Sponsoring a friend or relative on a UAE visit visa + the 4 new UAE visit visa categories

Sponsoring a friend or relative on a UAE visit visa is now linked to the sponsor's income.

Residents can bring in relatives up to the third degree or even friends, provided they meet the minimum monthly salary requirements. 

Depending on the relationship, residents need to earn Dh4,000, Dh8,000 or Dh15,000 to be able to sponsor their visits. 

While the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) outlined income requirements, Khaleej Times can clarify the categories of relatives covered under the first, second and third degrees of kinship. 

Proof of kinship will need to be furnished at the time of applying for the visit visa. 

According to the updated conditions: 

First-degree relatives — father, mother, spouse, son, daughter. — Sponsor must earn at least Dh4,000 per month. 

Second-degree relatives — siblings, grandparents, grandchildren. — Sponsor must earn at least Dh8,000 per month. 

Third-degree relatives – uncle, aunt, cousins. — Sponsor must earn at least Dh8,000 per month. Friends (non-relatives). — Sponsor must earn at least Dh15,000 per month. 

Applicants are also required to provide: A passport valid for at least six months A return travel ticket The salary requirement is part of a wider set of changes introduced by the ICP, aimed at enhancing transparency, supporting economic diversification, and attracting talented individuals to the UAE. Visa duration and extension 

The rule outlines the durations and extension powers for visit visas, specifying six types of permitted stays. This will help simplify procedures and help applicants get through the visa-related procedures easily. 

Four new visit visa categories 

The four new UAE visit visa categories are granted for specialists in artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, cruise ships, and leisure vessels. 

A humanitarian residence permit will be issued for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension by decision of the authority, in accordance with specific conditions. The decision also allows foreign widows or divorced women to obtain residence in the UAE without a sponsor, with the possibility of renewal for a similar period, subject to defined conditions. 

The new amendments also include a business exploration visa that requires financial solvency to establish a company, ownership of a share in an existing company outside the country or proven professional practice. The decision amends conditions for certain existing visas, allowing foreign truck drivers to obtain a visa for single or multiple trips, provided the sponsor is a shipping or goods transport company, financial guarantee and fees are met, and the beneficiary has health coverage. 

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, stated that the addition of new visit visa categories and the amendment of conditions were made after the authority conducted studies on current and future trends in residency and foreign affairs, both locally, regionally, and internationally. 

The decision also takes into account periodic assessments of existing services, feedback and suggestions from stakeholders through customer councils, call centres, inquiry and complaint platform. 

He noted that these amendments also contribute to improving quality of life, enhancing trade and transportation, supporting technology sectors, and strengthening the UAE’s competitiveness and economic capability locally, regionally, and internationally.