The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has established minimum monthly salary thresholds for residents to sponsor visit visas for family members or friends in 2026. The required salary varies depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the visitor. Residents wishing to sponsor a first-degree relative, such as a parent, spouse, son, or daughter, must earn a minimum monthly income of AED 4,000 (GHS 12,533).
For second- or third-degree relatives, including siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, and cousins, the threshold doubles to AED 8,000 (GHS 25,066) monthly. Residents hoping to sponsor a friend, defined as someone with no family connection, must demonstrate a monthly income of at least AED 15,000 (GHS 47,000). These new requirements aim to ensure that sponsors can financially support their visitors during their stay in the UAE.
Earning the required salary alone is not sufficient to get the UAE visit visa. The UAE authority stipulates that the host or head of family must also hold an active sponsor file that permits them to apply for visa and residence services on behalf of others. This file is essential for the sponsor to apply for and obtain a visit visa for their family member or friend.
UAE visa applicants must additionally provide documentation confirming the nature of the relationship, with the level of proof corresponding to the degree of kinship declared. The type of documentation required may vary depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the visitor. This requirement helps to prevent fraudulent applications and ensures that the visitor's stay in the UAE is legitimate.
Once the UAE authority approves an application, the entry permit remains valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. The visitor must enter the UAE within that 60-day window. If circumstances require it, the permit can be extended for a similar period. This allows sponsors and visitors to plan their travel accordingly and make necessary arrangements.
At the point of application, visa sponsors select the intended duration of their guest's stay, with options of 30, 60, or 90 days available. The authority may grant one or more extensions during the visit, but regardless of how many extensions are approved, the visitor's total time in the UAE cannot exceed 120 days. This ensures that visitors do not overstay their welcome and comply with UAE regulations.
The UAE's new visa requirements are part of its efforts to streamline and regulate the visa application process. Earlier, the UAE introduced a visa-on-arrival policy for citizens of six countries, including Kenya and South Africa. The arrangement offers eligible travelers access to 14-day or 60-day visas, provided they meet the required passport and residency conditions.
Key points
- The UAE requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (GHS 12,533) for residents to sponsor a first-degree relative.
- The required salary increases to AED 8,000 (GHS 25,066) for second- or third-degree relatives.
- The maximum stay for a UAE-sponsored visit visa is 120 days.
