- August 28, 2023
- Posted by: Noman Akram
- Category: Visa
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New Visa Rules in UAE 2025: Updated
- Multi‑Entry & In‑Country Extensions: Visitor visas now allow unlimited entries over 90 days and can be extended twice without exit.
- Job‑Seeker Visa Expanded: Valid for 120 days; open to recent graduates and skilled professionals.
- Golden, Green & New “Blue” Visas: 10‑year residency for investors, innovators, environmental champions and gamers.
- Digital & AI‑Driven Processing: Fully online applications, biometric kiosks and AI‑accelerated approvals
1. How to Secure Your UAE Visa in 5 Steps (2025)
- Pick Your Visa Category
- Investor, Employment, Job‑Seeker, Freelancer, Remote Work, Family or New Blue/Gaming Visas.
- Gather Documents
- Passport copy, photos, bank statements, contracts, sponsor details, portfolios (for specialized visas).
- Apply Online
- Mainland via the ICP e‑Services Portal
- Free Zone via respective authority websites (DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, etc.)
- Complete Medical & Emirates ID
- Book appointment at an authorised health centre; submit biometrics for ID.
- Receive & Stamp Your Visa
- Entry permit emailed in 2–3 days; stamp in passport within 7–14 days post‑arrival.
2. 2025 Visa Fees & Processing Times
Visa Type | Application Fee (AED) | Validity | Processing Time | Renewal Window |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tourist / Visit Visa | 350–600 | 30/60/90 days | Instant–2 days | Extend twice in‑country |
Job‑Seeker Visa | 650 | 120 days | 3–5 days | N/A |
Employment Visa (Main) | 1,500–3,000 | 2–3 years | 7–10 days | 1 month before expiry |
Investor / Partner Visa | 1,800–4,000 | 3 years | 7–14 days | 60 days before expiry |
Freelance Visa | 1,200–1,800 | 1 year | 5–7 days | 30 days before expiry |
Remote Work Visa | 1,000 | 1 year | 3–5 days | N/A |
Golden Visa (10 year) | from 7,000 | 10 years | 7–14 days | Apply 6 months before expiry |
Green Visa (5 year) | from 2,000 | 5 years | 5–7 days | Apply 1 month before expiry |
Blue Residence Visa | from 2,500 | 10 years | 7–10 days | 6 months before expiry |
Gaming Talent Visa | 2,000–3,500 | 5–10 years | 7–14 days | 6 months before expiry |
double check pricing, it can be more or less. its not final price
3. Key 2025 Changes Explained
Multi‑Entry & In‑Country Extensions
- Visitor Visas now allow 90‑day stays with multiple entries.
- Eligible visas can be extended twice via the ICP portal without exit.
Expanded Job‑Seeker Visa
- Validity increased from 60 to 120 days.
- Open to recent graduates (last 2 years) and skilled professionals on the MoHRE in‑demand list.
New Long‑Term Visas
- Golden Visa broadened to include educators, researchers, athletes, environmental pioneers and pro gamers.
- Green Visa self‑sponsorship for freelancers and skilled professionals earning AED 15,000+ per month.
- Blue Residence Visa for sustainability champions with 10‑year residency and family sponsorship.
Digital & AI Enhancements
- Entirely online applications, from document upload to payment.
- Biometric kiosks at immigration and health centres for Emirates ID.
- AI‑driven decision support reduces manual checks and speeds approvals.
4. Who Benefits Most?
- Investors & Entrepreneurs: Long‑term visas and expanded business setup support.
- Skilled Professionals: Fast‑tracked work visas and flexible job‑seeker path.
- Freelancers & Remote Workers: Self‑sponsored visas with minimal paperwork.
- Families: Extended sponsorship quotas and relaxed salary thresholds.
- Special Talent: Academics, researchers, athletes, environmentalists and e‑sports athletes.
5. Step‑by‑Step Application Walkthrough
- Determine Jurisdiction
- Mainland: Apply via ICP/ICA; requires local sponsor or corporate entity.
- Free Zone: 100% foreign ownership; apply on zone authority portal.
- Online Submission
- Create account, select visa type, upload scanned documents, pay fees.
- Medical Test & Emirates ID
- Book via third‑party health centres; complete blood test and X‑ray.
- Collect Emirates ID within 5–7 days of biometrics capture.
- Entry Permit & Entry
- Receive e‑permit via email; enter UAE within its 60‑day validity.
- Visa Stamping
- Submit passport to immigration; visa stamp added in 2–4 days.
6. Official Resources & Citations
- ICP e‑Services: https://icp.gov.ae/
- MoHRE (Labour Law & Visas): https://www.mohre.gov.ae/
- Dubai Free Zones Directory: https://www.dubaifreezones.ae/
- Visa Fee Circular 2025 (PDF): Download Official PDF
8. Visa‑Prep Checklist (Downloadable)
- Valid passport (≥ 6 months)
- Passport‑size photos (white background)
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Trade licence or job contract
- Sponsor/partner documents (for mainland)
- Degree certificates (for freelancers/faculty)
- Health insurance copy
- Completed online application form
- Payment receipt for visa fee
Tip: Save this list and email it to yourself so you never miss a document!