UAE expats laud new visa policy changes

November 26, 2018

The UAE continues to enhance its visa policies to strengthen its position as a top global destination for expatriates, tourists, and business professionals. The UAE new visa rules 2025 introduce significant changes to enhance flexibility, streamline processes, and support the UAE’s vision of economic diversification.

Expatriates and jobseekers are welcoming these reforms, which offer more convenient options for extending stays and exploring employment opportunities without the traditional hassles.

Visitors can extend 30-day or 60-day visas for an additional 30 days without leaving the UAE. This eliminates the need for “visa runs” to neighboring countries.

Extension Limits:

According to the ICP website, a tourist visa can be extended twice for 30 days

Total duration of stay cannot exceed 180 days within a calendar year, regardless of the number of extensions

Benefits:

• No flights to Oman required
• Save travel costs
• Stay focused on the job search
• More convenient process

Extension costs by location

Other Emirates (Through ICP)

Cost breakdown per ICP website: Request fee Dh100, Issuance fee Dh500, E-Services Fee Dh10. Total: Dh600 Gulf News

Dubai (Through GDRFA)

For Dubai: Visa extension fee Dh600 plus 5% VAT. Additional fees if sponsored person is inside the country: Knowledge dirham Dh10, Innovation dirham Dh10, Fee inside country Dh500. Total: Dh1,120 Gulf News

Apply at: gdrfad.gov.ae

Important: Using the wrong channel is a common mistake. If your application is for Abu Dhabi but you filed it with GDRFA Dubai instead of ICP, it will not be processed Wego Travel Blog

Visit visa price increase 2025

There has been an increase in UAE visit visa prices by 100 AED. The fee for 30-day visit visa increased from 270 AED to 370 AED, as confirmed by the ICP Customer Agent

Overstay Penalties

A fixed fine of 50 AED per day will be charged to individuals from the day of their visa expiry. It’s compulsory to pay the fine

The UAE has standardized overstaying penalties, applying a flat rate of AED 50 per day for all visa types, including visit, tourist, and residency visas

Exit Permit Required:

Visitors and foreigners overstaying in the UAE must get a leave or pass permit before exiting the country by paying a fee of 200 AED to 300 AED

Job seeker visa

Foreigners are granted a visit visa to search for a job without requiring a host/sponsor in the country. You can apply for a job-seeker visa with a validity of either 60, 90, or 120 days UAE Government

Who Qualifies:

Applicants must be in the first, second or third skill level as per MOHRE professional levels of jobs, or be a graduate from the best 500 universities in the world who graduated within the last 2 years.

Financial Requirement:

A minimum balance of AED 14,700 in the past six months is mandatory.

Job seeker visa costs

Request Fees: AED 100. Visa Issuance Fees: 60 Days (AED 200), 90 Days (AED 300), 120 Days (AED 400)

A security deposit of AED 1,000 is required for each option

Processing Time: Typically takes 5-7 working days after submission

Critical Warning: The Job Seeker Visa does not authorize any form of employment. Working without proper authorization can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans

Multiple Entry Visa

You can now enter and leave the UAE multiple times on the same visa. If you need to travel back and forth for work or family, you won’t have to apply for a new visa each time

The revised regulations permit multiple-entry visit visas, enabling travelers to enter and exit the UAE multiple times without reapplying.

Longer Stay Options

The new rules allow visitors to choose 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day single-entry visit visas, replacing the previous 30-day standard

Before, visitors could only stay for 30 days. Now, you can stay for 60 or even 90 days

Green Visa For Professionals

The UAE’s new visa rules 2025 promote the Green Visa for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors, allowing self-sponsorship without employer dependency. Applicants must meet income thresholds (e.g., AED 15,000 monthly for freelancers) and hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Benefits:

• 5-year residency
• Self-sponsored
• Change jobs freely
• Sponsor family members

Ideal For: Entrepreneurs, freelancers, business owners setting up in Dubai

Family Sponsorship

The new rules allow expatriates earning AED 4,000 monthly to sponsor spouses, children (male children up to age 25, daughters indefinitely), and parents. Dependents receive a six-month grace period to secure a new residency permit after visa cancellation

Golden Visa Expansion

The UAE Government has expanded Golden Visa categories with 10-year validity. Golden visa holders can sponsor their workers or family members without limit. Grace period increased to 6 months

Who Qualifies:

Skilled professionals with a minimum monthly salary greater than 30,000 AED, a valid UAE employment contract, a bachelor’s degree, and a job under Occupational Level One or Two by MOHRE Emirates ID Official

How To Apply For Extension

Online Application:

Register on the official UAE government portal and locate the visa extension service. Follow the instructions to fill out the application and pay the fees online

In-Person Application:

Visit an Amer Centre or GDRFA headquarters in Dubai. Collect the application form, fill it completely, and submit it with the required documents and fees

Required Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Current visa copy
• Passport photos
• Proof of accommodation
• Return ticket (sometimes required)

Closing

The UAE’s 2025 visa updates make the country more accessible for visitors, jobseekers, and professionals. These updates include longer stay durations, greater flexibility for extensions, and a more streamlined application process. Whether you’re exploring jobs or planning to start a business, these improvements make the process more convenient.

For assistance with UAE visas, business setup, and PRO services, contact our expert team.