UAE visit visa rules: New minimum salary requirement to sponsor family, friends

The UAE has introduced significant updates to its visit visa regulations, linking sponsorship eligibility to income levels and launching new visa categories aimed at attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Announced by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the amendments enhance transparency, simplify procedures, and reflect the UAE’s evolving social and economic landscape.

New Minimum Salary Requirement to Sponsor Family & Friends

Under the updated rules, UAE residents can sponsor relatives up to the third degree of kinship, as well as friends, provided they meet specific minimum salary thresholds. Proof of relationship must be submitted at the time of application.

Salary Requirements by Relationship

First-degree relatives
(Father, mother, spouse, son, daughter)
➡️ Minimum salary: Dh4,000 per month

Second-degree relatives
(Siblings, grandparents, grandchildren)
➡️ Minimum salary: Dh8,000 per month

Third-degree relatives
(Uncle, aunt, cousins)
➡️ Minimum salary: Dh8,000 per month

Friends (non-relatives)
➡️ Minimum salary: Dh15,000 per month

These changes ensure sponsors have sufficient financial capacity, reinforcing responsible residency sponsorship while maintaining family and social connections.

Mandatory Documents for Visit Visa Applications

Applicants must provide:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• A confirmed return travel ticket
• Proof of kinship (for relatives)

Visit Visa Duration & Extension Options

The new framework introduces six permitted stay durations, clearly outlining extension possibilities. This move simplifies visa procedures and allows applicants to better plan their visits to the UAE.

Four New UAE Visit Visa Categories Introduced

To align with emerging industries and tourism growth, the UAE has launched four new visit visa categories for professionals and specialists in:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Entertainment
• Events
• Cruise ships and luxury yachts (leisure vessels)

These categories aim to attract skilled professionals and support the UAE’s expanding innovation and tourism sectors.

Additional Key Visa Amendments

Humanitarian Residence Permit

• Issued for one year
• Renewable subject to authority approval and specific conditions

Residence for Widows & Divorced Women

• Foreign widows or divorced women can now obtain UAE residence without a sponsor
• Renewable for a similar period under defined conditions

Business Exploration Visa

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Financial solvency
• Ownership or shareholding in an overseas company, or
• Proven professional experience to establish a business in the UAE

Visa for Foreign Truck Drivers

• Available for single or multiple trips
• Sponsor must be a licensed transport or shipping company
• Requires financial guarantees, fees, and valid health insurance

ICP’s Vision Behind the Amendments

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, stated that the changes were introduced following extensive studies on future residency and foreign affairs trends at local, regional, and international levels.

The decision also reflects stakeholder feedback collected through customer councils, call centres, and official inquiry platforms.

“These amendments enhance quality of life, strengthen trade and transportation, support advanced technology sectors, and boost the UAE’s competitiveness globally,” he noted.

Final Thoughts

The updated UAE visit visa rules represent a progressive step toward balancing family unity, economic sustainability, and talent attraction. By clearly defining salary requirements and expanding visa options, the UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for professionals, investors, and visitors alike.

For expert assistance with UAE visit visas, sponsorships, and residency applications, One & Only Services provides end-to-end legal and immigration support tailored to your needs.