How to Sponsor a Visit Visa for Friends and Relatives in the UAE

Sponsor salary requirements, application process, fees, and documents for bringing friends and relatives to the UAE on a visit visa

UAE residents sponsoring a friend or relative for a visit visa must now meet income thresholds introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in September 2025. The minimum salary ranges from AED 4,000 to AED 15,000 per month depending on the degree of kinship between sponsor and visitor. These tiered requirements replaced the previous less-structured approach and apply across all emirates.

This guide covers the complete process for sponsoring a visit visa for a relative or friend in the UAE: who qualifies as sponsor, salary thresholds by relationship type, single-entry versus multi-entry options, exact fees for both GDRFA Dubai and ICP (other emirates), required documents, the step-by-step application process, extensions, overstay consequences, and common rejection reasons.

Who Can Sponsor a Visit Visa for Friends and Relatives in the UAE

Any UAE resident holding a valid residence visa and Emirates ID can sponsor a visit visa for a relative or friend. This applies to residents across all seven emirates, whether employed in the private sector, government, semi-government, or free zones. Business owners and partners with valid residency can also sponsor visitors. The critical factor is meeting the minimum salary threshold for the specific relationship category.

UAE nationals can sponsor relatives and friends without the same salary restrictions that apply to expatriate residents. GCC nationals residing in the UAE follow slightly different procedures through GDRFA Dubai or ICP depending on the emirate. For expatriate sponsors, the tiered income system is mandatory, and the salary must be verifiable through official documentation from the employer or free zone authority.

Dubai Residents Apply Through GDRFA

Residents whose visa was issued in Dubai apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) via their smart services portal, the GDRFA mobile application, or an authorised Amer centre. Dubai has its own fee structure and processing system separate from the federal ICP service.

Other Emirates Apply Through ICP

Residents with visas issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain apply through ICP Smart Services, the UAEICP mobile app, or an ICP-authorised typing centre. The ICP provides a unified federal service for all non-Dubai emirates.

Sponsor Salary Requirements by Relationship Type (2025 Thresholds)

The ICP introduced formal salary tiers in September 2025, linking visit visa sponsorship eligibility directly to the sponsor’s monthly income. These thresholds apply based on the degree of kinship between sponsor and visitor. For relatives, proof of the relationship must be furnished at the time of application. The higher the degree of separation, the higher the required salary.

Relationship to Sponsor	Degree of Kinship	Minimum Monthly Salary
Father, mother, spouse, son, daughter	First degree	AED 4,000
Siblings, grandparents, grandchildren	Second degree	AED 8,000
Uncles, aunts, cousins	Third degree	AED 8,000
Friends (non-relatives)	No kinship	AED 15,000

These salary requirements represent the sponsor’s verifiable monthly income. The sponsor proves this through a salary certificate issued by their employer (for government, semi-government, and free zone employees) or an attested labour contract (for private-sector employees). Partnership contracts serve as proof for business owners. Bank statements covering the previous three to six months may also be requested to confirm stable income.

What the Salary Thresholds Mean in Practice

A resident earning AED 6,500 per month can sponsor first-degree relatives (parents, spouse, children) but cannot sponsor siblings, extended family, or friends. A resident earning AED 9,000 can sponsor relatives up to the third degree (including cousins, uncles, and aunts) but remains ineligible to sponsor friends. Only residents earning AED 15,000 or above can sponsor both relatives of any degree and friends. Meeting the threshold is necessary but not sufficient — applications still undergo standard verification and eligibility checks by immigration authorities.

How This Changed From the Previous System

Before September 2025, salary requirements for visit visa sponsorship existed but were applied inconsistently across emirates and were not formally codified at the federal level. The previous threshold for sponsoring friends sat at approximately AED 10,000, while sibling sponsorship required roughly AED 5,500–7,000. The 2025 update formalised and, in most cases, increased these figures. Only the first-degree threshold of AED 4,000 remained largely unchanged.

Single-Entry vs Multi-Entry Visit Visa: Which to Choose

The UAE offers both single-entry and multi-entry visit visas for relatives and friends. Both are available for 30, 60, or 90 days. The choice depends on the visitor’s travel patterns and whether they plan to leave and re-enter the UAE during their stay.

