The United Arab Emirates has set minimum monthly salary thresholds for residents sponsoring visit visas for family or friends in 2026, with amounts varying by relationship. Sponsors must earn at least AED 4,000 monthly for first-degree relatives (parents, spouse, sons, daughters), AED 8,000 for second- or third-degree relatives (siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, cousins), and AED 15,000 for friends (non-relatives), according to the UAE government.
Salary Thresholds and Relationship Tiers
The UAE government outlined these specific salary requirements for residents seeking to sponsor a visit visa in 2026. The threshold is lowest for immediate family members and increases progressively for more distant relatives and non-relatives. This tiered structure reflects the UAE's policy of prioritizing family reunification while regulating the entry of non-relatives.
Residents sponsoring a first-degree relative—covering parents, spouses, sons, and daughters—must earn at least AED 4,000 per month. Sponsoring a second- or third-degree relative, such as a sibling, grandparent, grandchild, uncle, aunt, or cousin, requires a minimum monthly income of AED 8,000. The highest threshold applies to friends, defined as non-relatives, where the sponsor must earn at least AED 15,000 per month.
Additional Conditions for Sponsors
Beyond the salary requirement, the UAE authority says the host or head of family must hold an active sponsor file that allows them to apply for visa and residence services. Proof of the family relationship, corresponding to the degree of kinship, must also be submitted along with the application. These conditions ensure that sponsors are legally registered and that the relationship is verifiable.
According to the UAE government, these additional requirements apply to all sponsorship applications, regardless of the visitor's relationship to the sponsor. The active sponsor file is a prerequisite for accessing visa and residence services, and the proof of relationship must match the claimed degree of kinship.
Visa Duration and Extension Rules
Once issued, the entry permit is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and the visitor must enter the UAE within that window. The permit can be extended for a similar period where applicable. Depending on the option selected at the time of application, the visitor may stay in the UAE for 30, 60, or 90 days.
The authority may grant one or more extensions, but the total stay in the UAE must not exceed 120 days in all cases. This cap applies regardless of the initial visa duration or the number of extensions granted, ensuring that visitors do not overstay their permitted period.
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United Arab Emirates has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include nationals from six countries, with two others standing as the only African nations on the list. That expansion reflects the UAE's broader visa policy adjustments, which now include the 2026 sponsor salary requirements detailed above.
