The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has introduced significant changes to UAE visit visa regulations. Residents who wish to sponsor family members or friends must now meet specific minimum salary requirements that vary depending on the relationship between sponsor and visitor.
These new rules link visit visa sponsorship eligibility directly to the sponsor’s monthly income, creating a tiered system based on degrees of kinship. The changes aim to enhance transparency, support economic diversification, and attract talented individuals to the UAE whilst maintaining clear standards for visitor sponsorship.
Understanding the New Salary Requirements
The updated regulations establish four distinct categories for visit visa sponsorship, each with its own minimum monthly salary threshold:
First-Degree Relatives – Minimum Dh4,000 per month
This category includes immediate family members: father, mother, spouse, son, and daughter. Sponsors must earn at least Dh4,000 monthly to bring these close relatives to the UAE on visit visas.
Second-Degree Relatives – Minimum Dh8,000 per month
The second tier covers siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. Sponsors need double the minimum salary—Dh8,000 monthly—to host these relatives.
Third-Degree Relatives – Minimum Dh8,000 per month
Uncles, aunts, and cousins fall under third-degree kinship. Despite being more distant relatives than the second degree, the minimum salary requirement remains Dh8,000 monthly.
Friends (Non-Relatives) – Minimum Dh15,000 per month
Sponsoring friends represents the highest salary threshold. Residents must earn at least Dh15,000 monthly to invite non-relatives to visit the UAE under their sponsorship.
These tiered requirements reflect the practical consideration that closer family relationships typically involve more direct support obligations than friendships or distant relatives.
Proving Kinship and Relationship
The ICP requires proof of kinship when applying for visit visas for relatives. Sponsors must furnish documentation demonstrating their relationship to the visitor at the time of application.
Acceptable proof varies by relationship type:
For parents: Birth certificates showing the sponsor as their child, properly attested
For spouses: Marriage certificates authenticated by relevant authorities
For children: Birth certificates listing the sponsor as parent
For siblings: Birth certificates or family book showing common parentage
For extended family: Family relationship certificates from home country authorities, properly attested
For friends: Since friends fall outside kinship categories, no relationship proof is required, but the higher salary threshold applies
All relationship documents typically require attestation from the home country’s relevant authorities, the home country’s UAE embassy or consulate, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The documentation process can take time, so sponsors should begin gathering documents well before planned visits.
Required Documentation for Visit Visa Applications
Beyond salary proof and kinship documentation, applicants must provide standard visit visa requirements:
Passport validity: Visitors need passports valid for at least six months from the application date. This universal requirement prevents complications if visits extend or circumstances delay departure.
Return travel ticket: Proof of onward travel demonstrates the visitor’s intention to depart the UAE within the visa validity period. This typically means a confirmed return flight booking.
Sponsor documentation: The sponsor must provide their Emirates ID, valid residence visa copy, and proof of income meeting the minimum salary threshold for the relationship category.
Some applications may require additional documentation depending on the visitor’s nationality, purpose of visit, or specific circumstances. The online application system typically indicates any additional requirements during the application process.
Four New Specialist Visa Categories
Alongside the salary-based sponsorship changes, the ICP introduced four new visit visa categories targeting specific professional sectors:
Artificial Intelligence Specialists
The UAE’s focus on becoming a global AI hub extends to visitor visas. Specialists in artificial intelligence can now access dedicated visa categories, supporting the country’s technology sector development and knowledge exchange initiatives.
Entertainment Professionals
The entertainment industry receives recognition through its dedicated visa category. This supports the UAE’s growing entertainment sector, major events, and cultural initiatives attracting international talent.
Events Specialists
With the UAE hosting numerous international conferences, exhibitions, and major events, the dedicated events specialist category facilitates easier access for professionals in this sector.
Cruise Ship and Luxury Yacht Specialists
Maritime tourism represents a growing sector in the UAE. The new category for cruise ship and luxury yacht specialists supports this industry’s expansion, particularly relevant given the UAE’s coastal location and developing maritime infrastructure.
These specialist categories reflect the UAE’s strategic focus on economic diversification and attracting talented individuals in high-value sectors.
Humanitarian and Special Circumstance Provisions
The updated regulations include provisions for humanitarian cases and special circumstances:
Humanitarian Residence Permits: These permits can be issued for one year with extension possibilities, subject to specific conditions determined by the ICP.
Widows and Divorced Women: Foreign widows or divorced women can now obtain UAE residence without a sponsor, with renewal options for similar periods subject to defined conditions.
These provisions demonstrate consideration for vulnerable individuals whilst maintaining structured immigration oversight.
Business Exploration Visa Updates
The amendments include a business exploration visa designed for entrepreneurs and investors. Applicants must demonstrate:
- Financial solvency to establish a company in the UAE
- Ownership of shares in an existing company outside the country
- Proven professional practice in their field
This visa category supports the UAE’s efforts to attract business investment and entrepreneurial talent.
Truck Driver Visa Amendments
The updated regulations also address practical commercial needs. Foreign truck drivers can now obtain visas for single or multiple trips, provided:
- The sponsor is a licensed shipping or goods transport company
- Financial guarantees and fees are met
- The driver has health coverage
This amendment recognises the logistics sector’s importance to UAE commerce and trade.