Feature	Single-Entry	Multi-Entry
Entries allowed	One entry only	Multiple entries during validity
Duration options	30 / 60 / 90 days	30 / 60 / 90 days
Entry validity	60 days from issuance	60 days from issuance
GDRFA Dubai base fee	AED 550	AED 1,500
Best for	One-time visit, straightforward trip	Visitors who plan side trips (e.g., Oman, Bahrain) during their UAE stay

The multi-entry visa costs significantly more but provides flexibility for visitors who want to take regional day trips or weekend breaks without invalidating their UAE visa. Both visa types must be used (i.e., the visitor must enter the UAE) within 60 days of issuance. After that window, the visa expires regardless of whether it was used.

Visit Visa Fees: Dubai (GDRFA) vs Other Emirates (ICP)

Fees differ depending on whether the sponsor is a Dubai resident (applying through GDRFA) or a resident of another emirate (applying through ICP). Both authorities charge a base service fee plus duration-based visa fees, a refundable security deposit, and mandatory health insurance.

GDRFA Dubai Fees — Multi-Entry Visit Visa

The following fees apply for a multi-entry visit visa for a relative or friend through GDRFA Dubai:

Fee Component	Amount (AED)
Service fee (base)	1,500
30-day visit visa fee	300
60-day visit visa fee	500
90-day visit visa fee	700
VAT (5%)	Applied on total fees
Financial guarantee (refundable)	2,000
Guarantee service fee	20
Guarantee collection/return fee	40
Health insurance (30-day)	40
Health insurance (60-day)	60
Health insurance (90-day)	90

Estimated total for a 90-day multi-entry visit visa via GDRFA Dubai: Approximately AED 4,400–4,500 (including the AED 2,000 refundable guarantee). The guarantee is returned after the visitor departs and the file is closed. If the visitor is already inside the UAE at the time of application, additional fees apply: AED 500 in-country processing fee plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 Innovation Dirham.

GDRFA Dubai Fees — Single-Entry Visit Visa

A single-entry visit visa for a relative or friend through GDRFA Dubai carries a lower base fee of AED 550, with duration-based fees of AED 200 (30-day), AED 300 (60-day), or AED 400 (90-day). The refundable security deposit for first-degree relatives is AED 1,020 and AED 2,020 for second-degree family members. Other fees (VAT, health insurance) apply similarly.

ICP Fees — Other Emirates

For residents of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, the ICP fee structure differs slightly. Based on ICP service cards, approximate costs for a 90-day single-entry visa include: AED 100 request fee, AED 300 issue fee, AED 100 smart services fee, AED 28 e-services fee, AED 22 ICP fee, and a security deposit of approximately AED 1,025 (refundable). Total: approximately AED 1,575. Final costs vary based on application circumstances, and the ICP smart services portal shows the exact breakdown during the application process.

Required Documents for a Visit Visa Application

The documentation requirements are broadly consistent across GDRFA and ICP, though specific items may vary based on the relationship type and the data entered during the application. Gather all documents before starting the application to avoid delays.

Sponsor documents:

• Copy of Emirates ID — Must be valid at the time of application.
• Copy of passport — Including the residence visa page.
• Salary certificate — Issued by the employer for government, semi-government, and free zone employees. Must state the monthly salary clearly.
• Attested labour contract — Required for private-sector employees in lieu of or alongside the salary certificate.
• Partnership contract — For business owners/partners acting as sponsors.
• IBAN number — Required for GDRFA Dubai applications.
• Tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai) — Proof of accommodation, attested.
• Latest DEWA or utility bill — As supplementary proof of residence.

Visitor documents:

• Coloured passport-size photograph — Recent, with white background.
• Valid passport copy — Passport must have at least six months’ validity from the date of application.
• Return flight ticket — Confirmed booking showing departure from the UAE.
• National ID card — Required for some nationalities (Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan) as per GDRFA requirements.

Kinship documents (for relatives only):

• Marriage certificate — For sponsoring a spouse. Must be attested.
• Birth certificate — For sponsoring parents, children, siblings. Must be attested.
• Family relationship certificate — For second- and third-degree relatives from home country authorities. Must be attested.

Attestation typically involves three stages: authentication by the home country’s relevant authority, attestation by the home country’s UAE embassy or consulate, and attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This process can take several weeks, so sponsors should begin document preparation well before the planned visit. For friends, no kinship documentation is required, but the higher salary threshold of AED 15,000 applies.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process is fully digital for both GDRFA Dubai and ICP. Physical submission is available through Amer centres (Dubai) or Customer Happiness Centres and typing centres (other emirates) for those who prefer in-person assistance.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Gather Documents

Where: Offline preparation

What to do: Confirm your salary meets the threshold for the specific relationship. Collect and attest all required documents. Ensure the visitor’s passport has at least six months’ validity and book a return flight.

