Dubai residents who want to invite family members or friends to visit the UAE must meet specific salary requirements before applying for a visit visa.
The minimum monthly income required depends on whether the visitor is an immediate family member, an extended relative or a friend. In addition to meeting the income threshold, sponsors must provide proof of their relationship, employment and residency before immigration authorities will process the application.
Visit visas are available for stays of 30, 60 or 90 days, with applications accepted online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai or at authorised Amer Centres.
Here’s everything you need to know about sponsoring a Dubai visit visa.
Minimum salary required to sponsor visitors
The salary requirement varies depending on the visitor’s relationship with the UAE resident.
First-degree relatives
Residents sponsoring immediate family members must earn at least:
AED4,000 per month
This category includes:
- Parents
- Husband or wife
- Sons
- Daughters
Sponsors must provide official documents proving the family relationship.
Second and third-degree relatives
Residents inviting extended family members must earn at least:
AED8,000 per month
Eligible relatives include:
- Brothers and sisters
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
- Uncles
- Aunts
- Cousins
Relationship documents such as birth certificates or family records may be required.
Sponsoring friends
Residents wishing to sponsor a friend must earn at least:
AED15,000 per month
Friends are treated separately from family members and fall under the highest income requirement.
These salary rules were introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in October 2025.
Who can sponsor a Dubai visit visa?
To become a sponsor, residents must have:
- A valid UAE residence visa
- An active immigration sponsor file
- Proof of income
- Valid identification documents
Authorities assess the sponsor’s eligibility before reviewing the visitor’s application.
Documents sponsors need
Depending on employment status, sponsors may need to provide:
- Salary certificate
- Employment contract
- Partnership agreement (for business owners)
- Company ownership documents
- Emirates ID
- UAE residence visa
Sponsors must also submit documents proving their relationship with the visitor when sponsoring relatives.
These may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Family registration documents
- Other official relationship records
Documents visitors need
Visitors generally need:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Passport-sized photographs
- UAE-approved health insurance
- Return or onward flight ticket
Authorities may request additional documents depending on the application.
Dubai visit visa fees
Visa fees depend on the length of stay.
Single-entry visa fees
- 30-day visa: AED200
- 60-day visa: AED300
- 90-day visa: AED400
A 5% VAT applies to the visa fees.
Security deposit
Applicants must also pay a refundable security deposit of:
AED1,000
Additional processing charges include:
- Deposit service fee: AED20
- Deposit processing fee: AED40
The security deposit can usually be refunded after the visitor leaves the UAE or the visa is cancelled, provided there are no immigration violations.
Medical insurance costs
Visitors must have health insurance covering their stay.
Insurance fees currently start from:
- 30 days: AED40
- 60 days: AED60
- 90 days: AED90
The final insurance premium may vary depending on the provider.
Extra charges for applications inside the UAE
Visitors applying while already inside the UAE may also need to pay:
- Status adjustment fee: AED500
- Knowledge Fee: AED10
- Innovation Fee: AED10
The total amount payable depends on the visitor’s circumstances and application type.
How to apply for a Dubai visit visa
The application process is relatively straightforward.
Step 1: Check eligibility
Confirm that the sponsor meets the required monthly salary and has valid UAE residency.
Step 2: Choose the visa duration
Applicants can select:
Step 3: Prepare the documents
Collect all required documents for both the sponsor and visitor.
Step 4: Submit the application
Applications can be completed through:
- GDRFA Dubai website
- GDRFA Smart App
- Amer Centres
Sponsors can log in using UAE Pass or their registered account before uploading the required documents.
Step 5: Pay the fees
Visa charges, insurance, VAT and the refundable security deposit must be paid during the application.
Step 6: Wait for approval
GDRFA Dubai says applications are generally processed within 48 hours, provided all documents are complete.
Entry permit validity
Once approved, the visitor must enter the UAE within 60 days from the permit’s issue date.
The approved stay begins from the date of entry into the country.
Can the visit visa be extended?
Yes.
Subject to approval, visit visas may be extended one or more times.
However, the total stay cannot exceed 120 days under the current regulations.
Extensions are handled by the relevant immigration authorities and require payment of the applicable fees.
Where to apply
Residents can submit applications online at any time through GDRFA Dubai’s digital platforms.
Those who prefer in-person assistance can also visit authorised Amer Centres, where staff can help complete the application and verify supporting documents.
Things to know before applying
Before submitting an application, sponsors should ensure all documents are accurate and consistent. Differences in passport information, names or relationship records can delay processing or lead to additional verification.
Applicants should also remember that meeting the published salary requirement does not automatically guarantee approval. Immigration authorities review every application individually and may request further documents before issuing a visit visa.
With multiple visa durations available and processing typically completed within two days, Dubai’s visit visa system offers residents a convenient way to bring family members and friends to the UAE, provided they meet the required income thresholds and documentation requirements.
