UAE visit visa update: Minimum salary now required to sponsor family or friends; 4 new visit-visa categories announced

UAE visit visa update: Minimum salary now required to sponsor family or friends; 4 new visit-visa categories announced

Dubai, October 6, 2025 — The UAE has introduced new income thresholds for residents who wish to sponsor relatives or friends on visit visas, alongside fresh visit-visa categories aimed at priority sectors. The update ties sponsorship eligibility to the sponsor’s monthly salary and clarifies which relatives qualify by degree of kinship.

Who you can sponsor — and the salary you must earn

Proof of relationship is required for family sponsorships.

  • First-degree relatives — father, mother, spouse, son, daughter
    Minimum salary: AED 4,000/month
  • Second-degree relatives — siblings, grandparents, grandchildren
    Minimum salary: AED 8,000/month
  • Third-degree relatives — uncle, aunt, cousins
    Minimum salary: AED 8,000/month
  • Friends (non-relatives)
    Minimum salary: AED 15,000/month

Visitor documents: A passport valid for at least six months and a confirmed return ticket are required.

Visa durations and extensions

Authorities have outlined multiple permitted stay options and clearer extension powers for visit visas. The intent is to simplify procedures and help applicants navigate requirements more easily. Specific stay lengths and fees can vary by category; applicants should check the latest terms at the time of applying.

Four new visit-visa categories

New visit-visa options target specialists and activities in:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Entertainment and Events
  • Cruise ships
  • Leisure vessels / luxury yachts

These categories are designed to support tourism, technology, and high-value industries.

Other key residency and UAE visit visa update

  • Humanitarian residence permit: Issued for one year, with the possibility of renewal under defined conditions.
  • Residence for widows/divorcees without a sponsor: Eligible applicants may obtain residence in the UAE without a sponsor, renewable subject to conditions.
  • Business exploration visa: Requires financial solvency to establish a company, ownership of a share in an existing company outside the UAE, or evidence of professional practice.
  • Truck drivers’ visas: Single or multiple-entry options are available when sponsored by a licensed shipping or goods transport company; financial guarantees, fees, and health coverage apply.

Quick checklist for sponsors (residents)

  1. Confirm your salary band matches the person you plan to sponsor (family degree or friend).
  2. Prepare relationship proof (for family cases).
  3. Verify visitor documents: 6-month passport validity and return ticket.
  4. Check duration/extension rules for the chosen visa type before you apply.
  5. Ensure health insurance/coverage if required by the visa category.

Why UAE visit visa update matters for the Nepali community in the UAE

Clear income bands make family visits easier to plan and budget, while new categories open doors for Nepali talent in AI, events, tourism and maritime sectors. If you’re inviting parents, siblings, or cousins, match your salary to the correct kinship degree, ready your documents, and apply early—especially during peak travel periods.


Editor’s note (Nepalese in UAE): Regulations are updated periodically. Before booking travel, confirm the latest requirements through official UAE government channels or authorized service centers (e.g., Amer/Tasheel). This article is a service to our community and does not replace official guidance.

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