Step 2: Access the Application Portal

Where: GDRFA Smart Services (Dubai) or ICP Smart Services (other emirates)

What to do: Log in using UAE Pass or your existing ICP/GDRFA account credentials. Navigate to Entry Permits, then search for “Visit Visa for Friend or Relative” and select the appropriate duration and entry type (single or multi-entry).

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

What to do: Fill in the sponsor’s details (Emirates ID number, passport number, employment information) and the visitor’s details (full name as per passport, nationality, passport number, date of birth). Select the visa duration (30, 60, or 90 days). Upload all required documents in the specified formats.

Step 4: Pay Fees

How: Credit or debit card payment through the portal

What happens: The system calculates the total fee based on your selections (duration, single vs multi-entry, relationship type). The refundable security deposit is charged at this stage. You receive a payment confirmation and application reference number.

Step 5: Track and Receive the Visa

Timeline: 2–5 business days (ICP); approximately 48 hours (GDRFA Dubai)

What happens: The e-visa is sent to the email address provided in the application. Track the application status through the portal or by calling ICP on 600 522 222 or GDRFA Dubai on 800 5111. The visitor must enter the UAE within 60 days of the visa issuance date.

Visit Visa Extensions

Visit visas for relatives and friends can typically be extended from within the UAE. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, and the total stay in the UAE on a visit visa cannot exceed 180 days within a calendar year. Apply for the extension before the current visa expires — there is no grace period for prepaid visit visas, and overstay fines begin immediately after expiry.

The extension fee starts from approximately AED 600 plus 5% VAT. If applying from inside the UAE, additional charges of AED 500 (in-country fee), AED 10 (Knowledge Dirham), and AED 10 (Innovation Dirham) apply. Extensions are processed through the same portal used for the original application (GDRFA for Dubai, ICP for other emirates).

Overstay Consequences: What the Sponsor Needs to Know

The sponsor bears financial and legal responsibility for the visitor’s compliance with visa conditions. If the visitor overstays, the standardised fine is AED 50 per day from the day after the visa expires. There is no grace period for prepaid visit visas (including the relative/friend visit visa).

Prepaid visit visas carry zero grace days. An overstay of even one day triggers the AED 50 daily fine. At departure, an exit permit (out pass) may be required, costing approximately AED 200–350 depending on the circumstances. The security deposit held by GDRFA or ICP acts as partial coverage for any unpaid fines. GDRFA Dubai states that overstay fines for stays under 30 days can be paid at Dubai airports upon exit or at GDRFA headquarters. Overstays exceeding 30 days must be settled at GDRFA HQ before departure.

For the sponsor, repeated incidents or unresolved visitor overstays may affect the ability to sponsor future visit visas. The refundable guarantee may be withheld if the visitor’s file is not properly closed.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

Visit visa applications are not automatically approved upon meeting the salary threshold. Immigration authorities conduct verification and eligibility checks. The most frequent reasons for rejection include:

• Salary below the required threshold — The most common issue. Sponsors sometimes miscalculate their qualifying income or submit outdated salary certificates.
• Insufficient or unattested kinship documents — Birth and marriage certificates must be properly attested through the home country embassy and UAE MOFA. Unattested or poorly translated documents trigger rejection.
• Passport validity under six months — Airlines enforce this rule at boarding; immigration authorities enforce it during application review.
• Missing return ticket — A confirmed onward or return booking is mandatory. One-way bookings are not accepted.
• Previous overstay history — If the visitor previously overstayed a UAE visa, the application may be flagged or rejected.
• Sponsor’s visa nearing expiry — If the sponsor’s own residence visa expires before the visitor’s intended stay ends, the application may be declined.
• Incomplete application data — Missing fields, mismatched passport details, or illegible uploads cause processing delays and potential rejection.

One detail often missed: the salary certificate must explicitly state the monthly salary amount in AED. Generic employment confirmation letters without salary details do not satisfy the requirement. Private-sector employees should ensure their labour contract is attested by the relevant authority (MOHRE for mainland, the free zone authority for free zone employees) before submission.

Special Situations and Exceptions

Sponsoring In-Laws and Step-Relatives

In-laws (mother-in-law, father-in-law) do not fall under the standard kinship degrees. The classification of these relationships varies, and applicants should confirm with the processing authority (GDRFA or ICP) whether in-laws qualify as relatives or fall under the “friends” category (requiring AED 15,000). In practice, a spouse can sponsor their own parents under the first-degree relative category with an AED 4,000 threshold, which may be the simpler route.

