The United Arab Emirates has disclosed that foreign residents must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (approximately N1,475,064.9) to sponsor first-degree relatives on a visit visa. The requirement doubles to AED 8,000 (about N2,950,129.82) for second- and third-degree relatives, according to the UAE government's official website.
Income Thresholds for Different Relative Categories
The UAE government has outlined specific salary benchmarks that vary based on the sponsor's relationship to the visitor. For first-degree relatives—typically parents, children, and siblings—the required monthly income is set at AED 4,000. This amount is equivalent to over N1.4 million in Nigerian currency.
Sponsoring second- and third-degree relatives, which includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, requires a higher income threshold. In these cases, the resident sponsor must earn at least AED 8,000 per month, doubling the first-degree requirement.
Official Statement and Application Conditions
The UAE government spelled out the conditions directly on its official website, stating: "To apply for a visit visa for a friend or relative (resident sponsor): a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 is required for first-degree relatives, AED 8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives."
These income requirements are part of the UAE's broader framework for managing visit visa applications and ensuring that sponsors are financially capable of supporting their guests during their stay in the country.
Implications for Nigerian Residents
For Nigerians living and working in the UAE who wish to invite relatives back home for a visit, these salary thresholds represent a significant checkpoint. A resident hoping to bring in a parent, sibling, or child must demonstrate that their income meets the AED 4,000 floor, while those sponsoring cousins, aunts, uncles, or more distant relations must clear double that amount.
The distinction between first-degree and second- or third-degree relatives is central to how the rule applies. First-degree relatives typically include parents, children, and siblings, while second- and third-degree classifications extend to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, among others.
Related UAE Sponsorship Policies
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that the UAE had confirmed that foreign residents can sponsor their children for residency permits up to the age of 25. The UAE also stated that unmarried daughters can be sponsored regardless of age, while children with special needs can qualify for residency sponsorship regardless of their age.
