Planning to have your parents, siblings or a close friend visit you in Dubai? A resident-sponsored visit visa is one of the simplest ways to bring your loved ones over, but before you start the application, there's one requirement that decides whether you qualify: your monthly salary.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) sets minimum income thresholds for sponsors, and the amount you need depends on who you're sponsoring.
For immediate family such as parents, a spouse or children, the minimum salary is AED 4,000 per month. Sponsoring extended relatives like siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts or cousins requires AED 8,000, while sponsoring a friend calls for AED 15,000.
On top of the salary rules, you'll need a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, attested relationship documents, and a full set of paperwork for your visitor, from passport copies to accommodation proof and a return ticket.
At Azora Property, we help residents navigate every step of the visit visa process, from checking eligibility to preparing documents and submitting the application through GDRFA Dubai's official channels.
In this guide, we break down the salary requirements, eligibility criteria, documents, fees and application process, so you know exactly what to expect before you apply.
Understanding the Dubai Visit Visa Sponsorship Process
Having family or friends visit you in Dubai is something many residents look forward to, but the sponsorship process can be more detailed than expected.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) sets clear minimum salary requirements for sponsors, and those thresholds change depending on who is being sponsored.
On top of that, relationship documents must be attested, income must be verified, and the visitor's file must include accommodation proof, a return ticket and, in many cases, health insurance.
A missing document or an incorrect visa category can delay the application or lead to a rejection.
Knowing the requirements in advance makes the process much smoother. Sponsors who confirm their eligibility, prepare the right documents and choose the correct visa category from the start are far less likely to face delays.
Here are the key points to keep in mind:
Salary bracket - the minimum income required depends on the sponsor's relationship with the visitor
Supporting documents - salary certificates, labour contracts, relationship proof and visitor documents all form part of the application
Official channels - applications are submitted through GDRFA Dubai's online platforms or authorised AMER centres
Fees and deposits - visa fees vary by duration, and a refundable security deposit applies
Whether it's parents coming for a long stay, siblings visiting for a holiday or a close friend joining for a few weeks, understanding these rules helps ensure the visitor's arrival goes as planned.
Benefits of a Dubai Visit Visa Sponsored by a Resident
A resident-sponsored visit visa gives guests a simple, official way to spend time with family or friends in Dubai. Instead of relying on tourist packages, the resident acts as the sponsor, which gives them more control over the visa duration and travel plans.
Flexible durations - visas are available for 30, 60 or 90 days depending on the length of the stay
Single or multiple entry options - suitable for visitors who may want to travel to nearby countries and return
Stay with family - visitors can stay at the sponsor's home, with a tenancy contract used as accommodation proof
Refundable security deposit - the AED 1,000 deposit is refundable in line with the visa conditions
Eligibility Criteria
Every sponsor must meet a few basic conditions set by GDRFA Dubai. Sponsors must hold a valid UAE residence visa, have a valid Emirates ID and be able to provide proof of income when requested.
Beyond these basics, the minimum monthly salary depends on the sponsor's relationship with the visitor. The closer the relationship, the lower the threshold.
Route 1: Sponsoring Family Members
First-degree relatives - minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month
This is the lowest salary requirement and applies to immediate family:
Spouse
Children
For parents, the minimum salary requirements starts from AED 10,000 per month.
Second- and third-degree relatives - minimum salary of AED 8,000 per month
For extended family, the threshold doubles. This category includes:
Siblings
Grandparents
Grandchildren
Uncles and aunts
Cousins
When sponsoring any family member, sponsors must provide documents that prove the relationship, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. These must be properly attested before submission.
Since attestation can take time, it's a good idea to start this step early.
Route 2: Sponsoring a Friend
Minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month
Residents who want to sponsor someone they are not related to must meet the highest salary threshold under the current GDRFA Dubai rules.
As there is no family relationship to prove, the application focuses on the sponsor's income and the visitor's travel and accommodation documents.
How Income is Verified
GDRFA Dubai accepts several types of documents to confirm a sponsor's salary:
A salary certificate from the employer
An attested labour contract
Partnership or company ownership documents for business owners
Self-employed residents and business owners may need to provide additional paperwork to prove their income.
How Does It Work?
The visit visa application process can be broken down into three main stages.
Understanding each one helps sponsors prepare properly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
The first step is confirming that the sponsor meets the requirements. This includes holding a valid residence visa and Emirates ID, and meeting the minimum salary for the relationship with the visitor.
At this stage, sponsors should also decide whether a single or multiple entry visa suits the visitor's plans, and which duration makes the most sense.
Step 2: Prepare the Documents
Next, all required documents need to be gathered. These typically include:
A copy of the visitor's passport
A recent passport-sized photograph of the visitor
Proof of income (salary certificate, labour contract or ownership documents)
Attested relationship documents for family members
Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or tenancy contract
A return flight ticket
Health insurance covering the visitor's stay, where applicable
Reviewing every document for accuracy and completeness before submission reduces the chance of delays or rejection.
Step 3: Submit the Application and Pay the Fees
Applications can be submitted through GDRFA Dubai's online platforms and smart application, available 24/7, or at authorised AMER centres during official working hours.
Single-entry visit visa fees currently start from:
AED 200 for 30 days
AED 300 for 60 days
AED 400 for 90 days
A refundable financial security deposit of AED 1,000 also applies.
Additional costs may include VAT, medical insurance and service charges. Once approved, the visa is issued and the visitor can travel to Dubai.
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FAQs
Who can sponsor a visit visa in Dubai?
Any UAE resident who holds a valid residence visa and Emirates ID can sponsor a visitor, as long as they meet the minimum monthly salary for their relationship with that person.
This is AED 4,000 for first-degree relatives, AED 8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives and AED 15,000 for friends.
Why is the salary requirement higher for extended family and friends?
GDRFA Dubai links the salary threshold to the closeness of the relationship. Immediate family members have the lowest requirement, while extended relatives and friends require a higher income.
This helps ensure the sponsor can comfortably support the visitor during their stay.
Where can I apply for a Dubai visit visa?
Applications can be submitted through GDRFA Dubai's online platforms and smart application, which are available 24/7, or in person at authorised AMER centres during official working hours.
Azora Property can manage the full submission on your behalf, so you don't need to visit a centre yourself.
When should I apply for the visit visa?
It's best to start the process well before your visitor's planned travel date.
Attesting relationship documents, arranging health insurance and confirming accommodation can take time, so applying early gives you room to fix any issues without changing travel plans.
What documents do I need to sponsor a visitor in Dubai?
You'll need proof of income, attested relationship documents if you are sponsoring a family member, a copy of the visitor's passport and a recent photograph, proof of accommodation, a return flight ticket and health insurance where applicable.
Our team will give you a tailored checklist based on your visitor and visa type.