A revolutionary new method for 2026 UAE Visa is introduced.

In 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has revolutionized its residency and visa system. These new changes have been introduced with the aim of attracting talent, promoting investment, and streamlining processes.

New visa categories, AI-enabled processes, and unified timelines are expected to further simplify entry and residency in the country. The aim of these major changes is to strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub for living, working, and investment.

These reforms, approved by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, have added four new tourist visa purposes and revised the durations and eligibility criteria for several visas. 24.ae reports that these changes are consistent with the UAE's strategy to further boost economic growth, attract specialized skills, and diversify the labor market.

New Tourist Visa Categories: These updates have introduced four new tourist visa categories:

1) Visas for Artificial Intelligence Specialists: Available for single or multiple entries under the sponsorship of licensed institutions operating in the field of artificial intelligence. Entertainment Visas: Issued for visitors participating in cultural, artistic, and tourism activities. 

2) Events Visas: Covers conferences, exhibitions, festivals, sports, religious, or educational gatherings, subject to an invitation from a host organization. 

3) Maritime Tourism Visas: Grants multiple entry permits for yachts with approved itineraries and with the support of licensed sponsors for pleasure boats.

4) Amendments to Existing Visas: Several existing visa regulations have also been amended. Foreign truck drivers can now obtain single or multiple entry visas under strict conditions. These include sponsorship by relevant logistics companies, compliance with value-added and health regulations.

According to the rules for visitors coming to see friends or relatives, minimum income limits have been set for sponsors. This is based on kinship: AED 4,000 for first-degree relatives, AED 8,000 for second and third-degree relatives, and AED 15,000 when sponsoring a friend, are the minimum income limits.

Applicants for business exploration visas must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity, previous professional experience gained abroad, or approval of their profession by the relevant authorities.

Residency options for humanitarian cases have also been clarified. Individuals from countries affected by war, disaster, or instability can obtain a one-year visa, which can be renewed or extended at the discretion of the Authority's Chairman. This visa can also be obtained without a sponsor.

Special provisions have also been introduced for foreign spouses married to or divorced from UAE residents or tourists. They can obtain a six-month residency, which can be extended for valid reasons, subject to housing and financial requirements. This also provides an opportunity for custodial mothers to sponsor their children.

To standardize processes and enhance transparency, a unified timeline has been adopted for visa durations and authorities across six main categories.

Golden Visa Services: Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Federal Authority, has launched five new services for Golden Visa holders. These include electronic return documents for foreign passports abroad, 24-hour emergency assistance, humanitarian evacuations, repatriation of bodies, and a specialized global hotline service.