UAE residents planning to bring relatives or friends to the country on a visit visa should check the applicable income requirements before submitting an application, as the minimum monthly salary varies according to the relationship between the resident and the visitor.

Under the current requirements, a resident sponsoring a first-degree relative must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000. This category includes parents, spouses, sons and daughters.

The minimum monthly salary rises to AED 8,000 when the visitor is a second- or third-degree relative, covering categories such as siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts and cousins.

Residents who wish to sponsor a friend who is not related to them face a higher income threshold, with a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 required for this category.

Visit visas for relatives and friends are available with different permitted stay periods, including 30, 60 and 90 days, allowing applicants to select an option that suits the intended duration of the visit.

Meeting the salary requirement alone does not guarantee completion of the application, as residents must also provide the required supporting documents and evidence of the relationship when sponsoring a family member.

The visitor’s passport must generally remain valid for at least six months, while applicants may also be required to submit a recent photograph and documents proving the family relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificate.

Residents must provide evidence of their income. Depending on their employment status, this can include a salary certificate, employment contract or relevant partnership documentation for business owners and partners.

Single-entry visa fees start at AED 200 for a 30-day visit, AED 300 for 60 days and AED 400 for 90 days. VAT, insurance, a financial security deposit and other applicable service charges may also be added.

Applications can be submitted through official digital channels, while Dubai applicants can also use authorised Amer centres during approved working hours. The official service information lists an expected processing time of 48 hours.

Residents planning to invite a relative or friend should therefore check the salary threshold applicable to their relationship with the visitor and prepare the required documents before submitting an application.