The UAE has introduced significant updates to its visit visa regulations, directly linking a resident's ability to sponsor relatives or friends to their monthly income. Under the new rules, residents can bring family members up to the third degree — as well as non-relatives — but only if they meet the required minimum salary bracket. These changes create a clear, structured system aimed at ensuring transparency and supporting the country's focus on economic diversification and professional talent attraction.
According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), sponsors must now earn Dh4,000, Dh8,000, or Dh15,000 per month, depending on their relationship with the visitor. Residents must also provide proof of family relationship when applying.
Updated Salary Requirements for Visit Visa Sponsorship
The UAE has categorised relatives into specific groups, each with its own minimum salary requirement for the sponsor.
First-Degree Relatives
Includes:
- Father - Mother - Spouse - Son - Daughter
Minimum salary required: Dh4,000 per month Residents earning this amount or higher may sponsor first-degree relatives for a visit visa.
Second-Degree Relatives
Includes:
- Siblings - Grandparents - Grandchildren
Minimum salary required: Dh8,000 per month
Third-Degree Relatives
Includes:
- Uncle - Aunt - Cousins
Minimum salary required: Dh8,000 per month
Friends (Non-Relatives)
Sponsoring friends now requires a significantly higher income.
Minimum salary required: Dh15,000 per month
For all categories, applicants must also submit:
- A passport with at least six months' validity - A confirmed return flight ticket
These requirements standardise the visit visa process and ensure that sponsors have sufficient financial means to support visitors during their stay.
Why These Changes Matter
The updated rules are part of a broader framework introduced by the ICP. The objective is to:
- Enhance transparency in visa and residency processes - Encourage economic stability - Attract global talent, especially in high-growth sectors - Support the UAE's continued evolution as a global hub for innovation, travel, and professional opportunities
These revisions also reflect ongoing evaluations of regional and global residency trends, ensuring the UAE remains competitive and aligned with future development plans.
New Visit Visa Durations and Extension Options
The new decision outlines six types of permitted stays for visit visa holders. These defined durations aim to make the process more organised and user-friendly. Applicants can also benefit from clearer extension guidelines, with the possibility to renew visit visas depending on category and purpose.
This structure is designed to reduce confusion, simplify documentation, and speed up processing for both applicants and sponsors.
Four New Visit Visa Categories Introduced
One of the most notable updates is the introduction of four new visit visa categories designed specifically for specialists in key industries. These categories reflect the UAE's strategy to bring more expertise into the country.
The new categories apply to professionals in:
- Artificial Intelligence - Entertainment - Events Industry - Cruise Ships and Luxury Yacht Sector
These specialised visa options make it easier for industry experts, consultants, and professionals to visit the UAE for short-term projects, collaborations, and business opportunities.
Humanitarian Residence Permits and New Protections
The new regulations also include provisions for humanitarian cases. Under the latest updates:
- A humanitarian residence permit can now be issued for one year, with the possibility of renewal depending on the ICP's evaluation. - Foreign widows and divorced women now have the right to remain in the UAE without a sponsor, for a renewable period, provided they meet certain conditions.
These decisions highlight the UAE's commitment to supporting individuals facing exceptional circumstances and ensuring they have legal security.
Business Exploration Visa Updated
The business exploration visa has also been amended. Applicants must now demonstrate:
- Sufficient financial solvency to start a business - Ownership of shares in an existing company outside the UAE - Or a proven record of professional or commercial activity
This change encourages entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in the UAE while ensuring that applicants are genuinely capable of engaging in business activities.
New Rules for Truck Driver Visas
Foreign truck drivers can now obtain single or multiple-entry visas. To qualify:
- The sponsor must be a recognised shipping or goods transport company - All required guarantees and fees must be fulfilled - The applicant must have valid health coverage
This update supports the logistics sector, ensuring smoother cross-border transportation and efficient supply chain operations.
ICP's Vision Behind the New Regulations
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, stated that these amendments were implemented after extensive studies covering local, regional, and international residency trends. The new system is built on continuous feedback from stakeholders, customer councils, inquiry platforms, and call centres.
According to him, these changes will:
- Improve overall quality of life - Strengthen the UAE's economic and technological sectors - Boost global competitiveness - Enhance trade, travel, and talent mobility
