The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security in the UAE announced its decision to amend several regulations related to certain current visa types, including entry visas for visiting friends and relatives.
According to the updated guidelines, the monthly income of the sponsor or host is now a key requirement depending on the degree of relationship between the visitor and the resident in the UAE.

If the visitor is a first-degree relative of a foreign resident in the UAE, the sponsor’s monthly income must be no less than AED 4,000. For second- or third-degree relatives, the minimum income requirement increases to AED 8,000 per month.

In cases where the visitor is a friend of a resident, the host must earn at least AED 15,000 per month to be eligible to apply for the visit visa.

The decision also includes, under Annex (A), a comprehensive table detailing visa durations, extension validity, and permitted stay periods, covering six different categories of entry visa options. This update aims to enhance procedural governance, institutional transparency, and fairness, while ensuring that visa holders can achieve their intended purposes efficiently.

The ICP emphasized that the revised regulations align with its strategic vision to modernize visa policies and support the UAE’s commitment to efficiency, flexibility, and global competitiveness in attracting visitors and residents alike.