Planning to invite your spouse, parents, children, relatives, or friends to Dubai? Before applying for a visit visa, it’s important to understand the minimum salary requirements set by Dubai’s immigration authorities.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) allows eligible UAE residents to sponsor family members and friends for short-term visits. However, the minimum salary required depends on the visitor’s relationship to the sponsor. Here’s everything you need to know about the Dubai family visit visa salary requirements, eligibility criteria, required documents, application process, and fees.
Who Can Sponsor a Dubai Family Visit Visa?
UAE residents with a valid residence visa can sponsor eligible visitors to Dubai, provided they meet the required salary threshold and other immigration requirements.
To qualify as a sponsor, you must:
- Hold a valid UAE residence visa.
- Have a valid Emirates ID.
- Meet the minimum salary requirement based on the visitor’s relationship to you.
- Provide proof of income if requested by GDRFA Dubai.
Read More: All You Need To Know About Saudi Arabia’s Multiple-Entry Visa: Eligibility, Cost & How To Apply?
Minimum Salary Requirements to Sponsor a Visit Visa
The salary requirement varies depending on whether you’re sponsoring immediate family, extended relatives, or friends.
Sponsoring First-Degree Relatives
If you’re inviting an immediate family member, you must earn at least AED 4,000 per month.
First-degree relatives include:
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children
This is the lowest salary threshold under the current GDRFA Dubai rules.
Sponsoring Extended Family Members
Residents sponsoring second- or third-degree relatives must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 8,000.
This includes:
- Brothers and sisters
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
- Uncles
- Aunts
- Cousins
Sponsoring a Friend
Residents wishing to sponsor a friend must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000.
Since there is no family relationship, this category has the highest income requirement.
What Types of Visit Visas Are Available?
Eligible residents can apply for:
- 30-day single-entry visit visa
- 60-day single-entry visit visa
- 90-day single-entry visit visa
- Multiple-entry visit visas (where applicable)
The appropriate visa depends on the visitor’s travel plans and intended length of stay.
Documents Required
For the Sponsor
Applicants should prepare:
- Valid Emirates ID
- UAE residence visa
- Passport copy
- Proof of income
Income may be verified through:
- Salary certificate
- Attested labour contract
- Company ownership or partnership documents (for business owners)
For the Visitor
The visitor may be required to provide:
- Passport copy
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Confirmed return ticket
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or tenancy contract
- Health insurance, where applicable
Proof of Family Relationship
When sponsoring relatives, applicants must also submit official documents proving the relationship, including:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
These documents may need to be legally attested before submission.
Dubai Visit Visa Fees
The current base government fees start from:
| Visa Type | Starting Fee |
| 30-day visit visa | AED 200 |
| 60-day visit visa | AED 300 |
| 90-day visit visa | AED 400 |
Applicants should also budget for:
- Refundable security deposit: AED 1,000
- VAT
- Medical insurance (if applicable)
- Service charges
The final amount may vary depending on the application channel and additional services selected.
How to Apply for a Dubai Family Visit Visa
Residents can submit their application through:
- GDRFA Dubai’s website
- GDRFA smart application
- Authorised AMER Centres across Dubai
Before applying, ensure all supporting documents are complete to help avoid processing delays.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Processing times vary depending on the application and document verification. In many cases, visit visa applications are processed within a few working days, provided all required information has been submitted correctly. Applicants should apply well in advance of their visitor’s planned travel date.
Common Reasons for Application Delays or Rejection
A visit visa application may be delayed or rejected if:
- The sponsor does not meet the minimum salary requirement.
- Required documents are incomplete or missing.
- Relationship documents have not been properly attested.
- Passport details contain errors.
- Immigration requirements are not met.
Checking all documents carefully before submission can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Read More: Dubai Residents Can Earn Over Dh3,000 in Travel Rewards by Inviting Family and Friends to Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sponsor my parents on a Dubai visit visa?
Yes. Parents are considered first-degree relatives, and the sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000 per month.
Can I sponsor my brother or sister?
Yes. Brothers and sisters fall under extended family members, requiring a minimum monthly salary of AED 8,000.
Can I sponsor a friend?
Yes, provided you earn at least AED 15,000 per month and meet GDRFA Dubai’s eligibility requirements.
Is a security deposit required?
Yes. A refundable security deposit of AED 1,000 may apply in addition to government fees and other charges.
Where can I submit my application?
Applications can be made through GDRFA Dubai’s digital platforms or authorised AMER Centres.
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring a family member or friend to visit Dubai is straightforward, provided you meet the relevant salary threshold and submit the required documentation.
Whether you’re inviting your parents for a family reunion, your spouse for a holiday, or a friend to experience Dubai’s attractions, understanding the salary requirements and application process beforehand can help ensure a smoother visa application. As immigration policies and visa fees may change, applicants should always check the latest requirements with GDRFA Dubai before applying.
