If you’re living in Dubai and want to bring a loved one over for a visit, one of the first things you need to check is whether your income meets the sponsor eligibility bar set by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The good news? The rules are fairly straightforward once you know where you stand — but the required salary isn’t a flat number. It changes depending on who you’re bringing in.
Whether it’s your spouse, a sibling, or simply a close friend, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to earn, what paperwork to prepare, and how much the whole process will cost you.
Who Can You Sponsor on a Dubai Visit Visa?
Any UAE resident holding a valid residence visa can apply to sponsor a visitor for a short stay in Dubai. Depending on your needs, you can apply for either a single-entry or multiple-entry visit visa, and choose from validity periods of 30, 60, or 90 days.
The catch is that GDRFA ties your eligibility to sponsor someone directly to your monthly income — and the closer the relationship, the lower the income bar tends to be.
Minimum Salary Requirements by Relationship
Here’s a quick-reference breakdown of the income thresholds you’ll need to meet based on who you’re sponsoring:
| Relationship Category | Who It Covers | Minimum Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| First-degree relatives | Parents, spouse, children | Dh4,000 |
| Second/third-degree relatives | Siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, cousins | Dh8,000 |
| Friends (non-relatives) | Anyone outside the family tree | Dh15,000 |
Sponsoring Immediate Family (Dh4,000/month)
This is the easiest threshold to meet and applies only to your closest relatives — your parents, spouse, or children. Because the relationship is direct and well-documented, GDRFA sets the lowest income bar for this category.
Sponsoring Extended Family (Dh8,000/month)
If you want to bring over a sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or a relative like an aunt, uncle, or cousin, you’ll need to show a monthly salary of at least Dh8,000. The higher requirement reflects the more distant nature of these family ties compared to immediate relatives.
Sponsoring a Friend (Dh15,000/month)
Want to invite a close friend rather than a relative? This comes with the steepest income requirement of the three — a minimum of Dh15,000 per month. Since there’s no blood or marital relationship involved, authorities set the bar much higher for this category.
General Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
Beyond meeting the income threshold, anyone applying to sponsor a visitor must also:
- Hold a currently valid UAE residence visa
- Have an active Emirates ID
- Be ready to submit proof of income if requested
Acceptable proof of income typically includes any of the following:
- A salary certificate from your employer
- An attested employment/labour contract
- For business owners, documents proving company ownership or partnership
Documents Needed to Prove Your Relationship
When sponsoring a family member specifically, you’ll need to back up the relationship with official, attested documentation, such as:
- A birth certificate (for parents, children, or siblings)
- A marriage certificate (for a spouse)
These must go through the proper attestation process before you submit your application — unattested copies typically won’t be accepted.
Other Documents You’ll Likely Need
On top of proving income and relationship, be prepared to submit:
- A copy of the visitor’s passport
- A recent passport-sized photo
- Proof of accommodation (a hotel booking or tenancy contract)
- A confirmed return flight ticket
- Valid health insurance covering the visitor’s entire stay, where applicable
Dubai Visit Visa Fees (2026)
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a single-entry visit visa, depending on the duration you choose:
| Visa Duration | Starting Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| 30 days | Dh200 |
| 60 days | Dh300 |
| 90 days | Dh400 |
On top of this, you’ll also need to pay a refundable security deposit of Dh1,000. Keep in mind that additional charges — such as VAT, medical insurance premiums, and service fees — can apply on top of the base visa cost, so it’s worth budgeting a little extra.
Where to Submit Your Application
You have two main options for applying:
- Online — through GDRFA Dubai’s official digital platforms and smart application, available around the clock.
- In person — at any authorised AMER Centre during regular business hours.
Final Thoughts
Your monthly salary is the single biggest factor determining who you’re allowed to bring to Dubai on a visit visa — and how easily you’ll qualify. Immediate family members come with the most accessible income requirement (Dh4,000), extended relatives sit in the middle (Dh8,000), and sponsoring a friend requires the highest earning threshold (Dh15,000). Before you apply, double-check that your salary, documentation, and supporting paperwork are all in order to avoid delays or rejection.
Requirements and fees are subject to change at GDRFA Dubai’s discretion. Always confirm current rules directly with GDRFA or an authorised AMER Centre before applying.
Need Help With Your Dubai Visit Visa?
Applying for a Dubai visit visa can be straightforward when you have the right guidance. United Arab Emirates Visa is here to assist you throughout the entire application process—from checking your eligibility and preparing the required documents to submitting your application accurately and on time.
If you’re looking for a fast, hassle-free, and reliable way to apply for your Dubai visit visa, apply with us today. Our experienced team is ready to help make your visa application process smooth and stress-free.
Disclaimer: Visa approvals are subject to the requirements and final decision of the relevant UAE immigration authorities.
Source: Gulfnews