UAE Visit Visa Salary Requirements for Sponsoring Family and Friends

UAE residents applying to bring relatives or friends to the country on a visit visa must meet minimum monthly income requirements set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. The applicable threshold depends on the relationship between the UAE resident sponsor or host and the visitor. The current minimum monthly income requirements are:

• AED 4,000 for a first-degree relative

• AED 8,000 for a second- or third-degree relative

• AED 15,000 for a friend or non-relative

ICP classifies first-degree relatives as parents, spouses, sons and daughters. Second-degree relatives include siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, while third-degree relatives include uncles, aunts and cousins.

Eligible relative and friend visit visas can be issued for 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on the selected duration. Under the current ICP service conditions, the stay may be extended subject to approval and applicable procedures, provided the total permitted stay does not exceed 120 days. The entry permit itself must generally be used within 60 days from the date it is issued.

Meeting the salary threshold does not by itself guarantee approval. ICP lists additional requirements that may include:

• a passport valid for at least six months

• valid UAE health insurance

• a return or onward travel ticket

• proof of kinship for relatives

• an active sponsor file for the UAE resident host

• the applicable financial guarantee and fees

Applications are submitted through ICP's digital service channels, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.

Businesses and residents should distinguish between a temporary visit visa for a relative or friend and sponsorship of family members for UAE residence. The income thresholds are not the same. For example, ICP's current family residence requirements generally specify a minimum monthly income of AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation or AED 4,000 without employer-provided accommodation, subject to the other applicable conditions.

The AED 8,000 and AED 15,000 thresholds relate specifically to the visit-visa rules for second- or third-degree relatives and friends respectively.

NUR Advisory Note

UAE residents planning to sponsor visiting relatives or friends should confirm the correct relationship category before submitting an application. This is particularly important where the visitor is an extended family member, as the required income threshold may be higher than for a spouse, parent or child. Applicants should also ensure that proof of relationship, salary evidence, health insurance and travel documentation are consistent with the selected visa category.

For employers and HR teams supporting internationally mobile employees, distinguishing between visit sponsorshipand family residence sponsorship can prevent incorrect eligibility assumptions and unnecessary application delays.