simplified processes for visitors and residents alike. In this blog, we’ll break down the Dubai new visa rules, visa types, and how Catnyx Consultants, winners of the Customer Experience Leader Award at the first-ever Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) Excellence Awards on January 24, 2025, can assist you every step of the way.

UAE New Visa Rules, Latest Updates, and More 2025

1. In-Country Visa Extensions Made Easier

Dubai visit visa new rules today allow visitors to extend their visas without leaving the UAE, streamlining the process and lowering costs.

• Duration: Each extension grants 30 additional days.

• Limit: Maximum of two extensions, allowing a stay of up to 120 days annually.

2. New Visit Visa Rules in UAE for Indian Nationals

Starting February 13, 2025, the new visit visa rules in UAE bring good news for Indian travelers. Indian passport holders with valid visas or residence permits from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are now eligible for visa-on-arrival in the UAE.

• Visa Type: Single-entry, 14-day visa on arrival.

• Eligibility: Regular Indian passport with at least 6 months validity.

This move simplifies the entry process for many Indians. Wondering when visit visa will open in UAE for Indian nationals? It’s already open under this new rule!

3. Updates in UAE Residence Visas

Five-Year Residency Visa for Retirees

• Available to expats aged 55+.

• Requirements: 15+ years of work experience and financial criteria (property, savings, or income).

Golden Visa Program Expansion

• 10-year residency now includes superyacht owners, scholars, and humanitarian leaders.

• Holders can sponsor family members.

Blue Visa for Environmental Leaders

• New 10-year residency for those promoting sustainability.

• Includes activists, researchers, and pioneers in climate action.

Dubai Gaming Visa

• 10-year residency for gaming professionals, including developers, esports athletes, and content creators.

• Requirements: Portfolio, proposal for Dubai’s gaming sector, and health insurance.

4. Unified GCC Visa Introduced

Dubai visit visa news today also includes the GCC Grand Tours initiative:

• A single visa for travel across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.

• Boosts regional tourism and economic ties.

5. Stricter Compliance Measures

The Dubai new rules for visit visa enforcement now includes:

• Stricter penalties for overstaying.

• Fines and potential bans for future entry.

• Stay compliant to avoid issues.

How to Apply for a UAE Visa in 2025

UAE visa rules vary based on visa type. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

1. Determine Your Visa Type

• Tourist Visa (short/long-term)

• Visit Visa (family/business)

• Residency Visa (employment, investor, freelancer, retirement, Golden Visa)

• Student Visa

• Freelance Visa

• Green & Golden Visa

• Dubai Gaming Visa

2. Check Eligibility

• Passport valid 6+ months

• Financial proof (for self-sponsored visas)

• Employment/investment documents

• Sponsor details (for family/employment visas)

3. Gather Documents

• Passport-size photos

• Valid passport

• Proof of accommodation

• Flight tickets (for short-term visas)

• Bank statements

• Health insurance

• Sponsor’s Emirates ID

4. Submit Application

• Tourist/Visit Visas: Airlines (Emirates, Etihad), travel agencies, hotels

• Residency/Work Visas: Employer, sponsor, or GDRFA

• Golden/Green Visas: ICP or GDRFA Dubai

• Platforms: icp.gov.ae, gdrfad.gov.ae, or Amer Centers

5. Pay Fees

Visa costs depend on type and duration.

6. Medical Tests & Biometrics

Required for employment, investor, long-term residency visas.

7. Visa Approval & Stamping

E-visa issued; residency visa holders must submit passport for stamping.

8. Emirates ID Registration

Complete Emirates ID application post-arrival.

Residents Outside UAE – Entry Permission

For residents outside UAE - entry permission is required if the resident visa holder has stayed outside for over 6 months. Re-entry is subject to approval via GDRFA or ICP portals.

Catnyx Consultants – Award-Winning Support for UAE Visas

Navigating Dubai visit visa rules and UAE visa rules can be challenging, but Catnyx Consultants makes it easy. As the Customer Experience Leader Award winner at the Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) Excellence Awards 2025, we provide unmatched support and expertise.

Why Choose Catnyx?

• Expert visa consultation for tourist, residence, and investor visas

• Personalized services for your visa needs

• Timely updates on Dubai visit visa new rules

• End-to-end assistance from paperwork to approval

• Leading business consultant in Dubai for company formation

• Seamless support to setup a business in Dubai and navigate legal procedures

• Trusted by entrepreneurs for our expertise in business setup services in Dubai

When Will Dubai Open for Indian Tourists in 2025?

Already open! Thanks to the new visa rules in UAE, many Indian travelers can now enter via visa on arrival, effective February 13, 2025.

Plan Ahead with Catnyx – Know UAE Holidays 2025

Planning your trip or business move? Stay informed about UAE holidays 2025 to avoid delays in visa processing and business activities.

Get in Touch with Catnyx Consultants

• UAE Office: Al Basma Business Centre, Kazim Building, Office 101, Garhoud, Dubai

• India Office: S6, 2nd Floor, A1/B, Sec. 16, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

• Phone: +971-505382297

• Website: www.catnyxconsultants.com

Make your move to Dubai hassle-free with Catnyx Consultants, the leaders in visa and business setup services for 2025!