Starting in 2026, United Arab Emirates residents sponsoring family or friends for visit visas must meet updated monthly salary requirements based on the visitor’s relationship to them. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has set three income brackets: $1,089 for first-degree relatives, $2,178 for second- and third-degree relatives, and $4,084 for friends. The dollar figures use the Central Bank of the UAE’s reference rate of 3.6725 dirhams per dollar as of September 25, 2026.
First-degree relatives, including parents, spouses, sons, and daughters, require the lowest threshold. UAE residents sponsoring these family members must earn at least $1,089 monthly. Second-degree relatives, such as siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren, fall into the middle category, while third-degree relatives, including uncles, aunts, and cousins, also require the $2,178 minimum. Sponsors bringing visitors from either the second- or third-degree category must meet this income requirement. Friends, defined as non-relatives, face the highest requirement of $4,084 per month.
Applicants must provide documentation proving the family relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates, depending on the degree of kinship. Beyond kinship proof, ICP requires valid passports, with at least six months’ validity, and UAE health insurance for the visitor. A return travel ticket is also mandatory for the selected visa duration. Passport copies and personal photographs are additional requirements for all visa applications.
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Sponsors must hold an active sponsor file in ICP’s system before applying. The application process is digital, using the ICP Smart App or the ICP Smart Services website. Processing times for visa issuance are typically two days, provided all requirements are met and documents are submitted correctly.
Visa durations vary by application, offering 30, 60, or 90 days of stay. Visa holders must enter the UAE within 60 days of issuance, though extensions can push total stays to 120 days. Overstaying incurs a daily fine of $14, calculated from the visa’s expiry date. Sponsors can choose between single-entry or multiple-entry visas, with costs differing accordingly. The ICP system separates entry permit validity from the approved stay period, so applicants should verify both dates when planning travel.
Application fees start at $27 for the initial submission and smart service charge. Visa issuance costs $27 for single-entry or $54 for multiple-entry per month. Financial guarantees add significantly to expenses: $272 for single-entry and $545 for multiple-entry, plus a $5 deposit fee. These costs depend on the visa type, duration, and additional services selected. ICP permits financial guarantees to be refunded if the visa is canceled or the visitor departs without residency violations.