Visitors Already Inside the UAE

If the visitor is already in the UAE (for example, on a tourist visa that is expiring), the sponsor can apply for a visit visa from inside the country. This triggers additional fees: AED 500 (in-country processing), AED 10 (Knowledge Dirham), and AED 10 (Innovation Dirham). The process avoids the need for the visitor to exit and re-enter the country.

When Salary Doesn’t Meet the Threshold

Residents who earn below the required threshold cannot sponsor visit visas for that relationship category. Alternative options include: the visitor applying for a tourist visa through a licensed travel agency, hotel, or airline (no sponsor salary requirement, but typically higher cost); or the visitor applying for a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa independently if they meet the financial solvency requirements (bank balance of approximately USD 4,000 over six months). These alternatives bypass the resident-sponsored visit visa system entirely.

GCC Resident Wives Visiting Husbands

A specific condition applies when a foreign wife visits her husband who is a GCC national: the husband must hold a valid residence permit in his country of nationality before the entry visa can be issued. This applies to multi-entry visit visas processed through GDRFA Dubai.

FAQ

What Is the Minimum Salary to Sponsor a Friend on a UAE Visit Visa?

The sponsor must earn at least AED 15,000 per month to sponsor a friend (non-relative) on a visit visa. This is the highest tier among the ICP salary thresholds introduced in September 2025. No kinship documentation is required for friends, but the salary must be verifiable through an official employer certificate or labour contract.

Can I Sponsor My Brother or Sister for a Visit Visa With an AED 5,000 Salary?

No. Siblings are classified as second-degree relatives, requiring a minimum sponsor salary of AED 8,000 per month. With AED 5,000, you can only sponsor first-degree relatives: parents, spouse, or children. If your sibling needs to visit, they may consider a tourist visa through a travel agency or airline, which does not require sponsor salary verification.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Visit Visa for a Relative?

GDRFA Dubai indicates an expected processing time of approximately 48 hours for visit visas submitted through their smart services portal. ICP processing for other emirates takes approximately 2–5 business days. Processing times may vary during peak periods or if additional document verification is required.

What Happens If My Visitor Overstays the Visit Visa?

Overstay fines of AED 50 per day begin immediately after the visa expires — there is no grace period for prepaid visit visas. The sponsor is financially responsible, and the security deposit may be withheld. An exit permit (AED 200–350) may be required upon departure. Unresolved overstays can affect the sponsor’s ability to apply for future visit visas.

Can I Extend a Visit Visa for a Relative Without Leaving the UAE?

Yes. Visit visas can be extended from within the UAE in 30-day increments, up to a maximum total stay of 180 days per calendar year. The extension fee is approximately AED 600 plus 5% VAT, plus additional in-country fees. Apply before the current visa expires to avoid overstay fines.

Do I Need to Provide a Security Deposit for a Visit Visa?

Yes. GDRFA Dubai charges a refundable financial guarantee of AED 2,000 for multi-entry visit visas (plus AED 20 service fee and AED 40 collection/return fee). For single-entry visas, the deposit is AED 1,020 for first-degree relatives and AED 2,020 for second-degree relatives. The deposit is returned after the visitor departs and the file is properly closed.

Is Health Insurance Required for a Visit Visa?

Yes. Health insurance covering the duration of the visit is a standard requirement. GDRFA Dubai charges AED 40 for 30-day coverage, AED 60 for 60-day coverage, and AED 90 for 90-day coverage. These are basic policies included in the application process. Check with the processing authority whether the included coverage meets requirements or if additional insurance is needed.

What Proof of Kinship Is Needed for Sponsoring Relatives?

First-degree relatives require a marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (parents, children). Second- and third-degree relatives need a family relationship certificate from home country authorities. All kinship documents must be attested by the home country authority, the UAE embassy in the home country, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The attestation process can take several weeks.

Official Sources

This article references information from the following UAE government authorities:

• ICP — Entry Permit Issuance (Visit Visa for Relative or Friend)
• GDRFA Dubai — Multi-Entry Visa for a Relative or Friend
• GDRFA Dubai — Single-Entry Visit Visa for a Relative or Friend
• UAE Government Portal — Visit Visas
• UAE Government Portal — Visa Fees and Overstay Fines
• ICP Smart Services Portal
• GDRFA Dubai Smart Services Portal

UAE regulations and fees are subject to change. Verify current requirements with the relevant official authority (GDRFA for Dubai, ICP for other emirates) before proceeding with any application.

This guide is for informational purposes only. UAE regulations and fees are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the relevant official authority before proceeding with any application or transaction.