UAE Visa Guide 2025: New Rules, Costs & Application Process

UAE New Visa 2025

Catnyx Consultants – Your Trusted Partner for UAE Visas

The UAE continues to evolve its visa policies in 2025, introducing new opportunities for tourists, professionals, and investors. Whether you're looking for a Dubai visit visa, an investor visa Dubai, or a family visa UAE, staying updated on the latest rules can help you plan better.

At the first-ever Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) Excellence Awards on January 24, 2025, Catnyx Consultants was honored with the Customer Experience Leader Award, recognizing our expertise in visa and business solutions. Let’s explore the key new visa rules in UAE for 2025.

1 New Visit Visa Rules in UAE 2025

Extended Stay Options

• 60-day and 90-day visit visas now available.

• Greater flexibility for business visitors and tourists.

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

• 5-year multiple-entry visa allows stays up to 90 days per visit (extendable for another 90 days).

• Ideal for frequent travelers and business professionals.

Documentation Requirements

• Proof of sufficient funds (AED 5,000 minimum balance).

• Confirmed accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter).

• Return flight ticket.

No More 10-Day Grace Period

• Overstay fines apply immediately if visitors exceed their visa duration.

• Strict penalties and potential bans for repeated violations.

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

2 Visa Extension Policies

• In-country extensions allowed—no need to exit the UAE.

• Each extension adds 30 days, with a maximum of two extensions (total stay up to 120 days per year).

3 UAE Visa for Indians – New Rules

Effective February 13, 2025:

• Visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders with valid visas/residence permits from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

• Single-entry 14-day visa (passport validity of at least 6 months required).

4 UAE Residence Visa Updates

Five-Year Residency Visa for Retirees

• Available for expats aged 55+.

• Requires 15+ years of work experience and financial stability (property ownership, savings, or regular income).

Golden Visa Expansion

• Now includes superyacht owners, scholars, and humanitarian leaders.

• Holders can sponsor family members.

Blue Visa for Environmental Leaders

• 10-year residency for sustainability pioneers, activists, and researchers.

Dubai Gaming Visa

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

• Requires a portfolio, industry proposal, and health insurance.

5 Unified GCC Visa – Travel Across Gulf Countries

• One visa for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

• Facilitates regional tourism and business expansion.

6 Compliance & Penalties – Stricter Enforcement

• Overstaying fines apply immediately.

• Repeated violations may lead to entry bans.

How to Apply for a UAE Visa in 2025

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

• Tourist Visa (short-term & long-term)

• Visit Visa (family/business)

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

• Freelance Visa Dubai (self-employment permit)

• Investor Visa Dubai (for entrepreneurs & business owners)

• Dubai Business Visa (for startup founders & professionals)

• Family Visa Dubai (for dependents of UAE residents)

Step 2: Check Eligibility

• Passport validity (6+ months)

• Financial proof (for self-sponsored visas)

• Employment or investment documents

• Sponsorship details (for family/employment visas)

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

• Passport-size photos (UAE-compliant)

• Valid passport

• Accommodation proof (hotel booking or rental agreement)

• Flight tickets (for short-term visas)

• Bank statements (for certain visa types)

• Health insurance

• Sponsor’s Emirates ID (for family/work visas)

Step 4: Submit Application

• Tourist/Visit Visas: Apply via airlines (Emirates, Etihad), travel agencies, or hotel partners.

• Residency/Work Visas: Apply via employer, sponsor, or GDRFA.

• Golden/Investor/Business Visas: Apply via Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or GDRFA Dubai.

Step 5: Pay Visa Fees

• Costs vary based on visa type and duration.

Step 6: Medical Tests & Biometrics

• Mandatory for employment, investor, and long-term residence visas.

• Biometric registration (fingerprints & eye scan) required for first-time applicants.

Step 7: Visa Approval & Stamping

• E-visa issued upon approval.

• Residency visas require passport submission for stamping.

Step 8: Emirates ID Registration

• Upon arrival, apply for Emirates ID (mandatory for all residents).

Dubai Visa Fees & Costs in 2025

• Dubai visit visa price: Depends on duration and type.

• Dubai 2 years visa price: Varies based on employment and company sponsorship.

• Dubai work visa price: Depends on job category and employer.

• Dubai azad visa price: Subject to category and sponsor approval.

• UAE residence visa cost: Depends on visa type and Emirates ID charges.

• Freelance visa Dubai cost: Varies by profession and licensing authority.

Need Help with UAE Visas? Contact Catnyx Consultants

Navigating the Dubai visa application rule changes can be complex, but Catnyx Consultants makes it seamless. As the Customer Experience Leader Award winner at Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) Excellence Awards 2025, we provide expert support for:

• Tourist, residence, and investor visas

• Business setup in Dubai

• End-to-end visa processing & approvals

• Latest Dubai visit visa news & updates

Visit Us:

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

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

Call: +971-505382297 Website: www.catnyxconsultants.com

Move to Dubai stress-free with Catnyx – your trusted visa expert!