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UAE Updates Entry and Residency Visa Frameworks and Sponsorship Thresholds

UAE immigration authorities have introduced updated regulations for entry permits and residency visas across Dubai and the emirates. The revised framework establishes specialized visit visas for artificial intelligence specialists, entertainment talent, event professionals, and cruise ship crew. Expatriate residents sponsoring visiting relatives must also meet updated monthly salary requirements ranging between AED 4,000 and AED 15,000.

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Issuing authority
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
October 2, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official source
uecn.org

The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has published updated frameworks governing entry permits and residency visas applicable in Dubai and across the country.

The revised regulations introduce specialized visit visa categories tailored for artificial intelligence specialists, entertainment talent, event professionals, and cruise ship crew members. In addition, the framework outlines specialized permits for commercial truck drivers alongside expanded provisions for humanitarian residency permits and visit visas for personal acquaintances.

Under the updated rules, expatriate residents seeking to sponsor visits for relatives or acquaintances must meet revised minimum monthly salary criteria. The income threshold is set between AED 4,000 and AED 15,000, depending on the applicant's degree of kinship.

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