UAE Introduces New Visit Visa Categories : Complete Guide to Eligibility, Validity & Fees

The UAE has never lagged behind in terms of innovation, economic development, and connectivity with the rest of the world. Another important move that the UAE has made in 2025 is the introduction of five new categories of visit visas to attract global talents and serve humanitarian purposes as well as offer flexible residency to both residents and visitors. These new visas are Specialist Visa, Humanitarian Visa, Widow/Divorcee Visa, Family Visa/Friends Visa and Truck Driver Visa will make the UAE more accessible, open, and opportunity-driven.

These new visas offer something to every group of people whether they are a professional in AI or an entertainer, a humanitarian worker, a family member visiting a loved one or a truck driver seeking employment opportunities. We will  look into each category individually, their eligibility, the procedure of application, advantages, practical applications, the validity and the renewal periods.

1. Specialist Visit Visa

The Specialist Visit Visa is a game-changer to specialists working in high demand fields. It is aimed at professionals who are able to play a part in the increasing innovation and creative economy in the UAE.

Who is it for?

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and new technology professionals.
• Entertainment specialists including film, music, and performing arts.
• Experts in conference and event management.
• Cruise operators and leisure boat professionals behind the tourism and maritime sector of the UAE.

How to apply:

• The application is done through UAE immigration portal or through a sponsoring company.
• Required set of documents that testify to your skills, e.g. educational certificates, work contracts, or evidence of major projects.
• Make the visa payments and wait.

Validity & Renewal:

• First Warranty: 6 months or a year.
• Renewal: It can be renewed once or twice based on the project or employment usually of 6-12 months every time.

Benefits & Uses:

• Availability of UAE work opportunities in the specialized projects.
• Partnering and networking in high-growth industries.
• Flexibility to prolong your visit with the project.

2. Humanitarian Visit Visa

The Humanitarian Visit Visa is an initiative that is meant to give temporary accommodation to people in needy or emergency cases.

Who is it for?

• Individuals who require medical help.
• Individuals displaced due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Individuals in need of protection or in need of humanitarian help.

How to apply:

• Application should be made via the UAE immigration site or the humanitarian agencies.
• Include some supporting information such as a medical report or NGO verification.
• Pay the processing fees .

Validity & Renewal:

• Initial Validity: 3–6 months.
• Renewal: 3 to 6 months period, usually depending on a consistent humanitarian requirement.

Benefits & Uses:

• Humanitarian legal residence in the UAE.
• Availability of medical and social service.
• In some programs, temporary work or volunteer work.

3. Widow/ Divorce Residency Visa.

Widow/Divorce visa provides women in these cases an opportunity to live and work in the UAE on their own.

Who is it for?

• The widowed and divorced women.
• Those seeking stability and independence without family sponsorship.

How to apply:

• Register at the UAE immigration department or a local sponsor.
• Present the documents like proof of marital status and passport photos.
• Make payment on visa 

Validity & Renewal:

• Initial Validity: 1–2 years.
• Renewal: Renewed after every 1-2 years depending on the adherence to rules regarding residency and demonstration of financial stability.

Benefits & Uses:

• UAE citizenship and employment.
• Economic self-sufficiency and access to banking, housing and educational opportunities.
• Security and safety when making major life changes.

4. Family & Friends Visit Visa

The Family and Friends visit Visa allows UAE residents to accommodate their loved ones.

Who is it for?

• You can sponsor close family members or friends including parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
• The citizens of the UAE who can afford the minimum income.

How to apply:

• The residents will apply as sponsors using the UAE immigration portal.
• Empirical evidence of a stable relationship and finances.
• Pay visa fees and wait for the issuance of e-visas.

Validity & Renewal:

• Initial Validity: 30–90 days.
• Renewal: It may be renewed on the basis of income verification, as a rule, 3090 days at a time.

Benefits & Uses:

• Join family or friends without having to overcome long-term immigration challenges.
• Make it easier to visit in the long run socially, medically or tourism.
• Make social networks and family relationships stronger.

5. Truck Driver Visa

The Truck Driver Visa will fill the increasing need in logistics, transportation, and e-commerce of the UAE.

Who is it for?

• Seasoned truck drivers who are working with logistic firms in UAE.
• Licensed and certified drivers.

How to apply:

• The driver is being done by employers through UAE labor and immigration portals.
• Provide the required documents, such as driving license, working contract, and experience certificates.
• Pay visa processing fees.

Validity & Renewal:

• Initial Validity: 1–2 years.
• Renewal: The renewal is based on employment continuity, normally 1-2 years in a renewal.

Benefits & Uses:

• Entry and work permit of truck drivers.
• Facilitates harmonious supply chain functioning.
• Proposals are made to work in the UAE.

UAE Visit Visa Permit Timeline & Fees

Visa Type	Initial Validity	Processing Time	Typical Renewal Period	Estimated Fee
Specialist Visit Visa	6 months – 1 year	1–2 weeks	6–12 months per renewal	AED 1,000 – 3,000
Humanitarian Visit Visa	3–6 months	2–3 weeks	3–6 months per renewal	AED 800 – 2,000
Widow/Divorcee Visa	1–2 years	1–2 weeks	1–2 years per renewal	AED 1,500 – 3,500
Family & Friends Visit Visa	30–90 days	1–2 weeks	30–90 days per renewal	AED 300 – 1,000
Truck Driver Visa	1–2 years	2–3 weeks	1–2 years per renewal	AED 1,500 – 3,000

 

Tips for Faster Processing:

• Make all the preparations beforehand.
• Register with UAE immigration offices or sponsors.
• Check relationships, work and financial papers prior to submission.
• The status of the checks is monitored regularly.

The major benefits of the new UAE Visit Visa Categories.

• Recruiting International Talent: Specialist visas attract specialists in in-demand areas such as AI and entertainment.

 

• Assistance to Vulnerable Groups: The humanitarian and widow/divorcee visa grants residents who require legal status access to it.

 

• Enhancement of Family Ties: The family and friends visas simplify the process of hosting family and friends.

 

• Supporting Strategic Sectors: Truck driver visa allows keeping the logistics and transportation infrastructure in the UAE.

 

• Flexible Residency: In the majority of cases, the visas can be extended based on the situation giving convenience and security.

Conclusion 

The new visit visa reforms in the UAE feature a strategic and inclusive nature of the economic growth, attracting talents and social support. Weather you are a specialist, humanitarian, widow/divorcee, family visitor, or truck driver, these visas offer easy channels to living, working and prospering in the UAE within the confines of the law.

With the introduction of these visas, as they are, with specific validity, renewal options and useful applications, the UAE is not only allowing international talent to come in but also providing an environment of opportunity, inclusion, and support.

When you plan to move, work or visit the UAE, now is the best time you should consider these new visa options and exploit the opportunities that they present.

Ready to apply? Connect with us to start your UAE visa journey today!