New UAE Visit Visa Rules: Minimum Salary Requirement for Sponsoring Family and Friends
UAE Visit Visa Rules 2025
The UAE has made major decisions regarding visit visas, according to which the monthly income of the resident will now be taken into account to sponsor family or friends. Along with this, four new visit visa categories have also been introduced, which are for experts and specialists.
Minimum Salary For Sponsoring Family & Friends
Residents in the UAE can invite their close relatives or friends on a visit visa, but a specific salary standard has been set for this.
First-degree relatives
- These include father, mother, wife, husband, son and daughter.
- The sponsor must have a minimum monthly income of 4,000 dirhams.
Second-degree relatives
- This includes siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents and grandchildren.
- The sponsor’s income should be at least 8,000 dirhams.
Third-degree relatives
- These include uncles, aunts, maternal uncles and cousins.
- For them, the sponsor’s income is also set at a minimum of 8,000 dirhams.
Friend (non-relative)
- If someone wants to invite a friend, the sponsor’s monthly income should be at least 15,000 dirhams.
Application Requirements
The following documents are required when applying for a visit visa:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A return ticket
- Documents to prove relationship (in family cases)
Visa Duration & Extension Rules
According to the new rules, different durations of visit visas have been set and there is also a facility for extension in them. This measure will make the process easier and more transparent for applicants.
Four New Visit Visa Categories
The UAE has introduced four new visit visa categories to attract experts and specialists from around the world:
- Artificial Intelligence experts
- Entertainment industry experts
- Global event participants
- Cruise ship and luxury yacht tourists
These visas will be issued for specific purposes so that people with expertise in various fields can come to the UAE.
Humanitarian Residency Permit
The new decision also includes a one-year humanitarian residency permit. This is for people who are from countries affected by war or natural disasters. This residency permit can also be extended if necessary.
Facilities For Widows And Divorced Women
The UAE has also provided important facilities for widows and divorced women.
- A foreign woman who is the widow or divorced woman of an Emirati citizen can apply for residency within six months.
- If the husband was a foreigner, a widow or divorced woman can get a one-year residence permit in case of child support.
Business Exploration Visa
A Business Exploration Visa has been made available for people looking for business opportunities. It is mandatory to be financially stable or have a partnership in a company abroad or have business experience.
Visa For Truck Drivers
Under the new rules, visa facilities have also been provided for foreign truck drivers. This visa will be issued on a single or multiple entry basis. The condition is that the driver’s sponsor is a reputable shipping or transport company, financial guarantee and health insurance are also required.
The Purpose Of These Changes
The aim of these new rules and visa categories is to promote transparency, diversify the economy, support technology and trade, and increase the competitiveness of the UAE globally. All these measures will not only provide convenience to residents but will also play an important role in making the UAE a more attractive and strong economy globally.
Conclusion
The UAE has made major changes to its visitor visa rules to allow residents to invite their family and friends under transparent and clear conditions. Sponsorship for family and friends is now subject to income limits, while new categories offer more opportunities for professionals, tourists and business people. The move aims to make the UAE more attractive globally, diversify the economy and attract people with expertise in different fields.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: What is the minimum income required to sponsor a family?
A minimum of AED 4,000 for first-degree relatives, and AED 8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives.
Q: How much income is required to invite a friend on a visit visa?
The sponsor’s monthly income must be at least AED 15,000.
Q3: What documents are required for a visit visa?
A valid passport (at least 6 months), a return ticket, and documents proving kinship (in family cases).
Q4: What are the new visit visa categories?
Artificial Intelligence experts, entertainment industry experts, participants in global events, and cruise ship/luxury yacht tourists.
Q5: What is a Humanitarian Residence Permit?
It is a one-year permit that is issued to people from war-torn or disaster-affected countries and can be extended if necessary.
Q6: What are the facilities for widows or divorced women?
A foreign woman who is the widow or divorced woman of an Emirati citizen can apply for residency within 6 months, while a widow/divorced woman of a foreign husband can obtain one-year residency if she supports children.
