7 Dubai visa changes you need to know in 2025
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best places in the world to live and visit.
In the past year, the emirate has introduced a number of new Dubai visa changes and initiatives to make it easier to extend your stay, visit the city and even move with a long-term residence visa.
Whether you're interested in moving to Dubai or are looking at extending your stay, it's always worth knowing about the latest visa news.
Here's what you need to know.
The Blue visa has launched
The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva)
First announced in May of 2024, the blue visa was only officially launched in February 2025. Holders can get
The blue visa is a 10-year residence visa aimed towards people who have made a significant positive contribution to the environment inside or outside the UAE.
It will be given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations and companies, global award winners, distinguished activists and researchers.
The visa is an extension of the highly sought-after UAE golden visa system and the green residency permit which have both been in place for some time.
After launching in February, applicants across the world will have 24/7 access to the blue visa service on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
Nurses to get golden visas
Hamdan bin Mohammed issued directives to grant golden visas to nursing staff employed with Dubai Health who have served for more than 15 years. The decision comes in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community and their crucial role in advancing the quality of… pic.twitter.com/v6c65q4eKT
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 12, 2025
The highly sought-after golden visa has been granted to nurses in Dubai.
Granting holders a 10-year residence, the golden visa is awarded to those who work every day to make Dubai such a great place to live.
To coincide with International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE issued a directive to grant nurses golden visas.
Nursing staff who have served Dubai Health for more than 15 years will be issued with the long-term residency visa in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community.
The nursing golden visa rewards those who have played a crucial role in advancing the quality of healthcare services in the emirate.
Influencers to get golden visa help
The Creators HQ in Dubai will help people get a UAE influencers golden visa (Credit: Canva)
If you're a content creator then you could be in line for a special long-term residency in the UAE.
The influencer golden visa has been rolled out following the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2025.
Influencers, photographers, writers and more content creators who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation are able to apply via the newly established Creators HQ.
The Creators HQ will assist up to 10,000 online personalities with getting their hands on a long-term residence permit.
Criteria for applicants to qualify include a proven track record of impactful or creative work and strong potential for contributing to the UAE's creative community.
New AI-assisted Dubai visa application
Dubai has introduced a new AI-powered digital platform which will make it easier and quicker to renew Dubai visas.
Salama will allow people living in the emirate to renew their existing Dubai visa within minutes.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs launched the platform on Monday February 24 to improve the efficiency of government services.
Available services include renewing and cancelling the residency of sponsored persons and finding the answers to questions.
Dubai visa rules expanded for Indian nationals
Indian nationals are now able to get a visa-on-arrival in Dubai and the rest of the UAE following an expansion to the visa rules.
Indian passport holders with valid residency permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea will now be able to get a visa upon entry at all UAE ports including Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central.
Previously rules were expanded to allow Indian nationals with valid European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America permits to also obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival.
It means that there is now much less hassle for Indian travellers coming to Dubai.
Golden visa for teachers introduced
The golden visa is now available to educators (Credit: Adobe Express)
Announced on Saturday October 5 in 2024, World Teachers' Day, educators are now able to get their hands on a golden visa.
It is available to exceptional educators who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to Dubai's private education sector.
Applicants need to meet a certain set of criteria to qualify including success in raising the quality of education at institutions they've worked at and having a positive impact on the wider educational community.
The full set of criteria can be found on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority site.
It's quicker to get a work visa
The work bundle changes outlined (Credit: Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE)
Introduced in summer of 2024, the UAE work bundle means it's now quicker to go through the process of applying for a visa.
As part of the government's plan to eliminate bureaucracy, the application process has now been reduced from one month down to five days.
Previously you needed 16 documents to apply for a residency visa but now you need just five.
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