Thinking of inviting your parents, siblings, or even a friend, to visit you in the UAE? You’ll now need to show what’s in your paycheck. The country has introduced new income rules for sponsoring visitors, with different salary slabs depending on who you’re inviting. It’s part of a bigger shake-up to the UAE’s visa system, which now includes new categories, special permits, and updated rules for families, professionals, and humanitarian cases.
How much do you need to earn to sponsor a visitor?
Inviting someone to the UAE on a visit visa now depends not just on who they are, but also on how much you earn. As part of sweeping updates to its visa system, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has introduced income-based eligibility rules for residents sponsoring friends and family. According to the ICP, the updated policy lays out three distinct salary thresholds:
- To sponsor immediate family members, such as your spouse, children, or parents, you must earn at least AED 4,000 (₹96,600) per month.
- For second- or third-degree relatives, including siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins, the required monthly salary is AED 8,000 (₹1,93,200).
- And if you’re looking to sponsor a friend, the bar is even higher, your income must be at least AED 15,000 (₹3,62,250) per month.
These new requirements are part of a broader set of regulatory updates introduced by the ICP. The income-based criteria are intended to ensure financial responsibility on the part of the sponsor and to streamline the process in a way that supports transparency and sustainable immigration management. According to the ICP, the changes were introduced following extensive studies that examined present and future trends in residency and international mobility. The analysis also incorporated feedback from customers, stakeholders, and frontline service centers. These insights were gathered via mechanisms such as customer councils, call centers, and the authority’s complaints and inquiry platforms. Once the visit visa is approved, visitors, whether family or friends, can generally stay in the UAE for 30 to 90 days, depending on the visa type issued. Some of these visas also come with the option to extend the stay, usually in two stages:
- First extension: 30 days
- Second extension: 20 days
These extensions are not automatic and are subject to approval and additional fees.
What you’ll need to apply
If you’re planning to sponsor a friend or relative, make sure all the required documents and conditions are in place before applying. The process is straightforward, but attention to detail matters. Here’s what’s expected:
- A valid health insurance policy covering the visitor in the UAE
- A passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- A confirmed return ticket
Documents for application:
- Copy of the visitor’s passport
- A recent personal photo
- Medical report, if applicable
- Any other supporting documents, based on the case type
If you’re sponsoring a relative, you’ll need to submit proof of kinship and a valid justification for the visit. For instance, if you’re sponsoring a foreign woman whose husband resides in the GCC, you must also attach a copy of his UAE or GCC residence permit.
- Application fee: AED 100
- Single-entry visit visa (monthly): AED 100
- Multiple-entry visit visa (monthly): AED 200
- 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa: AED 500
- Smart service fees: AED 100
For 5-Year Tourist Visa applicants :
- Bank statement showing a minimum balance of USD 4,000 (or equivalent) in the last 6 months
- A return ticket confirming travel plans
Four new Visit Visa categories unveiled
As part of the updated framework, the UAE has launched four new types of visit visas tailored to specific professional and economic sectors:
- AI Specialist Visa
Aimed at professionals working in artificial intelligence, this visa allows single or multiple entries and must be sponsored by a licensed tech entity. It reflects the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global center for AI innovation and talent. - Cruise Tourism Visa
Designed for cruise ship passengers and crew, this visa offers multiple-entry options to support maritime tourism. The permit facilitates smoother travel for those working or holidaying on cruise liners, reinforcing the UAE’s hospitality and tourism sectors. - Event Visa
Targeted at individuals participating in business, cultural, educational, or sports events. It is sponsored by the event organizers and simplifies entry for those attending exhibitions, conferences, or other large-scale functions. - Entertainment Visa
Tailored for individuals involved in commercial entertainment or gaming events, this visa is issued through licensed entertainment entities. It supports the growth of the UAE’s digital gaming and entertainment ecosystem.
These new categories are intended to attract global talent and enhance the UAE’s visibility as a destination for innovation, leisure, and industry-specific gatherings.Also read: UAE launches 4 new special Visit Visas for AI, cruise, events, and entertainment
Humanitarian, family, and business-related amendments
Beyond the visit visa updates, the ICP has introduced sweeping changes to residency rules, aimed at offering more flexibility across humanitarian, family, and professional circumstances. Here’s a summary of key developments:
Humanitarian Residency Permit
A one-year renewable residency permit can now be issued to foreigners from countries experiencing war, disasters, or unrest. Notably, this permit does not require a guarantor or host. Its issuance or cancellation will be based on reports by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs. Importantly, the Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs has the authority to waive standard requirements like financial solvency or kinship degree in special humanitarian cases involving relatives or in-laws. This aims to ensure compassionate handling of vulnerable individuals.
Residency for Widows and Divorcees
Two categories of women are now eligible for a renewable one-year residence permit:
- Widows or divorcees of Emirati citizens, if they apply within six months of the death or divorce.
- Foreign widows or divorcees of expats, provided they lived in the UAE at the time, were previously sponsored by their spouse, and currently hold legal custody of any children they intend to sponsor.
All applicants must demonstrate financial capability and adequate housing. Custody disputes will be settled by a designated legal committee.
Business Exploration Visa
Applicants must now either prove financial solvency related to their planned business or demonstrate they are already engaged in a similar business either abroad or through a UAE-based entity. Regulations for truck drivers have been streamlined. These visas can be single or multiple-entry and must be sponsored by licensed freight or logistics companies. Conditions include providing a financial guarantee, valid health insurance, and paying required government fees.
