Visa Services

The UAE has rolled out a set of updates to visit visa rules, and if you live here and plan to bring family or friends to visit, you will want to understand what changed.

The key shift is simple. Sponsoring someone for a visit visa is now tied to your monthly income. The higher the relationship distance, the higher the salary requirement. Proof of relationship is also required.

Let’s break it down so you know exactly where you stand.

Minimum Salary Requirements To Sponsor Visitors

Here is the latest income criteria:

• First degree family members
  Parents, spouse, children
  Minimum monthly salary: AED 4,000
• Second degree family members
  Siblings, grandparents, grandchildren
  Minimum monthly salary: AED 8,000
• Third degree relatives
  Uncles, aunts, cousins
  Minimum monthly salary: AED 8,000
• Friends
  Minimum monthly salary: AED 15,000

What this really means is that casual visitor sponsorship now requires stronger financial proof, especially for non-relatives. Visitors must also have a passport valid for at least six months and a return ticket.

New Visit Visa Categories

The UAE is also expanding the types of visit visas available. Four new visa types are now offered to specialists working in:

• Artificial intelligence
• Entertainment and events
• Cruise ships
• Luxury yachts and leisure vessels

This fits into the country’s wider push to attract skilled professionals and support growing industries.

Other Key Updates

There are a few more important points worth noting:

• A humanitarian residency can be granted for one year, with possible renewal
• Widows and divorced women can now stay in the UAE without a sponsor, under conditions
• A new business exploration visa supports entrepreneurs who can prove financial capability or business ownership abroad
• Truck drivers can now get single or multiple-entry visas, if sponsored by a licensed transport company and meeting financial and health coverage requirements

Why These Changes Matter

The UAE continues refining its residency and visit systems to stay competitive and support its long-term vision. The latest rules aim to improve transparency, support key industries, and attract global talent.

For residents, the biggest takeaway is to check your income eligibility before planning to sponsor a visitor. This avoids delays and ensures smoother processing. If you are thinking about sponsoring a visitor or exploring business residency options, Gulf Central can guide you through the process and handle the paperwork so you stay compliant without stress.

Reach out to us if you need help navigating your visa options.