Visa Duration and Extension Options
The regulations specify six types of permitted stays for visit visas, though the ICP has not publicly detailed all duration options. Common visit visa durations include:
30-day visits: Short-term visits suitable for tourism or brief family gatherings
60-day visits: Medium-term stays allowing more extended family time or preliminary business exploration
90-day visits: Longer visits accommodating extended family stays or comprehensive business research
Extensions may be possible depending on visa type and circumstances, subject to ICP approval and continued sponsor eligibility.
Rationale Behind the Changes
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, explained that these amendments followed comprehensive studies of current and future residency and foreign affairs trends at local, regional, and international levels.
The ICP conducted periodic assessments of existing services and gathered feedback through multiple channels:
- Customer councils providing structured stakeholder input
- Call centre interactions revealing common questions and concerns
- Inquiry and complaint platforms identifying areas requiring clarification
This evidence-based approach ensures regulations reflect practical needs whilst supporting strategic objectives.
Al Khaili emphasised that these amendments contribute to improving quality of life, enhancing trade and transportation, supporting technology sectors, and strengthening the UAE’s competitiveness and economic capability at all levels.
Impact on UAE Residents
The salary-linked sponsorship system creates clearer expectations for residents planning to host visitors. Rather than ambiguous eligibility criteria, residents can now determine precisely whether they meet requirements for sponsoring specific relationships.
For residents earning below the thresholds, alternatives exist. Family members can apply for tourist visas through other channels, such as hotels, travel agencies, or airline packages, though these options typically cost more than resident-sponsored visit visas.
The tiered system also encourages career progression. Residents may find motivation to increase earnings to access higher sponsorship tiers, particularly those earning between Dh4,000 and Dh8,000 who might seek salary increases to sponsor siblings or extended family.
Comparison with Family Residence Visa Requirements
The visit visa salary requirements differ significantly from family residence visa sponsorship, which involves longer-term residency:
Family residence visas typically require higher salaries (often Dh10,000+ depending on emirate and family size) and involve more extensive documentation, housing requirements, and longer processing times.
Visit visas offer temporary stays with lower salary thresholds and simpler documentation, suitable for hosting relatives who maintain their permanent residence elsewhere.
Understanding these distinctions helps residents choose appropriate visa types based on circumstances and intentions.
Application Process Through Official Channels
Residents can apply for visit visas through several official channels:
UAEICP Mobile App: The Federal Authority’s app provides convenient digital application access for most emirates (excluding Dubai)
Official ICP Website: Online applications through the authority’s web portal
Approved Typing Centres: Licensed service centres can assist with applications and documentation
Amer Centres: Authorised service centres providing comprehensive support
Dubai residents should use the DubaiNow app or GDRFA Dubai channels for applications, as Dubai maintains separate processes from federal channels.
Conclusion
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s updated visit visa regulations introduce transparent, salary-based sponsorship requirements alongside new specialist visa categories. These changes reflect the UAE’s evolving immigration strategy, balancing family reunification support with economic objectives and security considerations.
For UAE residents, the tiered salary system provides clear eligibility criteria for sponsoring relatives and friends. Understanding these requirements helps residents plan visits effectively whilst ensuring compliance with regulations.
The four new specialist categories demonstrate the UAE’s continued focus on attracting global talent in strategic sectors including artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, and maritime industries. Combined with provisions for humanitarian cases and business exploration, these amendments create a comprehensive framework supporting the UAE’s economic diversification and social development goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary to sponsor parents on a UAE visit visa?
Parents qualify as first-degree relatives, requiring a minimum monthly salary of Dh4,000. Sponsors must provide proof of this income along with birth certificates or other documentation proving the parent-child relationship.
Can I sponsor a friend on a UAE visit visa if I earn Dh10,000 per month?
No. Sponsoring friends requires a minimum monthly salary of Dh15,000. With Dh10,000 income, you can sponsor first-degree relatives (parents, spouse, children) or second/third-degree relatives (siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins) but not non-relatives.
What documents do I need to prove my relationship for visit visa sponsorship?
Required documentation varies by relationship: birth certificates for parents and children, marriage certificates for spouses, family books or birth certificates for siblings, and attested family relationship certificates for extended relatives. All documents typically require attestation from relevant home country and UAE authorities.
How long can relatives stay on a UAE visit visa?
Visit visas are typically issued for 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the visa type. Extensions may be possible subject to ICP approval and continued sponsor eligibility. Specific duration options depend on the application details and approval.
Do the new salary requirements apply to tourist visas obtained through hotels or travel agencies?
No. These salary requirements apply specifically to resident-sponsored visit visas. Visitors can still obtain tourist visas through hotels, travel agencies, or airlines without sponsor salary requirements, though these options typically cost more than resident-sponsored visas.
Further Reading
- UAE Friend and Relative Visa Guide: 90-Day Stays in 2025
- UAE Visit Visa Online Application Guide: Complete 4-Step Process 2024
- Dubai Family Visa: Salary Requirements & Sponsorship Guide 2024
- How Much Salary Do You Need to Sponsor Your Parents for Dubai Residence Visa in 2025?
- UAE Family Visa Guide: Women’s Sponsorship Rules for Husbands & Children (2024)
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