The United Arab Emirates has announced a series of visa reforms and updates:

Clarification on cryptocurrency and the Golden Visa

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The UAE government has confirmed that cryptocurrency investments do not qualify for the Golden Visa. This clarification came after widespread reports suggesting that residency could be obtained through staking digital assets via certain blockchain platforms. Authorities have reiterated that no such route exists, underlining the need to rely on official channels for immigration information.

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Golden Visa now available to nurses and gaming professionals

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Two new professional groups are now eligible for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa.

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First, nurses who have served more than 15 years with Dubai Health are now eligible under a new category announced in May, coinciding with International Nurses Day. This initiative recognises the critical role nurses play in supporting the country’s public health system.

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Second, as part of the Dubai Gaming Programme 2033, gaming and e-sports professionals aged 25 and over can apply for the Golden Visa with appropriate accreditation from Dubai Culture. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism is also offering support, reinforcing the country’s goal to become a leading hub for digital industries.

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Expanded eligibility for digital creatives

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Content creators, filmmakers, and influencers can now apply for the Golden Visa through the Creators HQ platform. This initiative, launched at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, allows applicants to secure long-term residency without the need for a local sponsor. The move reflects the UAE’s strategic interest in building a strong digital economy and attracting global creative talent.

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New visa categories introduced

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Effective 10th August 2025, the UAE will roll out several new visa types:

• AI professionals visa: Available to foreign nationals working in artificial intelligence, this multiple-entry visa allows stays of 60 or 90 days, extendable to 120 or 180 days.
  
• Event visa: Designed for those attending eligible cultural, educational, economic, and sporting events, this visa offers 30- or 60-day stays, with possible extensions.
  
• Commercial gaming visa: A short-term visa for individuals involved in commercial gaming, valid for 30 days and renewable once. This new category supports the UAE’s growing focus on entertainment and tourism.
  
• Cruise and leisure boat visa: A 30-day multiple-entry visa for tourists arriving via cruise ships or recreational boats, with the option to extend for another 30 days.
  
  

These visas are expected to support the UAE’s broader goals of economic diversification, tourism growth, and attracting specialised international talent.

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Business and Personal Visit Visas requirements

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Several existing visa categories will undergo significant changes:

• Visa for exploring business opportunities: Applicants will now need to demonstrate financial solvency aligned with the business activity they wish to pursue. Previously, individuals with special talent could qualify without meeting financial thresholds.
  
• Entry visa to visit friends or relatives: New rules introduce a tiered income requirement based on the relationship to the sponsor:
  
• First-degree relatives: AED 4,000/month
• Second- or third-degree relatives: AED 8,000/month
• Friends: AED 15,000/month
  
  

In addition, the professional level requirement for sponsors has been removed, which could make sponsorship accessible to more individuals, including those in lower-skilled roles. However, the income thresholds may limit eligibility for some.

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Additional regulatory changes

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• Foreign widows or divorcees of UAE nationals without children will now be eligible to apply for residency within six months of the death or divorce. Previously, this was limited to those with at least one child.
• Specific income requirements will be introduced for sponsors with six or more dependents.
• Sponsor requirements will be removed for foreign nationals from countries affected by war or disasters, although these individuals may face travel restrictions.
• The Truck Drivers Entry Visa will now include clear guidelines on whether it is for single or multiple entries, offering better clarity for logistics employers and applicants.
  
  

Contact and Disclaimer

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Should you have any questions regarding the above information, or require assistance with your immigration or global mobility matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team at Hudson McKenzie. You can reach us by email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone at +44 (0) 20 3318 5794.

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For office locations, please visit our Our Offices page.

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The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

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