The United Arab Emirates has introduced new minimum monthly salary requirements for residents who wish to sponsor visit visas for relatives or friends in 2026. The required salary will depend on the visitor's relationship with the sponsor. This move aims to streamline the visa application process and ensure that sponsors can support their visitors financially.
For first-degree relatives, including parents, spouses, sons, and daughters, sponsors must earn at least AED 4,000, approximately KSh 141,000, per month. This requirement is significantly lower than for second- or third-degree relatives, who include siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, and cousins, for whom the minimum monthly salary is AED 8,000, approximately KSh 282,000.
The highest threshold applies to residents hoping to sponsor friends who are not relatives, requiring a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000, approximately KSh 529,000. Meeting the salary threshold alone is not enough; sponsors or heads of the family must also have an active sponsor file, allowing them to access visa and residence services.
Applicants must submit documents proving their relationship with the visitor, depending on the degree of kinship involved. The entry permit issued remains valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, and visitors must enter the UAE within that period. In some cases, the permit may be extended for another similar period.
Depending on the option selected during the application, visitors may stay for 30, 60, or 90 days. The UAE authority may approve one or more extensions, but the visitor's total stay must not exceed 120 days. These regulations aim to ensure that visitors do not overstay their permits and that sponsors can support them during their stay.
Earlier, UAE residents were required to meet several conditions to sponsor family members for residency, including minimum income, suitable housing, valid passports, and a valid residence permit. Sponsors must also complete the residency process within 60 days after their relatives enter the UAE. These conditions are part of a broader effort to manage the flow of visitors and residents in the UAE.
The UAE government continues to update its regulations and requirements for residency and visit visas. Residents are advised to check the latest requirements and eligibility criteria before applying for visa and residence services. This will help ensure a smooth application process and avoid any potential issues or delays.
Key points
- The UAE has set minimum salary requirements for residents to sponsor visit visas for relatives or friends in 2026.
- The required salary varies by relationship, ranging from AED 4,000 for first-degree relatives to AED 15,000 for friends.
- Sponsors must also meet additional conditions, including having an active sponsor file and suitable housing.
